Venturing

Venturing is a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women ages 14 through 20, or 13 and have completed the eighth grade. The program provides positive experiences to help young people mature, develop leadership skills, and prepare to become responsible, caring adults.

Venturing is built on a dynamic partnership between youth, adult leaders, and local community organizations. Community organizations charter Venturing crews by aligning their resources and programs with the interests of youth in their area. This collaboration creates exciting, meaningful activities that allow young people to explore their passions, build leadership abilities, and become engaged citizens.

Goals Venturing aims to empower young adults to:

• Make ethical choices guided by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
• Experience fun, challenging adventures.
• Serve as skilled resources for Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, and other community groups.
• Gain proficiency in high adventure, sports, arts, hobbies, religious life, or Sea Scouting.
• Develop leadership abilities through both youth and adult mentorship.
• Thrive in a supportive, caring, and fun environment.

Methods Venturing uses the following techniques to achieve the Boy Scouts of America's aims of character development, citizenship, and personal fitness:

• Leadership: Venturers learn and apply leadership skills through elected crew officer positions and the Venturing Leadership Skills Course.
• Group Activities: Collaborative experiences promote teamwork, skill development, and camaraderie.
• Adult Association: Youth officers work closely with adult Advisors in a spirit of partnership, with adults serving as mentors.
• Recognition: Venturers earn advancement awards and receive recognition from their peers and mentors.
• Ideals: Venturers live by the Scout Oath and Scout Law, demonstrating faith, heritage, service, and fairness.
• High Adventure: Outdoor and high adventure activities foster team building, leadership, and lifelong memories.
• Teaching Others: Venturers reinforce their knowledge and skills by teaching others, boosting confidence and communication abilities.

Ethics in Action Venturing encourages young adults to be responsible, caring individuals through ethical decision-making. The program uses "ethical controversies" to engage youth in problem-solving situations, challenging them to apply empathy, creativity, and thoughtful decision-making to resolve conflicts.

Venturing Officers Association (VOA): The VOA provides leadership and direction to Venturing crews at the council level. It organizes events, promotes Venturing, and supports the program's growth.

• Council VOA President: Dennis Marchesi
• VOA Advisor: Doug Thornton
• Staff Adviser: Dan Rogers
• Vice President of Administration: Elise Chaffe
• Vice President of Program: VACANT
• Vice President of Communications: VACANT