Venturing

Venturing's purpose is to provide experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Venture members are ready to explore the meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships and in their communities.

WHO CAN JOIN?

Venturing is the Boy Scouts of America's youth development program for young men and women 14 years of age (who have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years of age, and who subscribe to the Venturing Code.

METHODS

The methods of Venturing have been carefully chosen to meet the needs of young adults.

Voluntary association between youth and adults. Because Venturing is voluntary, youth are receptive to new ideas, experiences, and relationships. For the Venture member, these relationships provide care, a connection to new ways of thinking and acting, and a new identity as a responsible young adult.

Ethical decision making. By asking young people to be responsible for themselves, for a program of activities and experiences, and for other people, Venturing provides numerous opportunities for making decisions and ethical choices. With the influence of capable adults and structured activities, youth learn to make effective and ethical decisions.

Group activities. Venturing activities are interdependent group experiences in which success is dependent on the cooperation of all.

Recognition of achievement. This recognition might come through formal awards, but it also is achieved through the acknowledgment of a young person's competence and abilities by peers and adults.

Democratic process. Venturing crews provide exposure to democratic ideals and skills that are needed throughout life.

Curiosity, exploration, and adventure. This happens through new experiences that provide opportunities for acquiring new skills and participating in action-oriented activities.

PROGRAM

Venturing is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their communities. Local community organizations initiate a specific Venturing crew by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, grow, and develop.

The program of each Venturing crew is unique as it is developed around the interests and capabilities of adults in the organization.

GOALS

Young adults involved in Venturing should:

• Gain practical experience in a career, special interest, or skill.
• Engage in a program of activities centered on the six experience areas (career, leadership, service, social, fitness, and the outdoors) to encourage the development of the whole person
• Experience positive leadership from adult and youth leaders and be given opportunities to take on leadership roles
• Have a chance to learn and grow in a supportive, caring, and fun environment.

PROGRAM SUPPORT

The Boy Scouts of America has designed extensive literature, audiovisuals, training, activities, and awards to support Venturing posts.

Literature and audiovisuals. A variety of books, pamphlets, and videos are available on organization, program, leadership, and activities. In particular, the Venture Leader Handbook, No. 34637, supports leadership and planning.

Training. Chief Okemos Council provides basic and advanced leader training sessions along with post leader workshops, quarterly Advisor meetings, and program conferences to improve and enrich post programs.

Activities. Crews plan canoe races, sports tournaments, road rallies, ski trips, and other events for Ventures. Venturers may attend the national high-adventure areas in Minnesota, Florida, and New Mexico.

Awards. A variety of awards and scholarships are available to recognize Venturing achievements.

Liability insurance. The Boy Scouts of America has liability insurance that covers leaders and organizations to which Venture crews are chartered. Accident and medical coverage are available through Chief Okemos Council.

GETTING YOUR CREW UP AND RUNNING

Organizing Crews is easy for an organization to do if it follows the following steps.

• A survey is conducted annually in community high schools to determine student career and hobby interest.
• A meeting is called of key people within an organization, with an Venturing representative in attendance. This representative explains special-interest Venturing, describes the key volunteer positions, and plans the recruiting of adult leaders.
• The post committee and Advisors meet with the Venturing representative. Responsibilities of adult leaders are explained. The Venturing representative also discusses program ideas and helps develop a one-year program. The post's one-year program is reviewed and adopted.
• The organization's top executive writes a personal letter to each young adult selected from the survey, inviting the youths and their parents to attend an organization meeting. This letter is followed by a personal invitation from a member of the organization to each prospective Venture.
• The first meeting is held, involving young adults, the crew committee, and selected consultants. Application for the post charter is completed. Plans are made for the installation of elected youth officers and for presentation of the crew's charter.

Interested in Joining?  Call us at 517.321.9400 for more information!