Venturing is a program of the BSA for young men and women ages 14 (or 13 and graduated the eighth grade) through 20. It is one of the Boy Scouts’ three programs for older youth, which also include Sea Scouts and Exploring. The purpose of Venturing is to provide a positive environment where youth members, called Venturers, can lead the adventure, take on new leadership roles, and mature into responsible adults.
In addition to the Scout Oath and Law, Venturers also subscribe to the Venturing Motto and the ALPS Model. Venturing Motto: “Lead the Adventure” ALPS Model: Adventure, Leadership, Personal Growth, Service
Venturing Crew 1908 is run simultaneously with Ship 1908’s program. It provides our Sea Scouts with the opportunity to participate in the Venturing Advancement program as well as high adventure on land.
Eligibility
Any Venturer who has achieved the First Class rank as a Scout in a troop (or did so as a Varsity Scout in a team) may continue advancement toward Star, Life and Eagle Scout ranks, and Eagle Palms, up to his or her 18th birthday. Venturers must meet the requirements as prescribed in the official Scouts BSA Handbooks and on Scouting.org. As the Venturer meets requirements for the Star and Life ranks, a Board of Review is be conducted by the crew committee. The Eagle Board of Review follows the procedures for advancement established by the local council.
Rank Advancement
The core Venturing program includes advancement opportunities for youth featuring four different ranks: Venturing, Discovery, Pathfinder, and Summit. These ranks must be earned in order. The Venturing Summit Rank is comparable to the ranks of Eagle Scout and Quartermaster
- Venturing Rank – The Venturer makes a commitment to join the crew and move forward into the experience of Venturing.
- Discovery Rank – The Venturer must participate in adventures, take CPR and first aid training, complete the Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews and the Goal-Setting and Time Management, and Crew Officers’ Orientation. They must also set and achieve a personal goal and participate in service activities.
- Pathfinder Rank – The Venturer must participate in and lead adventures, take the Project Management training, and give leadership to advanced adventures. They must also serve as a leader in the crew, serve on a VOA, or serve on staff for leadership training. Additionally, they must set and achieve another personal goals, lead a crew recruitment project, and participate in service activities.
- Summit Rank – The Venturer must participate in and lead adventures, complete the Mentoring training, mentor another youth in leading an activity, serve as a leader in the crew, serve on a VOA, or serve on staff for a leadership training. They must also complete a personal reflection, create a personal code of conduct, lead an ethical controversy and conflict resolution scenario, and plan and conduct a service project similar to that required for the rank of Quartermaster.
Specialty Awards
In addition to Venturing’s core ranks, Venturers may also earn awards that demonstrate their unique skill sets.
- Ranger Award – The Ranger Award recognizes youth for high-level outdoors and high-adventure skills like first aid, conservation, and various electives.
- Quest Award – The Quest Award recognizes youth who take control of their personal health by managing their diet and exercise.
- TRUST Award – The TRUST Award recognizes youth who learn to trust those around them by more closely connecting themselves with their religion, culture, community, and themself.
- Supernova Award – The Supernova award recognizes youth who work alongside an adult mentor to better understand the world of STEM and take on unique STEM-related projects.
- Shooting Sports Outstanding Achievement Award – This award recognizes youth who take their shooting skills to the next level by becoming proficient in five of the seven shooting sports sections: air pistol, air rifle, archery, muzzle-loading rifle, shotgun, pistol, or small bore rifle.