Venturer's are put into "crews." Crews revolve around a special avocation, hobby or interest that the crew has in common. It can be related to anything. For their success in the Ventures program, individuals earn awards such as Bronze, Gold, or Silver and/or the Venturing Leadership Award.
Venturing is open to young men and women who are 14 and have completed eighth grade through 20 years old. The program is based on a unique relationship between youth, adult leaders, and organizations in the community. These local organizations help establish a Venturing crew by matching the interests of youth in the community. As with every boy scout program, leadership skills and the ability to become good citizens are the primary focus.
Venturing programs are developed around six areas of interest:
CITIZENSHIP
*To develop a better understanding of America's social, economic, and government systems *To encourage pride in our heritage
LEADERSHIP
*To develop leadership skills *To prepare to give leadership and fulfill our responsibilities to American society and to the world's people
FITNESS
*To improve mental, emotional, and physical fitness *To develop decision-making skills *To instill personal values firmly grounded on religious concepts *To develop skills in dealing with people and encourage community and family responsibility
OUTDOOR
*To develop self-reliance based on courage, initative, and resourcefulness *To develop a sense of wise use of resources
SERVICE
*To encourage the desire to help others *To gain respect for the rights of others
The goals of venturing are very similar to those of Boy and Girl Scouting. We want our youth to experience fun and challenge while in a safe environment. We want them to acquire skills in a variety of areas in life such as sports, arts and crafts, youth minitery or something that is strictly an Venturer event, Sea Scouting. We want them to have positive role models from adult and youth leaders and allow them to take on leadership roles.
The methods needed to attain these goals have been carefully chosen to fulfill these goals:
*Voluntary association between youth and adults *Ethical decision-making *Group activities *Recognition of achievement *Democratic process *Curiosity, exploration, and adventure
Each of these is designed to help mold and round out the character of the youth. In the end it is hoped that a mature, confident, responsible youth will emerge.
ETHICS IN ACTION
An important goal in Venturing is "ethical controversies." These controversies allow youth to develop the ability to make responsible choices that takes into account the risks and outcomes involved in their choices. It is in other words, a "problem-solving" situation. The adult leaders are there as guides with suggestions and ideas as the youth solves the problem placed before him/her.
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