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Venturing 101Venturing 101Venturing 101Venturing 101

You must think outside the box…You must think outside the box…

• Take off your Boy Scout hat• Erase from your mind “tradition”• Don’t be obsessed with advancement• Be flexible• Empower your youth• Remove roadblocks, don’t create them

• Take off your Boy Scout hat• Erase from your mind “tradition”• Don’t be obsessed with advancement• Be flexible• Empower your youth• Remove roadblocks, don’t create them

Venturing – LDS Philmont TrainingVenturing – LDS Philmont Training

• Venturing is the activity arm of priesthood for the 16-18 year old boys. (Priest Quorum)

• All Wards should have a registered and active Venturing program

• Venturing was developed with help from the Church. It is designed to meet the needs of our Priest age young men.

• Venturing provides excellent high adventure and leadership opportunities if the program is being run and functional.

• Venturing is the activity arm of priesthood for the 16-18 year old boys. (Priest Quorum)

• All Wards should have a registered and active Venturing program

• Venturing was developed with help from the Church. It is designed to meet the needs of our Priest age young men.

• Venturing provides excellent high adventure and leadership opportunities if the program is being run and functional.

Venturing – LDS Philmont Trainingcontinued

Venturing – LDS Philmont Trainingcontinued

• Venturing works together very well with the Duty to God Program. The bronze and gold awards tie right into Duty to God

• While we do not run co-ed Venturing, Venturers are allowed to participate in Council/District events where other crews are co-ed.

• Our biggest problems in Venturing are the lack of trained leaders (adults & youth) and youth who have lost all desire for any type of Scouting, mostly due to no functioning Varsity program (again we start losing our youth at age 14)

• Venturing works together very well with the Duty to God Program. The bronze and gold awards tie right into Duty to God

• While we do not run co-ed Venturing, Venturers are allowed to participate in Council/District events where other crews are co-ed.

• Our biggest problems in Venturing are the lack of trained leaders (adults & youth) and youth who have lost all desire for any type of Scouting, mostly due to no functioning Varsity program (again we start losing our youth at age 14)

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President Thomas S. Monson

The Aaronic Priesthood prepares boys for The Aaronic Priesthood prepares boys for manhood and the weightier duties of the manhood and the weightier duties of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Scouting helps Melchizedek Priesthood. Scouting helps our boys to walk uprightly the priesthood our boys to walk uprightly the priesthood path to exaltation. . . . path to exaltation. . . .

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BSA Mission Statement

The mission of the Boy Scouts of The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to America is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.values of the Scout Oath and Law.

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What is Venturing?What is Venturing?

Venturing is a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women who are at least 14 years old (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years of age.

Local community organizations establish a Venturing Crew by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of exciting and meaningful activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, to grow, to develop leadership skills, and to become good citizens.

Venturing is a youth development program of the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women who are at least 14 years old (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years of age.

Local community organizations establish a Venturing Crew by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of exciting and meaningful activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, to grow, to develop leadership skills, and to become good citizens.

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The Venturing OathThe Venturing Oath

As a Venturer, I promise to do my duty to Godand help strengthen America,to help others, andto seek truth, fairness, and adventurein our world.

As a Venturer, I promise to do my duty to Godand help strengthen America,to help others, andto seek truth, fairness, and adventurein our world.

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Venturing CodeVenturing CodeVenturing CodeVenturing Code

As a Venturer, I believe that America’s strength lies in our trust in As a Venturer, I believe that America’s strength lies in our trust in God and in the courage, strength, and traditions of our people.God and in the courage, strength, and traditions of our people.

I will, therefore, be faithful in my religious duties and will maintain a I will, therefore, be faithful in my religious duties and will maintain a personal sense of honor in my own life.personal sense of honor in my own life.

I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve and enrich it.and enrich it.

I will recognize the dignity and worth of all humanity and will use fair I will recognize the dignity and worth of all humanity and will use fair play and goodwill in my daily life.play and goodwill in my daily life.

I will acquire the Venturing attitude that seeks the truth in all things I will acquire the Venturing attitude that seeks the truth in all things and adventure on the frontiers of our changing world.and adventure on the frontiers of our changing world.

As a Venturer, I believe that America’s strength lies in our trust in As a Venturer, I believe that America’s strength lies in our trust in God and in the courage, strength, and traditions of our people.God and in the courage, strength, and traditions of our people.

I will, therefore, be faithful in my religious duties and will maintain a I will, therefore, be faithful in my religious duties and will maintain a personal sense of honor in my own life.personal sense of honor in my own life.

I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve and enrich it.and enrich it.

I will recognize the dignity and worth of all humanity and will use fair I will recognize the dignity and worth of all humanity and will use fair play and goodwill in my daily life.play and goodwill in my daily life.

I will acquire the Venturing attitude that seeks the truth in all things I will acquire the Venturing attitude that seeks the truth in all things and adventure on the frontiers of our changing world.and adventure on the frontiers of our changing world.

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Venturing UniformVenturing UniformVenturing UniformVenturing Uniform

• No universal official uniformNo universal official uniform• RecommendedRecommended BSA Venturing uniform BSA Venturing uniform

• Spruce green shirtSpruce green shirt• Green tabsGreen tabs• Gray shorts or casual pantsGray shorts or casual pants

• No universal official uniformNo universal official uniform• RecommendedRecommended BSA Venturing uniform BSA Venturing uniform

• Spruce green shirtSpruce green shirt• Green tabsGreen tabs• Gray shorts or casual pantsGray shorts or casual pants

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Venturing’s Unique PlaceVenturing’s Unique PlaceVenturing’s Unique PlaceVenturing’s Unique Place

Venturing Venturing Venture Venture ScoutScout VarsityVarsityCrew Crew Patrol Patrol Troop Troop TeamTeamStand-aloneStand-alone Optional Optional Stand-alone Stand-alone Stand-aloneStand-alone14-20 (coed) 14-20 (coed) 13-17 13-17 11-17 11-17 14-1714-17Venturing Venturing Boy Scout Oath, Law, Motto, SloganBoy Scout Oath, Law, Motto, SloganOath & CodeOath & CodePresident,VPPresident,VP Venture PL Venture PL SPL, ASPL, SPL, ASPL, Captain,Captain,Secy,Treas,Secy,Treas, VentureAPL VentureAPL PL, APL, ScrPL, APL, Scr Squad leader,Squad leader,Activity Chairs Activity Chairs Instr., QM. Instr., QM. Prog managerProg managerBronze,Gold,Bronze,Gold, Eagle, Life, Star,Eagle, Life, Star, Silver,Ranger, Silver,Ranger, 1st, 2nd, Tenderfoot, Scout 1st, 2nd, Tenderfoot, Scout +Letter+Letter

Venturing Venturing Venture Venture ScoutScout VarsityVarsityCrew Crew Patrol Patrol Troop Troop TeamTeamStand-aloneStand-alone Optional Optional Stand-alone Stand-alone Stand-aloneStand-alone14-20 (coed) 14-20 (coed) 13-17 13-17 11-17 11-17 14-1714-17Venturing Venturing Boy Scout Oath, Law, Motto, SloganBoy Scout Oath, Law, Motto, SloganOath & CodeOath & CodePresident,VPPresident,VP Venture PL Venture PL SPL, ASPL, SPL, ASPL, Captain,Captain,Secy,Treas,Secy,Treas, VentureAPL VentureAPL PL, APL, ScrPL, APL, Scr Squad leader,Squad leader,Activity Chairs Activity Chairs Instr., QM. Instr., QM. Prog managerProg managerBronze,Gold,Bronze,Gold, Eagle, Life, Star,Eagle, Life, Star, Silver,Ranger, Silver,Ranger, 1st, 2nd, Tenderfoot, Scout 1st, 2nd, Tenderfoot, Scout +Letter+Letter

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Venturing CrewVenturing CrewVenturing CrewVenturing Crew

• Youth led organizationYouth led organization• Based on program inventoryBased on program inventory

• RecruitsRecruits• Elects officerElects officer• Plans programsPlans programs

• Adult Advisors provide training and guidance for Adult Advisors provide training and guidance for crew’s elected officerscrew’s elected officers

• Youth led organizationYouth led organization• Based on program inventoryBased on program inventory

• RecruitsRecruits• Elects officerElects officer• Plans programsPlans programs

• Adult Advisors provide training and guidance for Adult Advisors provide training and guidance for crew’s elected officerscrew’s elected officers

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Venturing MethodsVenturing Methods

• Adult association

• Leadership

• Recognition

• Ideals

• Group activities

• High adventure

• Teaching others

• Adult association

• Leadership

• Recognition

• Ideals

• Group activities

• High adventure

• Teaching others

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Nationwide InterestsNationwide InterestsNationwide InterestsNationwide Interests

• 85% outdoor oriented85% outdoor oriented• 11% sports and hobbies focus11% sports and hobbies focus• In the Cascade Pacific Council over 60% of the In the Cascade Pacific Council over 60% of the

Venturing crews are LDSVenturing crews are LDS

• 85% outdoor oriented85% outdoor oriented• 11% sports and hobbies focus11% sports and hobbies focus• In the Cascade Pacific Council over 60% of the In the Cascade Pacific Council over 60% of the

Venturing crews are LDSVenturing crews are LDS

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The Advisor / Your Job

The Advisor’s responsibilities include:The Advisor’s responsibilities include:

• Fostering a sense of community within the crew• Fostering a sense of community within the crew

• Helping youth lead, plan, make decisions, and carry out a long term program of activities• Helping youth lead, plan, make decisions, and carry out a long term program of activities

• Encourage participation and support for your crew• Encourage participation and support for your crew• Uphold standards and policies of sponsoring organization and the Boy Scouts of America• Uphold standards and policies of sponsoring organization and the Boy Scouts of America

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The Advisor The Advisor

• Protect young people in your Venturing crew from abuse or neglect and uphold the standards of the BSA Youth Protection emphasis

• Protect young people in your Venturing crew from abuse or neglect and uphold the standards of the BSA Youth Protection emphasis

• Ensure the activities are conducted within safety guidelines and requirements• Ensure the activities are conducted within safety guidelines and requirements

• Cultivate the Venturing spirit within your crew — have fun• Cultivate the Venturing spirit within your crew — have fun

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Leadership Styles Leadership Styles for Advisorsfor Advisors

Leadership Styles Leadership Styles for Advisorsfor Advisors

• Be a mentorBe a mentor• Be a coachBe a coach• Walk your talkWalk your talk• Be understanding of the teenage years and their search Be understanding of the teenage years and their search

for autonomyfor autonomy• Be able to relateBe able to relate• Show mutual respect as a team memberShow mutual respect as a team member• Develop and demonstrate conflict management skillsDevelop and demonstrate conflict management skills

• Be a mentorBe a mentor• Be a coachBe a coach• Walk your talkWalk your talk• Be understanding of the teenage years and their search Be understanding of the teenage years and their search

for autonomyfor autonomy• Be able to relateBe able to relate• Show mutual respect as a team memberShow mutual respect as a team member• Develop and demonstrate conflict management skillsDevelop and demonstrate conflict management skills

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You might think that Venturing is specialty information, learning leadership skills, a community service, or a good social experience. Venturing is all of these things and more, but the primary purpose is

“forming responsible and caring adults”. --- In the Church this also means responsible Priesthood Holders & Missionaries

You might think that Venturing is specialty information, learning leadership skills, a community service, or a good social experience. Venturing is all of these things and more, but the primary purpose is

“forming responsible and caring adults”. --- In the Church this also means responsible Priesthood Holders & Missionaries

What is the purpose of Venturing?What is the purpose of Venturing?

16 to 18 year old young men need:16 to 18 year old young men need:

• Positive Melchizedek Priesthood Role Models• Consistent leaders that “walk their talk”• Tenured leaders- (average tenure is 7 months)• Leadership opportunities and training• Well planned, but flexible activities with other young men

and young women• Life skills training and spiritual experiences outside the

classroom• Opportunities to become proficient at something, it

builds self-esteem

• Positive Melchizedek Priesthood Role Models• Consistent leaders that “walk their talk”• Tenured leaders- (average tenure is 7 months)• Leadership opportunities and training• Well planned, but flexible activities with other young men

and young women• Life skills training and spiritual experiences outside the

classroom• Opportunities to become proficient at something, it

builds self-esteem

16 to 18 year old young men want:16 to 18 year old young men want:

• Challenging physical activities with young men their own age

• Recognition of their “older” status• Activities with young women• Independence• To explore and experience their world• A sense of belonging and acceptance from their

peer group

• Challenging physical activities with young men their own age

• Recognition of their “older” status• Activities with young women• Independence• To explore and experience their world• A sense of belonging and acceptance from their

peer group

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Guide to Safe ScoutingGuide to Safe ScoutingGuide to Safe ScoutingGuide to Safe Scouting

• Leadership requirements Leadership requirements for trips and outingsfor trips and outings

• Safe Swim DefenseSafe Swim Defense• Safety AfloatSafety Afloat• ScubaScuba• CampingCamping• Guns and firearmsGuns and firearms

• Leadership requirements Leadership requirements for trips and outingsfor trips and outings

• Safe Swim DefenseSafe Swim Defense• Safety AfloatSafety Afloat• ScubaScuba• CampingCamping• Guns and firearmsGuns and firearms

• Cave exploringCave exploring• Climbing & rappellingClimbing & rappelling• Unauthorized and Unauthorized and

restricted activitiesrestricted activities• Medical informationMedical information• TransportationTransportation• Tour permitsTour permits

• Cave exploringCave exploring• Climbing & rappellingClimbing & rappelling• Unauthorized and Unauthorized and

restricted activitiesrestricted activities• Medical informationMedical information• TransportationTransportation• Tour permitsTour permits

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LeadershipLeadershipandand

OrganizationOrganization

LeadershipLeadershipandand

OrganizationOrganization

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Crew Committee

Advisor

AssociateAdvisor

Administration

AssociateAdvisor Program

Sponsoring Organization

Consultants

President

Vice President Administration

Vice President Program

Treasurer Treasurer

CommitteeChair

Secretary

ActivityChairs

Venturing Crew Organization

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Elected Crew OfficersElected Crew Officers

• President • President

• Vice Presidents • Vice Presidents

• Secretary• Secretary

• Treasurer• Treasurer

• Activity Chairs (appointed)• Activity Chairs (appointed)

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Adults & the Venturing CrewAdults & the Venturing Crew

The elected Venturer officers work hand-in-hand withthe adult Advisors and committee members.

Activity chairs work with adult consultants (fromcrew committee, parents or other qualified adults)

Cooperation and teamwork between adults and young adults are essential to the success of Venturing

The elected Venturer officers work hand-in-hand withthe adult Advisors and committee members.

Activity chairs work with adult consultants (fromcrew committee, parents or other qualified adults)

Cooperation and teamwork between adults and young adults are essential to the success of Venturing

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ConsultantsConsultantsConsultantsConsultants

• Play a key role in VenturingPlay a key role in Venturing• Advisors should seek them outAdvisors should seek them out• Have special skills or resourcesHave special skills or resources• Should be registeredShould be registered• No one-on-one involvementNo one-on-one involvement

• Play a key role in VenturingPlay a key role in Venturing• Advisors should seek them outAdvisors should seek them out• Have special skills or resourcesHave special skills or resources• Should be registeredShould be registered• No one-on-one involvementNo one-on-one involvement

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Officer’s BriefingOfficer’s BriefingOfficer’s BriefingOfficer’s Briefing

• Done quickly, get officers startedDone quickly, get officers started• Advisor and new president brief new officers on Advisor and new president brief new officers on

current programcurrent program• Explain Program Capability Inventory and Activity Explain Program Capability Inventory and Activity

Interest SurveyInterest Survey• Schedule PCI, AIS, and Planning SeminarSchedule PCI, AIS, and Planning Seminar• Explain officers’ responsibilityExplain officers’ responsibility• Provide Advisor’s expectationsProvide Advisor’s expectations

• Done quickly, get officers startedDone quickly, get officers started• Advisor and new president brief new officers on Advisor and new president brief new officers on

current programcurrent program• Explain Program Capability Inventory and Activity Explain Program Capability Inventory and Activity

Interest SurveyInterest Survey• Schedule PCI, AIS, and Planning SeminarSchedule PCI, AIS, and Planning Seminar• Explain officers’ responsibilityExplain officers’ responsibility• Provide Advisor’s expectationsProvide Advisor’s expectations

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AwardsAwards

andand

RecognitionsRecognitions

AwardsAwards

andand

RecognitionsRecognitions

Recognition MapRecognition MapRecognition MapRecognition Map

PreviousBoy Scout orVarsity Scout

JOINVenturing

Outdoor Religious Arts and Sports Sea Outdoor Religious Arts and Sports Sea Bronze Life Hobbies Bronze ScoutBronze Life Hobbies Bronze Scout Bronze BronzeBronze Bronze Bronze Bronze

RangerRanger GoldGoldAward Award Award Award

Silver Silver Quarter-Award Award master Award

QuestQuestAwardAward

Not on the slide is the “Trust Award”

Trust Award

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Eagle ScoutEagle ScoutEagle ScoutEagle Scout

• Eligibility Eligibility • First Class ScoutFirst Class Scout• Earned as a Boy Scout or Varsity ScoutEarned as a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout

• Requirements remain the sameRequirements remain the same• Leadership position in the crewLeadership position in the crew

• Eligibility Eligibility • First Class ScoutFirst Class Scout• Earned as a Boy Scout or Varsity ScoutEarned as a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout

• Requirements remain the sameRequirements remain the same• Leadership position in the crewLeadership position in the crew

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Making it WorkMaking it WorkMaking it WorkMaking it Work

ResourcesResourcesandand

ProgramProgramPlanningPlanning

ResourcesResourcesandand

ProgramProgramPlanningPlanning

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PLAN!PLAN!PLAN!PLAN!

If you fail to plan,If you fail to plan,

you plan to fail.you plan to fail.

If you fail to plan,If you fail to plan,

you plan to fail.you plan to fail.

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Crew’s Program Planning Process

• Program Capability Inventory• Venturing Activity Interest Survey• Brainstorm• Match Venturing activity interests with resources• Fill in the gaps• Schedule the activities• Select Venturing chairpersons and adult consultants• Follow-up is vital! Assume nothing!

• Program Capability Inventory• Venturing Activity Interest Survey• Brainstorm• Match Venturing activity interests with resources• Fill in the gaps• Schedule the activities• Select Venturing chairpersons and adult consultants• Follow-up is vital! Assume nothing!

LET THE YOUTH LEADLET THE YOUTH LEAD

• The largest disservice we do to our Venturing (Priest age) youth is NOT LETTING THEM LEAD!

• Adult shadow leadership• Hold periodic planning sessions to fine tune the annual

plan• Always have a three month calendar• Hold regular presidency meetings• Train the youth about leadership• Meet in advance with the Crew President• Ranger and Silver Awards require a Venturer to share

what he’s learned with others

• The largest disservice we do to our Venturing (Priest age) youth is NOT LETTING THEM LEAD!

• Adult shadow leadership• Hold periodic planning sessions to fine tune the annual

plan• Always have a three month calendar• Hold regular presidency meetings• Train the youth about leadership• Meet in advance with the Crew President• Ranger and Silver Awards require a Venturer to share

what he’s learned with others

Most Frequent ExcusesMost Frequent Excuses

• “My boys aren’t interested in Scouting”• When you describe Venturing, they will quickly see that this is

not “Scouting” as they view it• “Not enough boys in the Priests Quorum”

• Recruit non-members, if it is fun, they will come• Combine occasional activities with the Varsity Team

• “The budget guidelines prohibit us from doing all these fun things”• Plan ahead- get $$ budgeted for Venturing in advance• Use community resources for little or no cost activities• Raise $$ for the annual camp/High Adventure, just like the

Deacons. The annual High Adventure can include scuba, mountain biking, COPE, horses, shooting sports, etc.

• “My boys aren’t interested in Scouting”• When you describe Venturing, they will quickly see that this is

not “Scouting” as they view it• “Not enough boys in the Priests Quorum”

• Recruit non-members, if it is fun, they will come• Combine occasional activities with the Varsity Team

• “The budget guidelines prohibit us from doing all these fun things”• Plan ahead- get $$ budgeted for Venturing in advance• Use community resources for little or no cost activities• Raise $$ for the annual camp/High Adventure, just like the

Deacons. The annual High Adventure can include scuba, mountain biking, COPE, horses, shooting sports, etc.

If we could read the thoughts of a 17 year old young man…

If we could read the thoughts of a 17 year old young man…

• Scouting is…merit badges• Scouting is…Dad & Mom bugging me about

getting Eagle… and I can’t drive• Scouting is…wearing the uniform in my closet• I have my Eagle…why is Brother Jones bugging

me about earning another award• No wonder most of our Priest-age young men

want little to do with “Scouting”

• Scouting is…merit badges• Scouting is…Dad & Mom bugging me about

getting Eagle… and I can’t drive• Scouting is…wearing the uniform in my closet• I have my Eagle…why is Brother Jones bugging

me about earning another award• No wonder most of our Priest-age young men

want little to do with “Scouting”

Pres. Dalquist Philmont DiscussionsPres. Dalquist Philmont Discussions

• This is a Boys program. We are to demonstrate Shadow leadership. How close is the shadow to the boy?

• Use BSA (Venturing) Youth Protection videos-policy letter of 2001 is still in force.

• Use Guide to Safe Scouting and Sweet 16 of BSA Safety.• LDS represents 50% of BSA fatalities, while we are 17%

of registered boys.• Accidents-result of lack of training, lack of tenure, and

lack of common sense.• Don’t allow your leaders to do stupid things. Be the

watchman!

• This is a Boys program. We are to demonstrate Shadow leadership. How close is the shadow to the boy?

• Use BSA (Venturing) Youth Protection videos-policy letter of 2001 is still in force.

• Use Guide to Safe Scouting and Sweet 16 of BSA Safety.• LDS represents 50% of BSA fatalities, while we are 17%

of registered boys.• Accidents-result of lack of training, lack of tenure, and

lack of common sense.• Don’t allow your leaders to do stupid things. Be the

watchman!

Little Philmont Wrap Up Little Philmont Wrap Up

• Venturing is not Scouting. Don’t Treat It As Such.• Learn The Venturing Program, Train Your Youth

Leaders, Then Let Them Run The Program• Let the YOUTH LEAD! Be a Real Advisor/Shadow

Leader. Don’t Stand in the Way of the Youth• Use the Venturer Handbook, Venturing Leader

Manual, Ranger Guidebook and Priest Duty to God Book Together

• Venturing is not Scouting. Don’t Treat It As Such.• Learn The Venturing Program, Train Your Youth

Leaders, Then Let Them Run The Program• Let the YOUTH LEAD! Be a Real Advisor/Shadow

Leader. Don’t Stand in the Way of the Youth• Use the Venturer Handbook, Venturing Leader

Manual, Ranger Guidebook and Priest Duty to God Book Together

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Presidesnt Thomas S Monson

"I commend you leaders of boys, "I commend you leaders of boys, for you demonstrate by your lives for you demonstrate by your lives that the greatest gift a man can that the greatest gift a man can give a boy is his 'willingness to give a boy is his 'willingness to share a part of his life with him."share a part of his life with him."

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Venturing 101Venturing 101Venturing 101Venturing 101Now it up to you to become fully trained and make this excellent Venturing program work in your

Ward. Your youth need and deserve this program