One of the questions I have been asked most frequently since becoming involved with Venture Scouts three years ago, even from those involved with Scouting is, “What is Venturing?” The question tends to make me hesitate, how exactly do I go about describing what our Crew is? My go-to answer is that we are a Scouting unit that focuses more on outdoor activities and high adventure, but it really is so much more than that.

Most people, even those not involved with Scouts, recognize and are at least familiar with the programs of the Boy Scouts of America. They see the khaki uniform and probably think of knot-tying, camping, and earning merit badges. But when someone sees the dark green uniform shirt worn by Venture Scouts, even those involved with Scouts may not be familiar with the program. The Venturing Handbook describes Venturing as an “Adventure with a purpose” and I doubt I could come up with a better description myself. But what does that mean, “Adventure with a purpose”? Our goal as a Venturing Crew is to go out there and try new things, explore new places, and grow as individuals through adventure.

How do we go about that you might ask? The Venture Program is set up to help Scouts achieve this through leadership opportunities, giving back to the community, and personal growth. Unlike the Scouts BSA program, Venture Scouts don’t work on merit badges, but we do have a similar advancement program. Scouts earn a series of awards (the equivalent of ranks in other BSA programs), that have different participation, service hour, leadership, and training requirements. Each level invites the scout to participate in a personal reflection and set and achieve personal goals. The Venture Scouts also have the opportunity to help lead the Crew by running and serving in Crew Officer positions.

One of the main goals of the Venture Program is to give scouts the opportunity to develop leadership skills. Venturing is a youth-lead program. Each and every meeting and activity is planned by the scouts. Though the elected Crew leaders plan and run the meetings, every member of the Crew takes turns planning campouts and activities outside of our meetings.

Over the past three years, I have had the pleasure and the privilege of watching our youth grow and take on leadership roles that they normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to. Last summer one of our Crew members planned our road trip up to Colorado where we went to High Adventure camp at Camp Alexander. Not only did she plan the route we would take, but she planned our stops along the way, booked our hotel rooms, and came up with a budget for the drive. While we were there I was able to watch the girls encourage and push each other to try new things. I watched as they struggled up the side of the mountain at much higher altitudes than they were used to and make it to the top. They were able to climb up a rock face and overcome their fear of heights, raft down a river and experience the thrill of the rapids. They built new friendships and had new experiences they wouldn’t have been able to without the Venturing Program.

So to answer that commonly asked question, “What is Venturing?” I would say that the program is an opportunity for youth to learn and practice their leadership skills while pushing themselves to try new things, as well as, give back to the community through service along the way. That is what the Venturing Program is, Adventure with a purpose.

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Guest author:  Rachael Storms, joyful Woodbadge graduate, and Advisor for Crew 1779 of the Roadrunner District. Interested in finding out more about Venturing? Contact your District Executive or visit BeAScout.org to find one meeting near you.

We want to learn more about your stories of Adventures in Scouting! Send us your story and pictures at Scouting@AlamoAreaBSA.org.