Venturing is for young adults ages 14 to 20 who, along with adult leaders, are registered with the Boy Scouts of America.

The program matches the interests of young adults with adult expertise and resources of the chartered organization and other adults in the community.

The program is carried out through a Venturing crew. Its purpose is to provide experiences that will affect the positive development of youth at a critical stage in their lives and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults.

The crew is led by elected youth officers. Young adults join to gain insight through fun-filled programs and hands-on activities provided by the chartered organization. Adult committee member volunteers. youth member parents. and other consultants from the community.

Venturing crews can specialize in a variety of avocation or hobby interests. Venturing programs are developed around six experience areas of emphasis.

• Develop a better understanding of America's social, economic, and governmental systems.
• Encourage a pride in our American heritage.

• Develop leadership skills.
• Prepare for giving leadership and to fulfill responsibilities to American society and to the peoples of the world.

• Improve mental, emotional, and physical fitness and an appreciation for sports.
• Develop ethical decision-making skills.

• Instill stable personal values firmly based on religious concepts.
• Develop skill in dealing with all people and encourage a sense of family and community responsibility.

• Develop a degree of self-reliance based on courage, initiative, and resourcefulness.
• Understand and appreciate the wise use of resources and the protection of our environment.

• Encourage the skill and desire to help others.
• Gain a keen respect for the basic rights of others.

Program Goals

Venturing has four specific goals for Venturers:

1. To gain practical experience in a special interest, a skill, or leadership
2. Engage in a program of activities centered on the following areas: social, leadership, fitness, service, outdoor, and citizenship
3. To experience positive leadership from adults and youth and to have an opportunity to lead others
4. To learn and grow in a caring environment

Venturing Methods

• Leadership. All Venturers are given opportunities to learn and apply proven leadership skills. A Venturing crew is led by elected crew officers. The Venturing Leadership Skills Course is designed for all Venturers and helps teach in an active way to effectively lead.
• Group activities. Venturing activities are interdependent group experiences in which success depends on the cooperation of all. Learning by dome in a group setting provides opportunities for developing new skills.
• Adult association. The youth officers lead the crew. The officers and activity chairs work closely with Advisors and other adult leaders in a spirit of partnership. The adults serve in a shadow-leader capacity.
• Recognition. Recognition comes through the Venturing advancement program and through the acknowledgement of a youths competence and ability by peers and adults.
• The ideals. Venturers are expected to know and live by the Venturing Oath and Code. They promise to do their duty to God, help strengthen America. to help others, and to seek truth and fairness.
• High adventure. Venturing's emphasis on high adventure helps provide team-building opportunities. new meaningful experiences, practical leadership application. and lifelong memories to young adults.