Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Venture Crew?

Venturing is a youth program offered through the Boy Scouts of America for young men and women ages 14 to 20. As a Venturer, youth join other teenagers in planning and operating the Venture Crew with guidance from qualified adult Advisors.

What does the Crew do?

We dive! SCUBA diving and snorkeling. Our goal is to plan one scuba diving activity each month. The members of the Crew plan for equipment rentals, transportation arrangements, and fund raising to make the dives happen. Advisors help refine those plans and assist the Crew in carrying out their plans. We can do fund-raising to help cut the cost of diving.

Who can belong to the Crew?

This program is open to all youth from ages 14-20.

How does someone join the Crew?

A youth fills out an application and pays the annual fee described in the next answer.

What is this going to cost?

There is an annual fee of $24 which covers BSA membership and a limited accident insurance policy. New members also purchase a uniform T-shirt at a modest cost. After that, cost depends on activities that are planned. A beach dive may cost the price of a tank fill, lunch, and transportation. Boat dive costs are higher as there are boat fees in addition to the other costs of a dive trip. Fund raising activities can be arranged to help reduce these costs when the youth participate in the fund raising. Certification costs are additional.

Do participants have to be certified SCUBA divers?

Certification is not required and is not guaranteed for joining the Crew. The Crew plans SCUBA dives. Those not certified are welcome to come along and join with snorkeling activities. To SCUBA dive, one must be certified. Certification is a training program that includes classroom work, pool work, and open water activities. All these parts must be completed. Only certified SCUBA instructors can teach SCUBA diving. Some of the crew leaders are certified instructors.

How often does the group meet?

We meet the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 7:30 at Crossroads United Church of Christ located at 2436 Croton Rd, in Melbourne. Meetings last about one hour. We also meet to go diving!

Where does the group dive?

It depends upon the time of year. In the late spring, summer, and early fall, we do ocean dives in West Palm, Venice Beach, Ft. Pierce, Ft. Lauderdale, Lauderdale By The Sea, Key Largo, etc. In the late fall, winter, and early spring, we do Florida Spring dives at Devil's Den, Blue Grotto, Blue Springs, Ginnie Springs, Rainbow River, and Crystal River to name a few. We sometimes make the longer trips to dive in the Keys for 3-7 days. In recent years, we have even managed to dive for a week in Bonaire!

Where can I get more information?

Dave and Ann Speer are our Instructors and can be reached at (321) 259-9909 or 321-432-4086. Dave Kneessy is our Advisor and can be reached at 321-537-0608.

Who is the sponsor of the Crew?

Venture Crew 820, Inc. sponsors the Crew. They can be reached at: (321) 432-4086.