About Venturing
Where can I learn about Venturing?
The National Venturing Website has great links to help you learn or orient yourself to Venturing. First off, the mission and aims are the same across the programs. “Venturing is an inclusive program through the Boy Scouts of America for males and females aged 14-21 (or 13 and completed the 8th grade). It's operated through Venturing Crews, units of youth and advisors that meet on set schedules and plan activities and events for youth like you!”
We follow the mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
The methods of Venturing are (1) Leadership and Mentoring, (2) Group Activities and Adventure, (3) Recognition, (4) Adult Association, (5) Ideals, (6) Group Identity, and (7) Service.
Learn more about Venturing at http://www.venturing.org/learn-more.html
What is ALPS?
“Getting the most from your adventure is not always easy. To help you succeed, Venturing uses four areas of emphasis to help the crew plan and carry out its program. Venturing's areas of emphasis are the four pillars around which the crew will construct a fun and rewarding program. The Venturing acronym for the areas of emphasis is
A-L-P-S:
Adventure, Leadership, Personal Growth, and Service.
The Venturing ALPS model is a guide to getting the most out of your adventures as you prepare for your future, regardless of if that may be in college, the workforce, or elsewhere. Getting the most out of ALPS is essential for Crews to qualify for the unit-level JTE.
Learn more about ALPS at http://www.venturing.org/the-alps-model.html
Venturing Age Groups and the language of Venturing
“In order to be a good advocate for the Venturing program, it is essential to know the correct program terminology and organizational structure. This page details some of the specific terms and classifications used when discussing Venturing.
Venturers: Our name for the participants of the Venturing program.
Youth Participants: those who are age 14 (or 13 and graduated 8th grade) through the age of 17 are referred to as youth participants.
Adult Participants: those who are age 18 through 20 are considered adults (per youth protection guidelines), however, may still participate in the program through leadership positions, awards, etc.
Advisors: Our name for the adults in the Venturing Program
Adult Advisors: those who are 21 or older serve as advisors. They do not lead the unit, but instead, they guide and work with the youth leaders to help ensure success, safety, and personal growth for all members.
Learn more of the language of Venturing at http://www.venturing.org/venturing-terminology.html
Venturing Officers' Association, VOA
Since Venturing is a youth-led and adult-guided program, it is essential that our leadership structure above the unit is youth-inspired and youth-led. We believe that youth should organize program events, lead entertaining training, and provide forums to bring the crews, districts, councils, and areas together. A Venturing Officers' Association, or VOA, consists of a team of youth officers led by a Council Venturing President who are supported by their advisors. It provides leadership opportunities that prepare young people for their respective futures and gives them a voice to help strengthen the Venturing program. (more on the VOA)