Venturing is a youth development program of the
Boy Scouts
of America for young men and women who are 14 (and have
completed the eighth grade) through 20 years of age.
Venturing's purpose is to provide positive experiences to help
young people mature and to prepare them to become
responsible and caring adults.
Venturing is based on a unique and dynamic relationship
between youth, adult leaders, and organizations in their
communities. 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 crews can specialize in a variety of avocation or hobby interests.
Venturing programs are developed around six experience areas of
emphasis:
Citizenship
Developing a better understanding of America's
social, economic, and governmental systems
Encouraging a pride in our American heritage
Leadership
Developing leadership skills
Preparing to give leadership and fulfill our
responsibilities to American society and to the
people of the world
Fitness
Improving mental, emotional, and physical fitness
and an appreciation for sports
Developing ethical decision-making skills
Social
Instilling stable personal values firmly based on
religious concepts
Developing skill in dealing with all people and
encouraging a sense of family and community responsibility
Outdoor
Developing a degree of self-reliance based on
courage, initiative, and resourcefulness
Understanding and appreciating the wise use of
resources and the protection of our environment
Service
Encouraging the skill and desire to help others
Gaining a keen respect for the basic rights of
others
Goals
Young adults involved in Venturing will:
Learn to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling the
values in the Venturing Oath and Code.
Experience a program that is fun and full of challenge and adventure.
Become a skilled training and program resource for Cub Scouts, Boy
Scouts, and other groups.
Acquire skills in the areas of high adventure, sports, arts and hobbies,
youth ministries, or Sea Scouting.
Experience positive leadership from adult and youth leaders and be
given opportunities to take on leadership roles.
Have a chance to learn and grow in a supportive, caring, and fun
environment.
Methods
The methods of Venturing have been carefully chosen to meet the needs
of young adults.
Voluntary association between youth and adults. Because
Venturing is voluntary, youth are receptive to new ideas, experiences,
and relationships. For the youth members, these relationships provide
a connection to new ways of thinking and acting, and a new identity
as a responsible young adult.
Ethical decision-making. By asking young people to be
responsible
for themselves, for a program of positive activities and experiences,
and for other people, Venturing provides numerous opportunities for
making decisions and ethical choices. With the influence of positive
adult role models and structured activities, youth learn to make
effective and ethical decisions.
Group activities. Venturing activities are interdependent
group
experiences in which success is dependent on the cooperation of all
youth and adults.
Recognition of achievement. Recognition might come through
the
achievement of one of the many awards available to youth members,
but peers and adults also achieve it through the acknowledgement of
a young person's competence and abilities.
Democratic process. Venturing crews provide exposure to
democratic ideas and skills that are needed throughout life.
Curiosity, exploration, and adventure. New experiences and
Venturing activities provide an excellent opportunity for acquiring new
skills and participating in action-oriented activities.
Ethics in Action
An important goal of Venturing is to help young adults be responsible and
caring persons, both now and in the future. Venturing uses "ethical
controversies" to help young adults develop the ability to make responsible
choices that reflect their concern for what is a risk and how it will affect
others involved. Because an ethical controversy is a problem-solving
situation, leaders expect young adults to employ empathy, invention, and
selection when they think through their position and work toward a solution
of an ethical controversy.