University of Scouting Co-Ed Venturing Presented by Kate VanLoke Advisor Crew 1001 Knights of Columbus Johnson City, NY

A New American Tradition Co-Ed Venturing A New American Tradition

A Conundrum Girls in Venturing are viewed as “bait” for the retention of older boys Having successfully baited the trap, it is our responsibility to provide safe, fun, and appropriate activities. It has been my experience that the girls will prove themselves capable Venturers and be respected by the boys. The following presentation will hopefully give you a sound knowledge of how this can be accomplished.

Co-Ed Venturing …is governed by BSA guidelines and policies (sweet 16, youth protection, age appropriate activities, etc). …has its own specific concerns which venturing leaders should be aware of. …is currently the fastest growing BSA program. ...is what young adults seem to want, and need. …can be fun and rewarding.

Concerns and Guidelines Sweet 16 – as covered in the previous class Youth Protection – Venturing has its own section to deal with some of the issues of this co-ed age group. Recommends each crew adopts a code of conduct. Activities are high adventure or specialty sports and, because of the age of participants, are much more broad ranging and have an increased degree of risk.

Venturing Youth Protection Besides the complete YP training, Venturing has special concerns Date Rape – also known as acquaintance rape More than half of reported rapes to police are from adolescent females Their greatest risk of assault is through social relationships. Fraternization Crew members may be close in age to crew advisors Close relationships between crew members and leaders is disruptive to program and is not permitted. Relationships between youth members will inevitably occur

Code of Conduct Write the Code with the youth in the crew. Don’t hand them a list of rules. Try to include: Respect and Consideration For each other For the leaders Of privacy Dating and PDA’s Appropriate Behavior and Language Safety – buddies; decisions; specific event rules, lights out times, agendas Consequences for not following the Code – be specific; detail steps of action to be taken / dismissal from the unit

Dealing with Dating Talk to couples about public displays of affection (should have been listed in the code of conduct) Remind all venturers of age appropriateness of behavior and conversation… …with other Venturing Crews …with younger scouts or mixed age groups Discuss with the parents how dating in the crew impacts the ability to fully enjoy crew program – one member may hold another back. Get the support of the youth officers and have the Crew President talk to the couple. Keep in mind that Trust is a big issue with teenagers – be careful in your approach. Comments from others (leaders, venturers, staff) must be dealt with openly Support your kids Listen to reasonable complaints Tolerate no “behind the back” comments

Why is Venturing Growing? Aggressive promotion Nation-wide Lots of unplowed ground (potential) Targeted Resources for New Unit Growth Tailor-made for teenagers Coed program No required uniform Extreme sports and outdoor activities

14 to 18 Year Old Boys Want: Challenging physical activities with boys their own age. Recognition of their “older” status. Activities with girls. Control of their environment. Independence. To explore and experience their world. A sense of belonging and acceptance from their peer group, inclusion in a “gang.”

Girls want … Opportunity to participate in high adventure activities (60 mile bike rides, backpacking, camping year round, etc) Opportunities for challenge, growth To test themselves along side male peers To have fun in a co-ed setting To have an alternative to traditional girl group programs (such as GSA) Control and Independence (Sheryl) Venturing is marketed as a coed program. And it works.. All over the country, Boy Scout leaders are surprised to discover that teenage girls and boys work very well together. One advisor in California puts it this way: (read testimonial)

Ages of Venturers Year 2000

Accommodating Co-Ed groups

Questions?