1. Putting the “WOW” Into Your Unit’s Program
Presenter’s Name(s)

2. Why the “WOW”? Keeps youth in Scouting longer Your unit will grow
Youth will advance
Youth leaders will want to lead
Less burnout
It’s just more fun!
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

3. Basic Draws for Teenagers
Food: Attendance at meetings increased when food was provided
Friends: Most teenagers wouldn’t go to a meeting if their friends weren’t there
Fun: Meetings can be necessary, but sprucing them up with games and activities can make a big difference
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

4. Good Communication
If Venturers don’t know about an activity, they won’t come
Promotion is key
Contact inactive members
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

5. Exciting Program Make it different and exciting
Each year, sit down and plan the upcoming year
Annual Program Plan
Find one way to make each event different from anything ever done before
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

6. Water Activities Kayaks Canoe Backwards Cardboard Boats
Fun Competitions
Wear Costumes
Flipping Boats
Rain Gutter Regattas
Stand-Up Paddle Boards
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

7. Creative Meals Eat Dessert First Have a Formal Dinner
Progressive Dinner
Utensils-less Meal
Smorgasbord
Pizza
Unusual Desserts
Dutch-Oven Potluck
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

8. Hiking & Backpacking Trips
Youth Select Trail
Different Trail Leaders
Fun Songs Along the Way
Stop & Do Teambuilding Games Along the Way
Historical Area Trails
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

9. Wildlife Events Zoo Events: Shoot the Animals (Photo Scavenger Hunt)
Fill in the Blank Fact Sheet
Horseback Riding:
Western Clothing
Dude Ranch/Horse Camp
Conservation and Wildlife Agency Programs
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

10. Caving Events By Lantern (Electric)
Youth Teaching the Geology of the Cave
Wild Caving
Squeeze Box
Mud Caving
Overnight Spelunking
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

11. Dances Teach Different Styles: Line Dancing Square Dancing
Swing Dancing
Evening Activity
Holiday Parties
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

12. Winter Events Skiing/Snowboarding Crazy Helmet Decorating
Skill Challenges
Ice Block Sledding
Snow Sledding
Freeze Out Camping
Klondikes
Ice Skating
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

13. Sports Mountain Biking Volleyball Kickball Wiffleball Tug of War
Broom Hockey
Geo-caching
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

14. Climbing Events Real Rocks Climbing/Rappelling Night Climbs
Climbing Towers
Prussic Climbing
Climbing Gyms
Lock-Ins
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

15. Service Projects Scouting for Food Work Day for Charter Organization
Yard Work, Repairs, Cleaning
Community Festivals
Set-Up, Work a Booth
Conservation Projects
Working with Younger Scouts
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

16. Fundraisers Car Wash BBQ/Pancake Breakfast First Aid Kits
Servant for a Day
Lawn Mowing/Raking Leafs
Home Repairs/Cleaning
Donations or Set Price
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

17. Council Events Capture the Flag Game Weekend Camping Trip Boating
Climbing/COPE
Leadership Development
Lock-In
Dance Cruise
Road Rally
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

18. Revising Current Program
Plan a typical outing, then ask:
How can we make this more fun?
What twists can we add?
Could I do this with my friends on a typical Friday evening?
Would I want to promote this event to my non-Scouting friends?
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

19. Activity Time Make these activities go, WOW!
Rock climbing at a local gym
First Aid campout
Service project
Goal Setting and Time Management Training
Typical Crew Meeting
Canoeing on a Lake
So much more!
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

20. Further Information Venturing.org/connect.html
Scouting.org/programupdates
<insert additional resources>
CREATED BY CR VENTURING, 2016

21. Questions? Presenter’s Name(s)
Contact Information