1. University of Scouting
Understanding the Differences between Venturing and Exploring
Presented by Kate Van Loke
Advisor Crew 1001
Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Johnson City, N.Y.

2. Crew 1001 Johnson City Knights of Columbus

3. What is Venturing? A Brief History
The most recent re-development of Venturing was in Prior to that, however, Venturing was an ‘older boy program’ that went though many changes.

4. When did Venturing Begin…
1935 a Guide to Senior Scouting was published
Explorers
Sea Scouts
Air Scouts
1949 BSA consolidated senior program (except sea scouts) into Exploring.
Exploring could be stand alone or within a Troop
Explorers could earn Bronze, Gold and Silver Awards
1966 last Silver Award earned
Until 1998

5. 1998
February 1998 the new Venturing program was officially created by the BSA executive board.
The advancement in Venturing today is based on the awards of Exploring in the past
What was true in 1920 is just as true today – older teens need a program specific to their needs and abilities.

6. What then is Venturing?
A program for young men and women aged between 14 (completed 8th grade) through 20 years of age.
It is a program which…
Provides positive experiences
Enhances the maturity and development of its participants
Prepares them to become responsible, caring adults

7. Goals of Venturing Participants will…
Learn to make ethical choices by instilling values (see Venturing Oath)
Experience: fun, challenge and adventure
Become a resource for cub scouts, boy scouts, and others (skilled presenters and trainers)
Acquire skills in many program areas
Experience positive leadership from others as role models
Learn and grow in a caring , supportive, fun, environment

8. What is Exploring?

9. Career Opportunities
Develop potential contacts that may broaden employment options
Boost self-confidence and experience success at school and work
Develop Life Skills
Develop physical and mental fitness
Experience positive social interaction
Citizenship
Encourage the skill and desire to help others
Gain a keen respect for the basic rights of others
Character Education
Help make ethical choices
Fulfill one's responsibilities to society as a whole
Leadership Experience
Acquire leadership skills necessary to fulfill one's responsibilities in society
Develop a variety of leadership traits

10. Explorer Posts – Post Specialties
Arts and Humanities
Aviation
Business
Communications
Engineering
Fire/Emergency Services.
Law and Government

11. Specialties cont… Law Enforcement Medical and Health Careers Science
Skilled Trades
Social Services
Others

12. Methods of Achieving Venturing Goals
Leadership – Venturers are given opportunities to learn and apply proven leadership skills
Group Activities – Requires cooperation to succeed and involves learning by doing
Adult Association – The youth officers lead the crew with guidance from the adult officers

13. Methods continued… Recognition – awards program
Ideals – know and live by the oath and code
High Adventure – (general or specialized) provides team building, lifelong memories
Teaching Others – working with younger kids or others, teaching what they have learned.

14. Ethics in Action Venturers learn to be… Responsible and caring adults
Problem solvers – meeting challenges and opportunities
Planning
Seeking knowledge
Application
Improvising, adapting and overcoming obstacles
Leaders – others will see their high ideals and standards, admire their abilities, and follow their example

15. Young adults involved in Exploring will
Exploring Goals
Young adults involved in Exploring will
Gain practical knowledge of and experience in a career
Engage in a program of activities centered on career opportunities, life skills, service learning, character education, and leadership experience to encourage the development of the whole person
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 enjoyable environment

16. Methods to Achieve Exploring Goals
The methods of Exploring have been carefully chosen to meet the needs of young adults.
Voluntary association between youth and adults.
Because Exploring is voluntary, youth are receptive to new ideas, experiences, and relationships. For the Explorer, these relationships provide a connection to new ways of thinking and acting as well as a new identity as a responsible young adult.
Ethical decision making.
Exploring asks young people to be responsible for themselves, for a program of activities and experiences, and for other people, thereby providing numerous opportunities for youth to make effective and ethical decisions. These opportunities are enhanced by the influence of capable adults and structured activities.
Group activities.
Exploring activities are interdependent group experiences. Success depends on the cooperation of all.

17. Methods cont… Recognition of achievement. Democratic process.
Recognition might come through formal awards, but it also is achieved through the acknowledgment by peers and adults of a young person's competence and abilities.
Democratic process.
Explorer posts provide exposure to democratic ideals and skills that are needed throughout life.
Curiosity, exploration, and adventure.
Curiosity is encouraged and a sense of exploration and adventure is developed through new experiences that provide opportunities for youth to acquire new skills and participate in action-oriented activities.

18. Take a Step to High Adventure and Careers
Join a Crew or Post
contact the Baden-Powell council at for a Crew or Post nearest you
Start a Crew or Post
Big step, not for the timid but if you think this might be the way to go, this is how to do it…

19. Starting a Venturing Crew
Contact your district Rep
The DR can help you find a Sponsor
Secure a Sponsor (BSA and Sponsoring Organization needs a Charter Agreement)
Local community organizations
Professional groups
Churches
Civic Groups
Etc
Recruit other Adults to help out
Fill out Adult and Youth membership forms and secure your insurance through council

20. Starting a Post Organization's Commitment:
Secure a commitment from the chief executive officer of the participating organization.
Career Opportunities Development Meeting:
A training and program development meeting for post adult leaders conducted by an Exploring program representative.
Post First Nighter Meeting:
A special and exciting hands-on meeting held annually by each post to recruit new youth participants.
Post Activities Development Meeting:
A program planning meeting with Explorers' input to reach agreement on post monthly activities.
Explorer Post Officers' Seminar:
Training meeting for elected post officers.

21. Ok! Now What?
See the Venturing / Exploring Leader Fast Start Guide (get trained)
Get the Venturing Leader / Explorer (Learning for Life) Manual
Conduct the Program capability inventory
Seek youth input
Hold an election for youth officers
Develop a realistic time schedule
Do some fund raising
Go Do It!

22. Youth Officers

23. Adult Support

24. High Adventure

25. Crew Activities Different people – Different Interests
Hence the use of the interest survey
Some Crews Specialize
Shooting, EMS, Sheriffs Dept (Explorers), etc
Most Crews offer Variety
Camping, backpacking, hiking
Canoeing, kayaking, sailing
Climbing, caving
Shooting
Horseback riding, cycling, skiing
Sports, Social Events, Service
ETC
Note: There are things you can do in Venturing that you can not do with the other programs (cub, Webelos, boy scout)

26. Fun with a Purpose Who stated this?
Answer – Lord Baden-Powell. It is the premise and foundation of the scouting program
Why?
In order to achieve the goals stated earlier, young adults need to have fun and enjoyment so they will return repeatedly to the program thereby allowing us to guide and shape them into responsible young adults

27. How to Have Fun – Responsibly
The Sweet 16 of BSA Safety (From BSA "Guide To Safe Scouting") These 16 safety points, which embody good judgment and common sense, are applicable to all activities:

28. The Sweet 16 Qualified Supervision. Physical Fitness. Buddy System.
Safe Area
Equipment Selection and Maintenance.
Personal Safety Equipment.
Safety Procedures and Policies.
Skill Level Limits.
Weather Check.

29. 16 continued… Planning. Communications. Permits and Notices.
First-Aid Resources.
Applicable Laws.
CPR Resource.
Discipline.

30. Advancement
Recognition of the Fun and Participation in Quality Program
This is achieved by the presenting of Awards (Bronze, Gold Silver and Ranger)
B.A.R.S. Staircase
Belonging
Achievement
Recognition
Status

31. B.A.R.S Staircase STATUS RECOGNITION ACHIEVEMENT BELONGING
Increased self-esteem
RECOGNITION
Presentation of Awards
ACHIEVEMENT
Learning, doing, teaching
BELONGING
Through Participation

32. Awards
Bronze (Crews can choose which Bronze Award to do based on how they function as a crew such as if they have a specialty)
Sports
Religious Life
Arts and Hobbies
Outdoor
Sea Scout
Gold
Silver
Ranger
Quest
Sea Scout - Quartermaster

33. The “Meat” of Venturing
Good High Adventure Program includes:
Keeping the ‘Outing’ in Scouting
Safe, Fun and Affordable
Sweet 16 in place
Applicable to participant skill, fitness levels
Cost analysis
Fundraising (offset costs to families)
Well Attended (Adult and Youth)
Interesting and challenging

34. Planning Activities Who What When Why Where How
Needs / Equipment lists
Individual
Group
See the Program Capability Inventory and Planning worksheets
See also the Venturing Activity Interest Survey

35. Uniforms BSA Class A Venturing shirt is Hunter Green
Worn with Green Epaulets
BSA insignia
Slate Grey pants recommended
Uniform is not required
Tee shirts can be designed and worn
Explorers wear the Uniform of the Participating Organization

36. Exploring and Venturing Differences
Type
Post
Crew
Adult Title
Advisors
Membership
Co-Ed 15 – 20
Co-Ed 15-20
Dues
BSA National
Member of
Learning for Life
BSA
Orientation
Careers
Scouting; Ministry, Sports, Outdoors, Sea

37. Differences cont… Exploring Venturing Sponsors
Participating Organization
Chartering Organization
Advancement
Not Allowed BSA
Allowed BSA –
FC+ - continue to Eagle
M/F Any Venturing Program Rank/Award
BSA Facilities Use
Not allowed National
Not Recommended Local
Allowed National and Local
Uniforms
Allowed Program Appropriate BSA Uniform

38. Any Questions?