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

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.”

11. 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)

12. Ages of Venturers Year 2000

13. Accommodating Co-Ed groups

14. Questions?