Venturing Program Development Guide

Venturing Program Development Guide

Venturing is a program of the Boy Scouts of America for youth ages 14 through 20. The program matches the interests of youth with adult expertise and the program resources of the chartered organization.
Mission
The Mission of the Venturing program is, through positive adult relationships and interaction, to promote positive character development, citizenship, leadership skills, and personal and mental fitness. The mission and purpose of Venturing is the same as those in other phases of the Boy Scouts of America Program.

Venturing Methods
To achieve the mission and purpose of Venturing, the program is designed to meet the developmental needs of young adults by bringing them into voluntary association with responsible adults (Advisors).

Young adults learn ethical decision making through positive social interaction, leadership development, hands-on experience, refining problem-solving skills, service to others, and action-oriented activities.

Venturing offers many opportunities to use experiences to promote the conditions that are necessary for the growth and development of adolescents. For example, there are planned activities to give youth in a crew the opportunity to interact with their peers and to experience a sense of belonging. Planning the year's program of activities and individual activities should involve Venturers in decision making. Engaging in activities that are challenging and fun encourages them to cultivate a capacity to enjoy life. By participating in the activities and the operation of a Venturing crew, youth will have a chance to discover more about their identity, to relate to adults and peers, and to experiment with ideas and roles without having to commit themselves irrevocably.

Youth have a strong desire to be a part of a group, doing things together, and working as a group toward a common goal. Youth reach out for responsibility. They need to have input into shaping their destiny; the democratic processes and election of crew youth leadership are important.

When young adults do well, recognition of achievement is important. A clear expectation of good and caring behavior causes young adults to rise to and exceed our expectations.

When each of these methods is used by caring adults in a safe environment for youth, Venturing can be a positive influence on the growth and development of young adults.

Youth protection from child abuse is a great concern of the Boy Scouts of America. Resource materials are available to design a crew program and activities that can create an awareness on the part of youth.

How to Make These Methods Work in Your Crew
First, let's define a crew. A crew is a group of young adults who have been brought together because of a common interest. This might take the form of social activities, religious youth ministries, or avocation or hobby interests. A crew is made up of people working and playing together, enjoying and learning from one another. A crew and its members share common goals and basic ideals. They move together with the same purpose and commitment. A crew is most successful when it meets the needs and interests of its members. An effective crew is the result of close cooperation between youth and adult leaders. If leaders are sensitive to crew members and respond with positive support, program, and activities that Venturers enjoy, success is assured. The crew is the vehicle whereby young people will learn values, standards, and the discipline that will help them become good citizens and productive adults.

Quality Control
How do you know when your crew is successful? Venturing has a built-in quality control system. It's the members themselves. If they don't like the program, they simply don't participate in the activities or attend the meetings. Stable and growing membership is a sign of success.

Key Elements to Program Planning and Development
Venturing is a sharing experience as responsible adults provide an environment whereby the developmental needs of youth are met. Crew program design, planning, and implementation are critical. Youth participation is just as important.

These six experience areas should be present in all crew programs:

[1] Social Interaction--formal and/or informal activities
[2] Leadership Development--youth trained to run the crew and plan its activities
[3] Personal Fitness and Development--experiential learning; hands-on skills development
[4] Service to Others--formal or informal activities, individual or group-driven
[5] Citizenship--officer elections and crew activities
[6] Outdoor Activities and Programs

Young adults in Venturing should be given the opportunity to participate in the program planning and implementation process. However, the Advisor has the responsibility to generate enthusiasm on the part of crew members about the potential of their experiences and activities in Venturing. Emphasis should be placed on youth running the crew.

Keep up-to-date on local and national activities and events. Plan exciting activities such as visiting one of the national high-adventure bases; for example, Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, or the Florida National High Adventure Sea Base.

The six experience areas listed above need not be equally balanced in the crew program. Based on the crew's special interest or general interest, one or more might dominate. Keep in mind these experience areas might be formal or informal activities or events in the crew program cycle. Venturing should be fun and meet the needs and desires of crew members.

Updated 03-22-08