30Apr/102
How do you start a BSA Venture crew?
I have been a scout leader for many years in different positions from den leader to asst. Sm. From Sm to Unit Comm. I want an new challenge I heard that Venture is really taking off. What does it take to start a crew and what details can you gibe me to make it successful How long before it will take shape. Any comments will help
May 1st, 2010 - 00:01
I am astonished that you, as a Scouter, do not already know that the BSA has all the information you need. I’m a Bear Cub den leader, and I found this within seconds:
http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Venturing/About/newcrew.aspx
May 1st, 2010 - 00:36
First of all, there is no such thing as a “Venture Crew”. The program is called “Venturing”, with an “-ing” ending, and the unit is called a “Venturing Crew”. Youth members are “Venturers”, not “Venture Scouts”.
I would contact your district or council Venturing Committee regarding training opportunities and to find a knowledgeable local person who you can ask specific questions. You can obtain leader manuals and program materials at your scout shop.
The Venturing program is very different from Boy Scouting and uses different methods. The Boy Scouting Methods of Outdoors, Patrols, Advancement and Uniform are not part of Venturing. Crew organization is also very different, modeled more like a club, with president, VP(s), secretary, treasurer, and committees. These differences generally makes it very difficult for long time Boy Scout leaders to transition to Venturing. You need to go in with an open mind and be serious about learning the program and way of operating. Unfortunately I have seen many who assume that because they have been in scouting a long time they know all about Venturing. These situations often result in failure.
The Venturng Program is mostly a framework. Unlike Boy Scouting with it’s built in “Outdoor Program” Venturing Crews can specialize or focus in one of many different activities. Some crews are focused on historical reenactment, youth ministry, community service, or sports. Others are focused on specific outdoor activities like skiing, scuba, rock climbing, or whitewater rafting. I have heard of crews focused photography, skateboarding, musical bands and chiors. Your crew will need to identify an area to focus your program plan.
If you have serveral mature, motivated and well organized Venturers, you can have crew officers succesfully operating a crew in a few months. The Venturing Leader Manual provides guidance to accomplish this. The challenge is that many of these type of highly motivated youth are also the ones that are involved in many other activites, take challenging school courses, and have little extra time.
There is a nationwide yahoo group for Venturing, called “Venturinglist” plus some groups focused on geographic regions. These are good groups to follow to learn about the program and events in your region.