Venturing: Adventure, Life Skills, Leadership
Everyone has a moment that opens their eyes to a bigger world than they ever imagined. It might happen while paddling a quiet lake, bonding with friends around a beach bonfire, or leading an exhausted crew to the edge of their limitations. Venturing empowers youth to bring Scouting values to life through high-adventure outdoor activities and challenging real-world projects.
Venturing is an inclusive Scouting program for males and females aged 14-21 (or 13 and completed the 8th grade). It’s operated through Venturing Crews – units of youth and advisors – that plan activities and events locally and nationally!
The Scouting organization has emerged from the challenges of the last few years by focusing on its core mission: preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes. Our commitment to safety for all youth and adult members is fundamental to everything we do.
Why Venturing?
Venturing uses four areas of emphasis to help the crew plan and carry out its program. ALPS stands for: Adventure, Leadership, Personal Growth, and Service. Venturing’s areas of emphasis are the four pillars around which the crew will construct a fun and rewarding program to prepare for their future, regardless of whether that may be in college, the workforce, or elsewhere.
How does Venturing work?
Venturing Crews
A Crew is a unit of Venturers, made up of girls or boys. Crews meet several times a month to learn skills, play games, recognize accomplishments, and elect leaders. They also plan outings such as camping, hiking, service projects, or visits to local and regional attractions. Each Crew decides which activities to do, and youth members lead planning and organizing. Crews often plan activities with other Troops or Crews and participate in District-wide or Council-wide programs. Crews are led by youth members supported by adult leaders who ensure safety and act as guides and mentors.
Adult Leaders
Each Crew has two or more adult leaders (21 or older) trained in the Venturing program, requirements, and principles. For co-ed Crews, at least one female adult leader must participate. All adults involved with Scouting in any capacity must pass a background check and take Youth Protection and Barriers to Abuse Training every year. Scouting practices Two-Deep Leadership which ensures that two adult leaders are required for any engagement with a Scout or group of Scouts. This requirement covers in-person activities, online communications, or personal interactions.
Advancement
Venturing has a separate award path from Scouts BSA. However, any First Class Venturer can advance towards Eagle Scout within their Crew.
Uniforms
Venturing has no “official” uniform that all members must wear; in keeping with the flexibility of the Venturing program, uniforms are approved by each crew. A crew may choose to design or purchase a Venturing t-shirt, polo, or any number of options.
What do Venturers do?
Meetings
Crews meet several times each month during the school year, usually on a set night of the week. Each meeting typically includes activities that support the Crew’s focus, planning for future events, time for socializing, and shared food.
District and Council Events
Great Falls Council and its districts sponsor many activities during the year that all Crews can participate in, such as:
- Camporees – weekends where Crews can camp and share a common set of activities
- Klondike Derby – Crews compete by pulling their sleds through a course and stopping to complete challenges along the way
- Advancement Fair – Crew members collectively work on Merit Badge and rank requirements, assisted by adult volunteers
Outings and Activities
Crews love to plan activities outside of regular meetings! They include trips to local museums and attractions, visiting companies or agencies, or religious activities. Outdoor adventures build character, citizenship, personal fitness, and leadership. Venturers learn to have fun safely outdoors, whether on the water, on foot, on vehicles, or at a campsite. Venturers are taught outdoor ethics via the Leave No Trace program, ensuring they can enjoy outdoor adventures with minimal impact on the environment, wildlife, and other visitors. Crews plan camping trips to parks, campgrounds, and even ski areas.
Community Service
A major part of Scouting is service to others. Crews participate in large events such as the annual Scouting for Food campaign or smaller events such as cleaning up a park.
Summer Camp
The Great Falls Council owns and operates Camp Gorton and Camp Scouthaven , which provides Venturers 18 years old and younger with outdoor adventure opportunities each summer and throughout the year. Venturers are encouraged to attend or work at Scout Camp, which offers advancement opportunities, unmatched waterfront and shooting skills facilities, and fellowship with other Troops and Crews.
High Adventure Bases
BSA operates four High Adventure sites that Venturers can visit with their Crew: Northern Tier in Minnesota, Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, Sea Base in Florida, and Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. These are major undertakings in terms of time, planning, and fundraising, but provide a level of facilities and experiences that is one-of-a-kind. Locally we have our own Birchbark Adventures with 3 different trek locations available!
Costs
Compared with many other youth activities, Scouting is affordable for families! Financial assistance for membership dues is directly from Great Falls Council. Crews/Posts also hold fundraisers to defray costs associated with activities and trips.
Annual dues for Venturing Youth Members are $135, Exploring Youth/Adult are $100. Membership begins the month that fees are paid and continues for 12 calendar months. Other costs may include uniforms, event fees, and personal camping equipment. Many Crews offer uniform swaps, have a stockpile of equipment, and cover fees through fundraising. Please note that any Venturing youth 18 – 20 years old must consent to a background check and take Youth Protection Training.
Money should never be a barrier to joining Scouting. If ever you find yourself in need, please contact the Unit you are interested in joining. There are several avenues of support. Many Units and their Chartering Organization have assistance plans in place. There are also aid opportunities available from our Council. These, too, are accessed through the Unit Leaders. All support requests are treated with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality. Welcome to the Scouting family. We are here to help!
Ask Crew leadership for information about making Scouting more affordable for your family or contact Great Falls Council at scouting@gfcscouting.org.
Family Rebate Program: When three or more members of a family register with the Great Falls Council, all registrants beyond the first 2 (the 3rd, 4th, 5th , etc.) will receive a $25.00 rebate (which is 50% of the local Council fee). All you have to do is apply! Apply at: Family Rebate
Find a Unit Near You!
We are excited that you are interested in joining Scouting America! Using the button below you can search by postal code for a Unit(s) near you. From there you can request more information or even apply online to join!