Special Things That Make Venturing Effective

Things that make Venturing exciting and useful for working with 16 to 18 year olds include: 

•   A program culture that is rich in tradition, symbols, etc., but different than other scouting programs, and suited to the maturity level of young adults.  Some of these differences are a more casual uniform selected or designed by the young men;  different organization roles and names; and ceremonies, songs, rituals, that appeal to this maturing age-group. •   Many opportunities for career exploration. •   Incorporation of competitive athletics into the program. •   Chances to sponsor and participate in co-ed activities. •   High level of boy control over the program.

Each level of scouting gives leadership experiences commensurate with the age and abilities of the boys involved.  Venturing provides a number of wonderful features for young men to experience and learn advanced leadership, citizenship, and self-government skills.  Some of the special opportunities afforded Venturers include: 

•   Conducting business meetings using Robert's Rules of Order. •   Individual and group experience in developing and writing program plans, making presentations, evaluating programs, etc. •   Experiencing representative government, through the VOA (Venturer Officer Association) structure. •   Preparing and working with organizational bylaws (that is, constitutions) •   Leadership training in how to develop effective working groups.