Venturing
Venturing is a youth-led program all about building adventures with your friends. Choose to do activities that matter to you and develop essential skills like leadership, event-planning, organization, communication, and responsibility while having a blast!
Venturing is an inclusive program through Scouting America 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 meet on set schedules and plan activities and events for youth like you!
Ranks
The first step in any journey is the courage to begin. At this level, the new crew member makes a commitment to join and move forward into the experience of Venturing
The adventure of participating with the crew unfolds, and each Venturer begins to discover his or her interests and talents. As the Discovery recipients develop new skills and competencies, their eyes are opened, and the world expands for them.
The Venturer’s capabilities and skills expand, and with them come increased responsibility for defining their own way forward in life, service to others, and formal planning and leadership of the crew toward its goals.
The highest rank of Venturing, the Summit Rank, goes to those Venturers who have matured in their personal direction, skills, and life competencies, and who have accepted the responsibility to mentor others and serve their communities in a lasting way.
VENTURING & SEA SCOUTING OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION
The Great Smoky Mountain Council Venturing & Sea Scouting Officers’ Association is composed of a team of youth officers from the council’s Venturing Crews and Sea Scout Ships and is supported by advisors. The VSSOA is largely responsible for strengthening the Venturing and Sea Scouting in the council, planning events, coordinating Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews training sessions, and more. The VSSOA also carries out service projects for the council.
VSSOA provides opportunities for adventure, leadership, personal growth, and service. It also opens the door to service to the VOAs and Sea Scout Quarterdecks of our NST, our Region, and the Nation.
The VSSOA recognizes Venturers and Venturing Advisors who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing and who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law with the Council Venturing Leadership Award. Nominations are made each year between January and mid February. Click HERE for the nomination form. Email it to April.McMillan@scouting.org.
Interested in Being Part of the VSSOA?
Would you like to serve the Great Smoky Mountain Council VSSOA? Or do you know someone else who would be great as an officer?