Varsity Scouting Venturing Boys & Girls Clubs of America PURPOSE: Varsity Scouting is a program for young Venturing is a youth-development program for • Recognition comes through the Venturing advance- and Scouting men who are at least 14 years of age but not yet 18. It young men and women who are 14 (and have com- ment program and through the acknowledgement of provides options for young men who are looking for pleted the eighth grade) through 20 years of age. It is a youth’s competence and ability by peers and Working Together for America’s Youth rugged high adventure or challenging sporting activi- • Designed to help meet the needs, wants, and prob- adults. ties and still want to be a part of a Scouting program lems of this young adult generation. • The Ideals. Venturers are expected to know and live that offers the advancement and values of the Boy • A novel program that includes emphasis on outdoor, by the Venturing Oath and Code. They promise to be high-adventure activities while providing members Scouts of America. faithful in their religious duties, treasure their with community service, fitness, and social activities American heritage, to help others, and to seek truth PROGRAM: Varsity Scouting has five fields of emphasis. under the guidance of experienced adults. and fairness. A youth member, called a program manager, is • A great way for young men and women to learn • High Adventure. Venturing’s emphasis on high responsible for each of the five fields of emphasis and leadership and problem-solving skills that will help adventure helps provide team-building opportuni- works with an adult member called a program adviser them mature into confident, successful adults. ties, new meaningful experiences, practical leader- from the team committee to coordinate each phase of PURPOSE: Venturing is an effective coed young-adult ship application, and lifelong memories to young the program. The five fields of emphasis are program designed to improve character, citizenship, adults. • Teaching Others. All of the Venturing awards • Advancement. Varsity Scouts use the same advance- and fitness through positive experiences and activities ment program as Boy Scouts. They can also receive require Venturers to teach what they have learned to that prepare them to become responsible and caring others. In so doing, they strengthen their knowledge, the recognitions offered through such programs as adults. the Fifty-Miler Award; Mile Swim, BSA; etc. gain confidence, and acquire skills that can benefit • High Adventure/Sports. This program field of PROGRAM: Venturing is based on a unique and them for the rest of their lives. emphasis includes high adventure and sports and is dynamic relationship between youth and adult supported by 27 program features. Advisors serving as resources and mentors. The Organizing a Unit • The club’s board of directors is informed • Personal Development. Varsity Scouting promotes resulting program is filled with exciting and meaning- about Scouting. growth through spirituality, leadership abilities, ful activities that help youth pursue their special inter- citizenship, social and cultural attributes, and • The club’s board agrees on the desirability of ests; to grow; to develop personal, social, and leader- organizing a Scouting unit. physical fitness. ship skills; and to become good citizens. • Service. The emphasis is on service, until it becomes • A chartered organization representative is appointed a constant ingredient in one's daily experience. METHODS: Venturing has been carefully designed to by the club’s executive director. Projects are conceived, planned, managed, and car- achieve the aims of the Boy Scouts of America and • The chartered organization representative appoints ried out by individual Varsity Scouts and/or the meet the needs of young adults. Included in the meth- an organizing committee of local parents and other Varsity Scout team. ods of Venturing are interested adults. • Special Programs and Events. Varsity Scouts take • Leadership. Opportunities to apply proven leader- • The organizing committee identifies and recruits unit an active part in special programs and events on ship skills are provided to the Venturers. leaders and committee members. district, council, regional, and national levels. • Group Activities are interdependent group experi- • The leaders are trained in program planning (Fast ences in which success is dependent on the cooper- Start training). METHODS: Varsity Scouts are members of a Varsity Scout • The program is planned for at least the first six months. team. It is led by a youth Varsity Scout team captain and ation of all. • Adult Association. Working closely with adult • Youth are registered. an adult leader called a Varsity Scout Coach. The Coach Advisors and other adult leaders, the youth officers • Unit meetings begin. is supported by an adult committee made up of parents lead the crew. The adults serve in a “shadow” leader • Unit is installed and the charter is presented at a and members of the chartered organization. The team capacity. formal ceremony held at a meeting of the club’s may be divided into squads, and each squad elects a board of directors. youth squad leader.

Boy Scouts of America 522-247 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane P.O. Box 152079 Irving, Texas 75015-2079 http://www.scouting.org 2009 Printing Boys & Girls Clubs—The Positive Place for Kids Cub Scouting Boy Scouting A Unique Partnership 1 Our future lies with our children, and Cub Scouting has distinct, age-appropriate pro- Boy Scouting is for boys who are at least 10 ⁄2 Advantages for Boys & Girls Clubs gram levels. Tiger Cubs is a one-year program for years old and have completed the fifth grade or are oftentimes the challenges and problems Are Many they face seem insurmountable. first-grade (or 7-year-old) boys and their adult part- 11 through 17 years old. It is • Scouting provides additional mentoring opportunities for • Filled with troop and patrol activities designed Today, more than ever before, young people need the ners. The Cub Scout program is for boys who are in club members. the second through fifth grades (or 8, 9, and 10 to help build personal skills, teamwork, guidance and mentoring of quality adult role models. By • Scouting offers additional program opportunities to attract years old). It is and leadership. chartering a Scouting unit, a Boys & Girls Club can provide a youth to Boys & Girls Clubs. • Home centered and family building. • An action-packed way to teach leadership, positive developmental program • Scouting has age-appropriate • Filled with fun, action, and adventure to help build service, and respect for others. for the youth of their community. programs for boys and young men fitness, character, and good citizenship traits in • Adventure and fun outdoor experiences under the guidance of adult leaders. Boys & Girls Clubs and Scouting and women. boys through family emphasis. • A program that provides plenty of opportunity for work to bring together people of • Scouting offers ready-made • A boy’s first experience in growing up as a member of a group. individual growth at a boy’s own pace. all races, religious faiths, and programs to augment the work of Keystone Clubs, Torch Clubs, PURPOSE: Boy Scouting encourages boys to develop political beliefs in a friendly, PURPOSE: The Boy Scouts of America created Cub TEENSupreme Centers, and the many physical, mental, and emotional fitness and to adopt impartial atmosphere. Becoming Scouting in 1930 to help advance the character other quality programs and activities development and spiritual growth of young boys. and live by meaningful personal standards as a a chartering organization can of the Boys & Girls Clubs. This central mission of Cub Scouting might be even cornerstone for success in life. These values include result only in a win-win situation • Scout units have an obligation for service to their more important to boys growing up in the 21st cen- the basic principles found in the Scout for a Boys & Girls Club. chartering organization. tury than it was for the early Cub Scouts more than Oath and Law. Specifically, the BSA endeavors to develop American • Scouting provides a time-tested, high-quality developmental 70 years ago. PROGRAM: Boy Scouts learn to develop personal citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit; have youth program with continuous identification with the Boys & strengths by example and through hands-on expe- Girls Clubs. PROGRAM: Local Cub Scouting activities involve a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as parents, adult leaders, and friends of Cub Scouts in rience. Activities include fitness and leadership initiative, courage, and resourcefulness; have personal values • Scouting offers the use of its program and support training, wilderness adventures, and merit badge facilities, as well as the experience of trained volunteer and home-centered programs that teach life skills, hab- based on the Scout Oath and Law; have the desire and skills incentives for boys mastering hobby and career professional staff. its, values, and attitudes consistent with the interests to help others; understand the principles of the American skills. Scouting encourages boys to expand and • Scouting offers additional challenges and personal growth of their faith and community. Millions of boys and test their personal initiative, courage, and social, economic, and governmental systems; are knowledge- opportunities through its advancement program. their families participate in Cub Scouting, the larg- resourcefulness. able about and take pride in their American heritage and • Involvement with Scouting provides greater public awareness est of the three Boy Scouts of America membership understand our nation’s role in the world; have a keen respect of the objectives and mission of Boys & Girls Clubs. divisions. METHODS: Boy Scouts learn some of life’s more for the basic rights of all people; and are prepared to METHODS: Cub Scouting encourages each boy to serious lessons while having fun. Boys learn about Advantages for Scouting Are participate in and give leadership to American society. strive for his personal best, a lesson that will help important values, such as helping yourself by help- ing others, and honoring the basic rights of others. The Boy Scouts of America isn’t just talking about Also Numerous him achieve success as he enters Boy Scouting— Boy Scouting’s active learning experiences include having more Scout units in Boys & Girls Clubs. By working • Boys & Girls Clubs serve youth who may not otherwise have and throughout his adult life. Cub Scout activities the opportunity to participate in Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, hiking, camping, and other outdoor expeditions; together, so much more can be accomplished. Scouting encourage character development, physical coordi- Varsity Scouting, or Venturing. competitive individual and team sports activities; was designed to be a resource program for community nation, family unity, and enthusiasm for learning. • Boys & Girls Clubs offer a meeting place for packs, troops, Cub Scouting helps boys develop a sense of team- and community or religious service projects. organizations to use in serving youth. teams, and crews. work, achievement, self-confidence, and respect for Many Boy Scouts first practice basic leadership, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and • Boys & Girls Clubs can often provide supplementary facilities others. Learning to master new skills helps the Cub self-government, and citizenship skills during to Scouting such as a swimming pool, gymnasium, or Scout realize his own abilities and discover that his regular troop meetings and campouts. the Boy Scouts of America crafts room. • Share a similar mission and objectives. can-do attitude is the first sign of success in any • Boys & Girls Clubs can provide professional guidance and support endeavor. In fact, that’s the Cub Scout motto: • Build better youth and future leaders for the community to Scouts working on merit badges or other achievements. DO YOUR BEST. and the nation. • Boys & Girls Clubs offer a wide variety of program • Can make more effective use of their shared resources. activities for boys and young men and women.

SCOUTING TEACHES PERSONAL VALUES BASED ON THE SCOUT OATH AND LAW