2023 National Venturing Reception

2022-2023 National Venturing Committee

Julie Dalton

Tim Anderson

David Bush

Tanadet Itsarapakdetam

George Shields

Ken King

Ray Czech

Ryan Davis

Tom McDonald

Elizabeth Kwock

Bob Sirhal

Cynthia Cyrus

Dan Carriveau

Brandon Gaines

Douglas Taylor

Todd Graczyk

Conner Huey

Patrick Jaime

Ryan Mitchell

Samantha Troiano

Sarah Yeung

Nathan Vick

Ramsey Ellis

April Surrett McMillan

Bain McHale

Nicole Steele

Daphne Kunukcu

Liam Daugherty

Chris Mulhall

Lexi Benton

Kale Bucht

Alex Jones

Chris Mattingly

National Venturing Committee Chair

National Director of Older Youth Programs

Vice-Chair of Program

Vice-Chair of Administration

Vice-Chair of Membership

Vice-Chair of Relations

Program Support

Program Support

Program Support

Service

Training

Training

Administration Support

Administration Support

Awards & Recognition Chair

Awards & Recognition

Awards & Recognition

Awards & Recognition

Communication Chair

Social Media

Social Video

Website Lead

Website

Website Content

Venturing Newsletter Chief Editor

Newsletter Team

Newsletter Team

Literature Chair

Literature

Literature

Literature

Literature

Earl Baker

Ken Bower

Lauren Comley

Steve Garner

Amy Hermann

Helen Lockwood

Alan Westburg

Kris Zahrobsky

Elwin Spray

Jim Virgin

Craig Martin

Reece Kilbey

Carol McCarthy

J. Dan McCarthy

Scott Anderson

Aaron Stockwell

Ben Feril

Dinh Tran

Marybeth Chaconas

Bill Daggett

Robbie DiBiagio

Steven Lee

Jim Lynch

Jamie Shearer

Scott Sorrels

Membership

Membership

Membership

Membership

Membership

Membership

Membership

Alumni

Community Relationships

DEI

Exploring Liaison

International Liaison

LDS Liaison

OA Liaison

Outdoor Ethics

Religions

Sea Scout Liaison

Vietnamese Liason

STEM Liaison

Member at Large

Member at Large

Member at Large

Member at Large

Member at Large

Member at Large

2022-2023

National Venturing Officers' Association

Tara Izadi

Jamey Schnasse

Gahn Mungarndee

Kaitlyn Bishop

Olivia Townsend

Micah Vacco

Julie Dalton

Kris Zahrobsky

Elizabeth Kwock

Elizabeth Finley

President

Vice President of Administration

Vice President of Communication

Vice President of Program

Vice President of Territory Support, Eastern

Vice President of Territory Support, Western Advisor

Associate Advisor for Administration

Associate Advisor for Communication

Associate Advisor for Program

Tara Izadi

Jamey Schnasse

Gahn Mungarndee

Kaitlyn Bishop

Olivia Townsend

Micah Vacco

Nicole Steele

Patrick Jaime

Kurtis Bedford

Dan Carriveau

NVLA Selection Panel

Douglas Taylor

EVOY Selection Panel

Ryan Mitchell

Tanadet Itsarapakdetam

Special Thanks to

Master of Ceremony/Content Writer

Master of Ceremony

Master of Ceremony

Master of Ceremony

Master of Ceremony

Master of Ceremony

Content Writer

Content Writer

"Korto" the Content Narrator

NVLA Selection Chair

NVLA Selection

EVOY Selection Chair/Contributor

EVOY Selection

Video Editing/Video Engineer

Jedi Master

Extraordinary Venturer of the Year 2023

The Extraordinary Venturer of the Year Award is presented to a Venturer who has demonstrated extraordinary service in their community. This extraordinary service could be expressed through leadership, a single act of meritorious service, or on-going service to others beyond what is normally expected.

Boy Scouts of America National Venturing Committee

Kaleb Bucht Runner-Up

Millersville, Maryland Crew 422, Baltimore Area Council

Kaleb Bucht currently serves as the President of the Baltimore Area Council Venturing Officers Association, as well as the Senior Patrol Leader for the BAC National Youth Leadership Training. Kaleb consistently soars above and beyond what is expected of any one Venturer.

Kaleb constantly inspires both the youth and adults who work with him to aim higher. As President of the CVOA, Kaleb has successfully developed and led events not only for Venturers but also for eligible youth in the council, increasing visibility and interest within the council.

Kaleb’s extraordinary leadership, attention to detail, and ongoing support for both the Venturing program and of leadership development of youth in his Council are inspiring. The workload is consistently high but is met with enthusiasm, and the results are always exemplary

Duncan Harling Runner-Up

Fayetteville, North Carolina Crew 32, Oconeechee Council

Duncan Harling joined Crew 32 as soon as he was able. He has served as the 2019-20 Area 7 Vice President of Communication. During the restructuring took place, he volunteered to work for the first Territory 15 and serves as the Territory 15 Venturing Communication Chair.

Since his council does not currently have a VOA, Duncan has been reaching out to all of the Crews in the council and attempting to get the council VOA back on track He interacts with the council leadership and has sought out opportunities to try and grow Venturing and Scouting within his community.

In 2021, Duncan forged a partnership with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. This was designed to teach local youth outdoor skills and hopefully introduce them to Venturing.

Extraordinary Venturer of the Year

Columbia, South Carolina Crew 312, Indian Waters Council

Codey is from Columbia, South Carolina in the Indian Waters Council. He has put much of his life on hold to help a Scouter in need.

On February 3, 2023, a Scouter was in a bad car accident and broke her foot. Because of this injury, she was not able to drive or put weight on it. Codey decided to help her and her family by driving this Scouter, and her daughter, to and from school, work, doctor's appointments, and the store; and assisting in their daily lives. He has been doing this for over 2 months with still no end in sight.

Codey's willingness to help a Scouter in need has made it possible for her to keep her job; and her daughter has been able to continue going to school. This Scouter has no family in the area and is very appreciative of the help that Codey is giving her. A scout is kind and Codey has exemplified this scout law by helping this scouter and her family

Cody Stephens

2023

National Venturing Leadership Awards

The National Venturing Leadership Award is conferred by the National Court of Honor of the Boy Scouts of America upon the nomination of Venturers and Venturing Advisors who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing and who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law at the national level.

Boy Scouts of America

Kaitlyn Bishop Chief Cornplanter

Council

West Valley, New York

Territory 12. Over the past year, Katilyn has done an extraordinary job in redefining the role of the NVOA Vice President of Program. As she has served in this position, she has gone above and beyond what was expected of her by introducing various Venturing webinars to support Councils and Crews. Kaitlyn’s creative problemsolving to find a better way to support Venturers across the nation has helped make Venturing more personable and accessible to all Through these webinars, Kaitlyn has not just answered a variety of Venturing-related questions, but she has provided an opportunity for Territory VOA officers to strengthen their public speaking skills.

Kaitlyn’s leadership in Venturing has also been highlighted as she has stepped up within the National Venturing Program Committee to provide the youth perspective while planning various activities for the Older Youth Sub-Camp at the 2023 National Jamboree On top of all of her official positions, Kaitlyn has taken it upon herself to personally mentor the NST 12 VOA.

It is for Kaitlyn’s hard work and mentorship to others that the National Venturing Committee is pleased to award Kaitlyn with the National Venturing Leadership Award.

Natalie MacEwan

Western Los Angeles County Council

Winnetka, California

Lieutenant Natalie MacEwan of the United States Air Force is currently a member of the Western Los Angeles County Council She most recently served on the Communication Team and during the last four years as the Administrative Support to the National Venturing Committee.

Natalie started her Venturing career as the President of Crew 22 in the Western Los Angeles County Council, Council VOA President, Area VOA President, and Region VOA Vice President. Natalie has provided much to the Venturing program as a whole. She led the "Report to the State" for California for five consecutive years In 2019 Natalie participated in BSA’s “Report to the Nation” in Washington D.C., where she was unexpectedly asked to deliver the full report on her own in the oval office. Because she had previously assisted her fellow delegates to memorize their scripts, she was able to deliver the entire report successfully by herself.

Natalie has \held so many different roles effectively, often doing more than the task originally assigned. Part of that impact is due to her extraordinary drive, character, and leadership skills. The National Venturing Committee is proud to present Lieutenant Natalie MacEwan with the National Venturing Leadership Award.

Gahn Mungarndee Atlanta Area Council

Marietta, Georgia

Gahn is from Marietta, Georgia in National Service Territory 14. Gahn has spent the past year serving as the 2022-2023 National VOA Vice President of Communications, and previously served as a Council VOA Vice President and National Service Territory 14 VOA President.

Gahn has placed the National Service Territory VOAs, Council VOAs, and Crews at the front of his mind, and has gone above and beyond by providing personalized feedback and praise to the marketing efforts of all. Gahn is the definition of a servant leader, always putting others before himself.

His easy-going and knowledgeable attitude has made him a sought out scouter anywhere he goes. Gahn is a natural leader and an even better friend.

His dedication, creativity, and innovation are just a few of the reasons why the National Venturing Committee is pleased to award Gahn with the National Venturing Leadership Award.

Jamey Schnasse

Marin Council

Novato, California

Jamey is from Novato, California in National Service Territory 3. Jamey has most recently served as the 2022-2023 National VOA Vice President of Administration, but has also previously provided Venturing leadership at the Council, Area, and Territory tiers. He is not afraid to get his ‘hands dirty’ in order to make sure the job is done thoroughly

Jamey has done it all, assisting both National and Territory Venturing Committees and VOAs in awarding recognitions, developing plans around retention, and adjusting the Council Standards of Venturing Excellence to better serve Council Venturing.

Jamey has had a key role in the Older Youth Sub-Camp at the 2023 National Jamboree, providing resources and feedback to various planning committees In addition, Jamey has recruited staff and volunteers for the Jamboree, and is widely known as a friendly face to all.

His Scout Spirit, optimism, and can-do attitude is why the National Venturing Committee is pleased to award Jamey with the National Venturing Leadership Award.

Douglas Taylor

Mecklenburg County Council

Cary, North Carolina

Douglas Taylor has served as the National Venturing Committees Awards and Recognition Chair since 2020. In this role he oversees the awards, ranks and recognition that make up the Venturing program; from the Venturing Leadership Award, to the Summit Rank. Douglas also serves as a Council Advisor for the Mecklenburg Venturing Officer Association As a Venturer he also served as the Southern Region Venturing President in 2015.

As the Awards and Recognition Chair he works tirelessly to make sure that the Venturing Program works for the current and future venturers of this program. When National Service Territories were created he led a team to update and ultimately rewrite the new Venturing Leadership Award and Standard Operating Procedures. Due to Douglas' devotion, his team is actively working on two to three awards at all times

Anyone that knows Douglas, knows his passion for the Venturing Program. He will tell anyone that serving as a Council VOA advisor has been one of the most satisfying things he has done in scouting as an adult. To have venturers reach out to him on not only how to navigate scouting but also general life advice is something he is proud to do as that was the impact and support he had from his Advisors. The National Venturing Committee is honored to present Douglas Taylor with the National Venturing Leadership Award

Olivia Townsend Southwest Florida Council Bradenton, Florida

Olivia is from Bradenton, Florida in National Service Territory 16. As the 20222023 NVOA Vice President of Territory Support for the Eastern Territories, Olivia has held regular calls with each Eastern Territory VOA and developed personalized plans and resources to strengthen Venturing within each Territory.

Beyond what is expected from her job title, Olivia has gone above and beyond in mentoring many of the NST VOA Presidents and Vice-Presidents by guiding them through not only Venturing matters but also topics such as job applications and personal time management. Her creative solutions to problems and great communication skills have greatly helped the National Venturing Committee and Venturing as a whole. Olivia positively influences each team she is a part of through her outstanding character, leadership, and hard work.

In addition to holding awards and ranks such as the BSA Eagle Rank, the National Venturing Committee is excited to present Olivia with the National Venturing Leadership Award.

Micah Vacco

Northern Star Council Blaine, Minnesota

Micah is from Blaine, Minnesota in National Service Territory 4. As the 20222023 NVOA Vice President of Territory Support for the Western Territories, Micah has managed over twenty Venturing personnel. Micah sets very high standards and is available to support Venturers and Advisors, even at the oddest of times.

Micah helps Territory VOA Presidents in any capacity needed, which includes hosting monthly Zoom calls as a space where they can support one another. Micah has also regularly checked in with each Territory VOA President to provide them with any resources they need, while also being available to mentor them

Beyond the quality of their work, Micah has found innovative ways to make everyone around feel included. One of these beloved tactics include a section of their meetings titled “Memeing with Micah.” Through tactics such as this, Micah has not just supported the leaders of the Western Venturing Territories, but created a community within Venturing.

Under Micah’s leadership, the Western Territories have flourished Micah’s humble ambition and consistent joy have set the tone for all teams they are a part of. In addition to being part of the Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts, the National Venturing Committee is proud to name Micah as a National Venturing Leadership Award Recipient.

Nathan Vick Bluegrass Council Versailles, Kentucky

Nathan is from Versailles, Kentucky in National Service Territory 14. He has been involved in Venturing for twelve years and currently serves as the Website Lead on the National Venturing Committee. Nathan stepped into this position at a crucial point during the Venturing program restructure and has made Venturing information more accessible through his hard work on the website.

As the Website Lead, Nathan was asked to update the new site structure as well as archive and maintain the records of all files on the site. He went above and beyond in his position by also collecting and archiving files from each of the regional Venturing websites.

Nathan also works as the liaison to the BSA Website Development Team and works closely with the NVOA Vice President of Communication to push out updates about the Venturing program. As Nathan works with youth officers, his helpful and encouraging leadership style allows for ideas to bounce off each other and for youth to jump in and try new things.

Throughout all that Nathan does, he delivers high-quality results in a timely fashion, while maintaining a humble and respectful attitude. The National Venturing Committee is proud to present Nathan Vick with the National Venturing Leadership Award.

Previous Recipients of the National Venturing Leadership Award

Asterisks (*) are used to denote those who received their Venturing Leadership Award for their service to the Sea Scouting program. Starting in 2017, the new Sea Scout Leadership Award will instead be used to recognize outstanding individuals in that program.

Youth Recipients

2022

Tara Izadi (NST 3)

Carina Landgraf (NST 16)

Steven Soto (NST 3)

Nicole Steele (NST 3)

Miciah Thacker (NST 9)

Freedom Transley (NST 11)

2021

Ian Arnold (Northeast)

Amy Hermann (Southern)

Brenna Leary (Northeast)

Juliana Murillo (Central)

Andrew Steckner (Central)

Samantha Troiano (Northeast)

2020

Ryan Davis (Southern)

Tyler Grey (Western)

Ella Hirsch (Southern)

Lyndsey Nedrow (Northeast)

Natalie Nichols (Central)

Clare Toman (Northeast)

2019

Pamela Petterchak (Central)

Reece Kilbey (Western)

Jake Brillhart (Southern)

Katelyn St. Louis (Northeast)

Hannah Wheaton (Southern)

2018

Lydia Borah (Southern)

Ripley Price (Northeast)

Dominic Wolters (Central)

Savannah McMillan (Southern)

2017

Christopher Mausshardt (Central)

Michelle Merritt (Northeast)

2022

Adult Recipients

Cynthia Cyrus (NST 14)

Steve Garner (NST 9)

Tanadet Itsarapakdetam (NST 3)

Richard Kagawa (NST 3)

Bernie Lockard (NST 12)

Gail Plucker (NST 14)

2021

Gordon Leary (Northeast)

Jamie Shearer (Northeast)

Elizabeth Finley (Western)

2020

David Bush (Southern)

Julie Dalton (Central)

Jim Lynch (Southern)

April McMillan (Southern)

Bob Sirhal (Northeast)

2019

Scott Sorrels (Southern)

Aaron Parks-Young (Southern)

Sherry McGugin (Southern)

2018

Robbie DiBiagio (Northeast)

Jeff Geralds (Central)

Jennifer Hancock (Southern)

Jack Furst (Southern)

2017

Russ Hunsaker (Western)

Andrew Miller (Northeast)

2016

Wendy Kurten (National Council)

Bob Scott (National Council)

2015

Jessica Ayala-Janscha (National Council)

Ken Bower (Western)

Youth Recipients

2017 (Continued)

Erik Saderholm (Northeast)

Katie Schneider (Western)

Cathie Seebauer (Central)

Nate Steele (Central)

2016

Shannon Mulligan (Western)

Pratik Vaidya (Western)

Christina Vogt (Central)

2015

Edward Abraham (Western)

Rachel Eddowes (Southern)

Emily Mausshardt (Central)

* Peter Schmidt (Central)

Elizabeth Wisman (Central)

2014

Maddie Culwell (Southern)

Jillian Infusino (Western)

* William McElligott (Southern)

Ryan Mitchell (Southern)

Gerry Souser (Northeast)

2013

* Matthew Miller (Southern)

Sarah Mittrucker (Central)

Annaliese Parker (Western)

Cara Sepcoski (Northeast)

2012

* Eva Hogan (Southern)

Christine Luczka (Northeast)

Josh Nolan (Southern)

Dustin Readenour (Central)

Brent Uberty (Western)

2011

Dan Carriveau (Central)

Gina Curtis (Northeast)

David Frolander (Southern)

* Vanya Keys (Western)

Mackenzie Lardie (Western)

Jennifer Lowe Woolley (Western)

2010

Amy Clark (Northeast)

Adult Recipients

2015 (Continued)

* Keith Christopher (National Council)

Angela Elliott (National Council)

John Kennedy (Northeast)

Ken King (Central)

Peter Self (National Council)

Don Shepard (National Council)

2009

Keith Gehlhausen (Central)

2008

Roger Bast (Northeast)

Greg Taylor (Southern)

Jim Virgin (Western)

Joseph Vollmer (Central)

2007

Tim Beaty (Central)

Charles Dahlquist II (Western)

Dana McRae (Western)

Tom Mildenhall (Western)

Kevin Peterson (Western)

Marion Rice (Western)

Jim Smith (Western)

Charles Thorpe (Southern)

Michael Walker* Dan Wilson (Southern)

2006

Michael Barrett

Craig Burkhardt (Central)

Ian Cheesman (Central)

Paul Dillon (Central)

* Roberta Dougherty (Southern)

John Smith (Central)

2005

Rhoda Clayton (Western)

* Richard Cuciti (Western)

J. Stephen Fossett (Central)

David Wilson (Western)

2004

Dorothy BrownWilliam Daggett (Southern)

Ben Jelsema (Southern)

* Wm. Lee Popham (Southern)

William Robinson (Central)

Youth Recipients

2010 (Continued)

Kalla French (Southern)

Ben Hayes (Central)

Jennifer Lowe (Western)

* Connor Rieve (Northeast)

2009

Katelyn Childs (Central)

Kyla Mahoney (Northeast)

Matthew McGroarty (Western)

* Monica Traylor (Southern)

John Washburn (Southern)

2008

* Doug Bowman (Central)

Dana Friede (Western)

Thomas Joyce (Southern)

2008

Andria Neff (Northeast)

Amanda Vogt (Central)

2007

Michael Bebeau (Southern)

* David George (Western)

Robyn Knoll (Western)

Aaron Stockwell (Northeast)

Christopher Szybisty (Central)

2006

Marguerite Belli (Southern)

Brian Casper (Western)

Paul Lee (Central)

* Jesse Milton (Central)

Jess Rumburg (Northeast)

2005

Lee Barrera (Southern)

Bridget Degel (Central)

Amara DiFrancesco (Western)

Amy Frantz (Northeast)

* James Houghton (Northeast)

2004

Danielle Bird (Northeast)

Joshua Green (Western)

Iris Kalkofen (Central)

* Christopher Kerzich (Central)

Adult Recipients

2004 (Continued)

* Carl Shellhorn (Western)

Theodore Smith (Northeast)

* Walter Whitacre (Southern)

2003

Gregory Carstens (Central)

Clayton Cranor (Western)

Raymond Derk (Central)

Susan Derk (Central)

Charles Holmes (National Council)

* Cassie Johnson (Southern)

Signe Rogers (Central)

Matt Szramoski (Northeast)

2002

Kerry Cheesman (Central)

Bradley Harris (Western)

* William James (Northeast)

* Rick Lydecker (Northeast)

Jin Matsumoto (Southern)

Rod Mortensen

2001

* Jeremiah Crabtree (Northeast)

R. William Evans (National Council)

F. Melvin Hammond (Western)

* Bruce Johnson (Northeast)

Robert Legg (Northeast)

* Ronald Sunker (Southern)

2000

Ed Burke Jr. (Northeast)

Donna Cunningham (Southern)

Larry Cunningham (Southern)

* Jim Elroy (Western)

* Robert French (Western)

* Jimmie Homburg (Southern)

Richards Miller (Southern)

Bob Soldivera (Northeast)

* James Umberger (Southern)

Youth Recipients

2004 (Continued)

Randall Porch (Southern)

2003

Melisa Bures (Western)

Thomas Franklin (Southern)

* Cyrus Lawyer IV (Northeast)

Nathan Petrusak (Central)

Thomas Southard (Northeast)

Sam Stocker (Central)

2002

Timothy Burchett (Western)

Christine Lynne Capen (Northeast)

* Katie Hagen (Southern)

Marissa Morgan (Central)

Robert Rescot (Central)

Francesca Anne Scanio (Southern)

2001

Daniel Bronstein (Western)

Katherine Knuth (Central)

Kelly McGovern (Northeast)

James ‘Wesley’ Miller (Southern)

Kristopher Zahrobsky (Central)

2000

Jonathan Fulkerson (Central)

Chad King (Central)

* Christopher Sokolov (Western)

Gavin Svensen (Northeast)

Sylvester Tan (Southern)

James Wells (Southern)

LEAD THE ADVENTURE

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