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