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.