2020 Winter Edition

VVOOL LUUMME E OONNE E | | I SI SS SUUE E T O HR NEEE

Editor’s Note

Editor In Chief: Nicole Steele Designer: Jonathan Bergler

N I C O L E ST E E L E

Hello Venturers, Advisors, friends, and families, Before we dive any further into the third edition of The Venturing Newsletter, I’d like to say “Happy 22nd Birthday” to everybody’s favorite program and hobby, Venturing. On February 9, 1998, the outdoor-oriented posts of the old Explorer program and the renamed Sea Scouts were combined to revamp the program that served older youth, forming Venturing. This summer, we will be celebrating all of the amazing experiences Venturing has offered us as well as making new memories with other green shirts across the country at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. One of my personal friends, Quan Phung, has shared his experience at both the first and second biennial VenturingFest in this edition.

Throughout my past four years in Venturing, I have seen the program tremendously impact my life. I have learned to take more responsibility and how to lead, I can confidently plan and advertise events, I have been blessed with more adventures than many could even dream of, and I have gained confidence that allows me to go out and make friends in an unknown group.

Having met countless Venturers, I can confidently say that Venturing’s mark is left on each Scout that wears its uniform. Michelle Merritt, our 2018-2019 National Venturing Officers’ Association President, has shared with us on page 19 how Venturing has personally impacted her.

We have many other amazing articles featured in this edition that highlight how unique Venturing and the Scouts and Scouters involved in it are. If you have any more ideas for the newsletter or have heard an extraordinary story about a Venturer, please let us know by emailing nationalventuringcommunication@gmail.com or messaging us on Facebook!

Yours in Scouting,

Nicole Steele

CONTENTS 3 ADVENTURE 2 021 N a t i o n a l S c o u t J a m b o r e e - 2 G e t t i n g E x c i t e d f o r Ve n t u r i n g Fe s t 2 02 0 - 3 S o u t he r n Re g i o n ’s W i n t e r Fe s t - 7 Le t ’s G e t Pu n n y : Ve n t u r i n g Pu n s - 9

LEADERSHIP I c e B r e a ke rs f o r Yo u r N ex t C r e w M e e t i n g - 11 G e t t i n g t o K n o w Yo u r N a t i o n a l Co m m i t t e e - 13

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PERSONAL GROWTH Pa s t N a t i o n a l V O A Pr e s i d e n t S ha r e s H e r S t o r y - 19 B r e a k i n g D o w n t he S c o u t O a t h - 21 A Ve n t u r e r o n a n A n t a r c t i c E x p e d i t i o n - 23

SERVICE

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Pro j e c t H i g hl i g h t : The L i n u s Pro j e c t - 27 Ve n t u r e r Le a d s Lo c a l Fi r e Re s t o r a t i o n - 2 9 M e e t Yo u r U p c o m i n g 2 02 0 - 2 021 N V O A - 31

Ca l e n d a r - 33

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Adventure

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO WITH VENTURINGFEST 2020 Page 3

SOUTHERN REGION’S WINTERFEST

LET’S GET PUNNY: VENTURING PUNS

Page 7

Page 9

JULY 21-30, 2021

THE 2021 NATIONAL JAMBOREE

POWERED BY VOLUNTEERS LIKE YOU

VOLUNTEER TODAY AT JAMBOREE.SCOUTING.ORG YOU CAN ALSO FIND INFO ON: JAMBOREE SERVICE TEAM POSITIONS & REQUIREMENTS—WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2021

WINTER EDITION

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2016 2018 2020

WHAT TO LOOK FOWARD TO THIS YEAR BY

QUAN

PHUNG

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201 6 & 201 8 Pa r t i ci p a n t

I

remember very clearly four years ago, in early 2016, when I was just getting involved in Venturing and decided to go to a VOA meeting in my local council. They brought up an event I had never even heard of called VenturingFest. The event sounded really amazing, but I didn’t think much of it since it was only four months away and there was no way I could get my crew on board and ready to go within a small window of time, so I forgot about it relatively quickly. About a month later, I got an email from the Orange County Council Newsletter saying that they were taking a contingent to VenturingFest 2016 and would waive our camp fees if we signed up. That was all it took. In the short span of three months, 16 of my Crew members signed up and headed to the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.

That was my first time at the Summit, and it is a sight every Scouter should see while in the program. Any outdoor activity you can think of is be offered at the Summit. There are ziplines, rock climbing, shooting sports, mountain bikes, fishing and so much more. My time at VenturingFest 2016 was the first time I got to shoot a crossbow, the first time I had ever mountain biked, and the first time I had ever gone skateboarding. Nothing can beat the Summit in terms of its wide assortment of activities you can do, and because of this I often call the Summit Bechtel Reserve the “Disneyland of Scouting”

The magical part, however, was not the activities, but the community and people in the Venturing Program that I was able to meet in the process.

Seeing the bigger world of Scouting and more specifically Venturing made me realize that Venturing isn’t just my Crew, but an entire organization with thousands of members. For the first time, I didn’t feel alone in the Venturing program as every else had the same background and understanding that I did with Venturing.

VenturingFest allowed me to meet some amazing people as well as solidify WINTER EDITION

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relationships with the people I knew beforehand, and it kickstarted my Venturing Crew with a huge amount of momentum after the event. I can proudly say that because of VenturingFest, my Crew is still going strong in 2020 even though most of the original group that went to VenturingFest 2016 have aged out of the program.

I went into VenturingFest 2018 in a very different place. Because of the relationships and people I met at VenturingFest 2016, I was now a Region VOA officer and I went without my Crew as they were off at another event. Instead I went with the WR Area 4 Contingent. I saw many familiar faces this time that I had gotten to know and become very close to as well as meeting many new faces as well.

You could immediately tell that VenturingFest 2018 was planned to be bigger and better than the first one, and the planning committee absolutely delivered. From my best memory, there were around 600 people at the first VenturingFest, and looking around the crowds at the opening ceremony there looked to be around 2,000 people at VenturingFest 2018.

This time, it was fun to walk around the entire camp just to say hi to other Crews and contingents. It was also fun to see games and activities that weren’t at VenturingFest 2016, like the 4-way Region Capture the Flag game with glow sticks (West is Best) as well as the awesome dance party that the Southern Region VOA threw one of those nights. Of course,

as always, the Summit never disappointed when it came to all the cool outdoor activities we could do, now including shotgun shooting, canopy tours, and the water reality course!

It was awesome to see this event grow, and after I came home from VenturingFest 2018 I realized that VenturingFest as an event is here to stay and it will only grow bigger and bigger as more people hear about it and pass it along! I fully expect Venturing Fest 2020 to be bigger in size and scale, and I would highly recommend you go whether it be with your Crew or as an individual in a contingent! Even if you have already been, this year will be an entirely unique experience that I fully recommend. You’ll get to do some things you would never get to do anywhere else, meet some amazing people, and most importantly create memories that you and your crew will hold for the rest of their lives!

REGISTER NOW AT

SUMMITBSA.ORG JUNE 28 TO JULY 3, 2020

SOUTHERN REGION’S

WinterFest

CONNOR HARLING

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SR VOA V P C o m m u nic at io n s

There were several activities designed for

Career-oriented Posts, especially those in law enforcement and medical skills. Several Crews, such as

S

ince 1974, the BSA Winterfest has been a feature event for Scouting in the Southeast. This year’s

Winterfest was held in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, February 7-9. It’s billed as “the world’s largest annual gathering of Explorers and Venturers.” For one snowy weekend, the town was full of Posts, Crews, Ships, and even some Troops.

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Venturing Crew 75 from Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, competed in some of these specialties and won in both skills tests and exams. The opportunities for Shooting Sports, both indoors and outdoors, as well as climbing and cope activities, bowling, canoe racing, and more brought along many new experiences for Venturers. Venturing also offered a whole area of games and competitions and STEM activities.

One of

The Communications team offered Venturing

folks a chance to hear about the state of our program,

my favorite parts of the

as the Venturing Town Hall and Roundtable were

weekend was heading

broadcasted live through our Southern Region Face-

down to the last round of

book Page. We heard from both National Venturing

the Pistol, Rifle, and Shotgun com-

Director Owen McCulloch and National Advisor

petition along with some other Venturers, including

Robbie DiBiagio- as well as the entire NVOA! For the

Southern Region VOA President Ella Hirsch, who was

first time, the National Venturing President Pamela Pet-

unable to join her university Shooting Sports team for

terchak and the National VOA Vice President Katelyn

their competition that weekend. There were many oth-

St. Louis, as well as all of the Region VOA Presidents

er cherished moments of fellowship, such as the mas-

and the entire Southern Region VOA were in one

sive pot of Jambalaya made by the Southern Region

place! The highlight of the morning was a Rock Pa-

staff and shared with participants until it was gone and

per Scissors tournament featuring the National VOA

Saturday evening’s talent show. Even though long-time

officers versus the Southern Region VOA. Pam Petter-

Scouter Steve Simmons couldn’t join us, the Squeeze-

chak’s team won in the last round.

boxes that he previously made popular at Winterfest

were there and many new Venturers learned to navi-

Awards were presented on Sunday Morning at the

gate tight spaces.

SR Southern Brunch along with the recognition of all of

the Southern Region Summits of 2019, concluding this

New to Winterfest this year was a canned

The Southern Region’s Venturing Leadership

food drive, created by Southern Region VOA Vice-

year’s program.

President of Programs, Samantha Hill. Crews brought

bags of canned goods and received chances to win

challenges. If you are in the area or want to plan a

Southern Region Merchandise in return. All the food

trip, the 2021 Winterfest has already been scheduled

was donated to a local ministry.

for February 5-7 in Gatlinburg, so come see for your-

This year’s Winterfest was full of activities and

self how much fun you can have!

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NEWSLETTER

Leadership

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ICE BREAKERS FOR YOUR NEXT CREW MEETING

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NATIONAL COMMITTEE

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Ice Breakers FOR YOUR NEXT CREW MEETING

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NICOLE STEELE, EDITOR IN CHIEF

ONE FISH, TWO FISH, RED FISH, BLUE FISH

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VENTURING

It may sound childish, but one thing I’ve learned through Venturing is that it doesn’t matter how old you are; both Cub Scouts and 20 year old Venturers will enjoy this. Choose one person to be “it” and have them stand a ways away from the group, their back turned away from everyone else and an object on the floor behind them. Still faced away, have them yell “one fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish” (the tongue-twister aspect of this adds extra fun) and then turn back to the group as soon as they finish saying the phrase. Similar to Red Light, Green Light, as the phrase is being yelled, the group can run as far as they would like as long as they are entirely still by the time the “it” person turns around. If they are caught moving, they have to go back to the starting line.

The object of the game is for the group to work together to get to the item that is on the floor behind the “it” person’s back to the starting line. Now here’s where it gets hard: once someone picks up the object, the “it” person has one guess every time they yell “one fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish” and turn around to try and figure out who is holding and hiding the object (it can be passed between people). If the person holding the object is guessed, the entire group has to restart.

NEWSLET TER

ZIP-ZAP

04

HUMAN KNOT

HUMAN TIC-TAC-TOE

02 03 Set up a three-by-three grid of chairs and divide your group into two equal teams. Number each person off so that you have one person on each team with a number that matches a person on the opposing team. Have one person who is not playing call a number. The two people with the number that was called will race to sit down in a chair that they want. The first person to sit down gets to stay while the other person goes back. The first team to get a straight line of three wins.

This one is my Crew’s favorite, we’ve even played it on a moving train before! To play, get the group in a circle, reach into the middle of the circle, and grab hands with two different people who are not next to you. From there, the group has to figure out how to untangle themselves without letting go of each others’ hands. To make things harder, try making the group do it with only one person talking, completely silent, or with your eyes closed!

This one is much less complicated than the last. Get the group in a circle with one person in the middle. The person in the middle will point to a person and yell “zip!” That person that was pointed to then has to duck as the two next to them yell “zap” and point to each other. Whoever yells “zap” and points last is out, unless the person in the middle did not duck below the zap in time, in which case they would be out. Additionally, one would be out if they yelled the wrong word or yelled “zap” when it was not their turn. When it gets to the last two people, have them stand back to back and walk away from each other until cued with “zip,” and then let the duel commence.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR VENTURING

NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

P RAT I K V A I D YA WHAT DO YOU DO WITHIN THE VENTURING NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS TEAM?

I am currently serving as the Communications Chair for Venturing. My role is to oversee the teams that maintain our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Medium), gather content from the field, facilitate webinars by request of the NVC, and keep our website up to date.

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN VENTURING?

I first learned about Venturing when I was a participant in Chief Seattle Council’s NYLT. I loved the sound of it and joined my crew the next month. I had been involved in Scouting as a Boy Scout for several years, but jumped at the opportunity to be involved in a program that allowed me to lead high adventure activities and explore lots of different interests while making friends. I loved the program when I joined, and can’t even imagine looking back!

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER GIVEN OR RECEIVED?

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

JEAN PEREA WHAT DO YOU DO WITHIN THE VENTURING NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS TEAM?

I currently serve as the Outreach Team Lead, which includes raising awareness for international Scouting opportunities, helping run the national Venturing Facebook page, collecting and highlighting interviews and photos for Venturing events across the nation, and facilitating #SDGSunday!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT YOUR POSITION IN VENTURING?

Running the #SDGSunday campaign and raising awareness for the Sustainable Development Goals is extremely satisfying! Highlighting events on the national page from Crews to the NVOA is.

WHAT WOULD YOU SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT AND WHY?

Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen, it’s super high-energy and it’s my all-time favorite song!

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUR

VENTURING NATIONAL COMMITTEE CONTINUED

N ATA L I E MAC E WA N WHAT DO YOU DO WITHIN THE VENTURING NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS TEAM?

I am currently serving as the Content Team Lead. I oversee a team of passionate Venturers in charge of outreach, our social media platforms, graphic design, and content creation.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME OUTSIDE OF VENTURING?

On campus I am involved in Air Force ROTC, several leadership boards, and the USC Triathlon Team. Outside of college I spend a lot of my free time exploring new places with friends, learning and trying new things, and trying to relax!

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN VENTURING?

I grew up in a Scouting family and always wanted a program to call my own. Girl Scouts in my area did not offer the same adventure the BSA offered, so I was an “honorary Cub Scout and Boy Scout ‘’ until I turned 14 and was able to join Venturing. My first Venturing event was a leadership training where I met Tanadet who then diligently convinced me to serve on the Council VOA. Since then, I have served Venturing at the Council, Area, Regional, and National levels, I have been able to take advantage of opportunities and experiences I never would have been able to access before, and I have grown tremendously as a leader.

SIMONE LAKE WHAT DO YOU DO WITHIN THE VENTURING NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS TEAM?

I’m the Primary Editor for the Venturing section of the scouting.org website. I update information, modify formatting, and create new pages such as the Venturing Alumni Network.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE APP ON YOUR PHONE?

Pinterest because (in my opinion) it’s the best way to record ideas and find inspiration.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER GIVEN OR RECEIVED?

“Do what you’ll remember more” because it has led me to countless adventures that I wouldn’t have experienced without that mantra.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

Hopefully working in the public relations field for an arts-centered non-profit. I grew up with arts and have seen the value of non-profits through the Scouting program. It would be an absolute joy to work with the two things that have had such an impact on me.

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BRANDON GAINES WHAT DO YOU DO WITHIN THE VENTURING NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS TEAM?

I am currently serving as the Platform Lead for the National Twitter page and I have been in this role since early 2018. My favorite part is giving out information and communicating with other Scouts on Twitter as well as seeing what they do that makes our program so great!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE APP ON YOUR PHONE?

Snapchat is my favorite because that’s how my friends and I communicate. Besides, who doesn’t love the silly filters?

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PET-PEEVE?

People who don’t pick up their feet when they walk.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?

When I am not participating in Scouting, I love to hangout with friends and go on adventures. We normally end up hiking or finding new restaurants in Detroit or Ann Arbor.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

In five years, I see myself finishing college and looking to get my masters degree. And of course, still being involved in scouting.

GORDON MEIER WHAT DO YOU DO WITHIN THE VENTURING NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS TEAM?

I work on creating media for all of the Venturing social media platforms. My favorite part about my position is the freedom and creativity to tell venturers stories and highlight amazing events around the nation.

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN VENTURING?

My troop created a Venturing Crew when I was around the age of 13. Many of my mentors were in the Venturing Crew and that made me look into venturing. That summer, our Crew went to Colorado. That trip really showed me what Venturing was all about.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?

I enjoy filming and taking photos for creative projects. I also read many news platforms to stay up to date.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

Working for a news affiliate in a top 25 market while filming wedding videos on the side.

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NICOLE STEELE WHAT DO YOU DO WITHIN THE VENTURING NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS TEAM?

I am the Publications Lead, making me the Editor in Chief for the lovely newsletter you are currently reading! That means that I am in charge of finding and editing each of the articles, then working with Jonathan Bergler to ensure that everything looks good, although he makes that last step the easiest one.

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME OUTSIDE OF VENTURING?

At school, I am the Fellowship of Christian Athletes president and dance captain. Outside of school, I have trained in kempo karate with the United Studios of Self Defense for the last 7 years and have ridden horses since the age of three.

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN VENTURING?

My dad and my sister joined and re-vamped a crew near us when she was in the 8th grade. When I was nearing the age of 14, they started forcing me to go to events, which I absolutely hated! I was so awkward and uncomfortable being around such an outgoing group of people that were so close already. My first event was a hike, which I didn’t open my mouth to speak during even once! I had no option, however, and joined the crew. Now they are some of my closest friends and we all laugh over my first impression on them as they wish they could get me to stop talking again!

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PET-PEEVE?

The color chartreuse. You think “oh, chartreuse, so pretty sounding. It must be similar to magenta or something nice.” But no. It is an ugly neon green/ yellow that just looks like moldy key lime pie in color form.

J O N AT H A N B E R G L E R WHAT DO YOU DO WITHIN THE VENTURING NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS TEAM?

I am the Publications Designer which entails designing this newsletter!

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN VENTURING?

My family is a Scouting family. I am a fourth generation Scout, so it was natural that I joined Cub Scouts in first grade. After I achieved Eagle in 2016, I looked for what else I could do in Scouting along with continuing in my troop. My sister was in Venturing at the time and I decided to give it a try. Like many, I fell in love with the program and before I got involved with designing this newsletter I served two terms on my council VOA (as VP Communications, of course!)

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCOUTING MEMORY?

I know it sounds wrong, but my favorite Scouting memories are all of the things that didn’t go as planned at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. Being the ASPL, I had the pleasure of dealing with these issues, such as losing our Scoutmaster in the first airport, a Scout breaking the shower in our New York hotel, and waking up to the thirty two cell phones we collected all going off at 3:00am as a prank pulled on us (half an hour after the youth leaders were finally able to get some rest).

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TA N A D E T I TS A R A PA K D E TA M WHAT DO YOU DO WITHIN THE NATIONAL VENTURING COMMIT TEE?

I am currently serving as Vice-Chair of Administration. My roles are to oversee the administration works on the NVC, Communication Task Force, Award and Recognition Task Force, to support all my team members, and to serve at the pleasure of the National Venturing Chair, Jenn Hancock.

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN VENTURING?

I was a Sea Scout Leader when Venturing got started, and a friend asked me to help form the first crew in our council. I became Crew 22 Associate Advisor and founding member in Western Los Angeles County Council. Crew 22 was one of the first few crews that registered after the Venturing was born in 1998 (Excluding existing Explorer Posts). Since then, I found my place in Venturing.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER GIVEN OR RECEIVED?

“Trust me, it only takes one hour a week” WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCOUTING SONG?

After more than 10 years serving on Wood Badge staff. “Back to Gilwell” it must be.

JIM LYNCH WHAT DO YOU DO WITHIN THE NATIONAL VENTURING COMMIT TEE?

I serve at the pleasure of Jenn Hancock as the Vice Chairman of Program. I get to help guide program decisions, support Lizzie Kwok with Service, and serve as the adult chair of the 2020 VenturingFest. I also serve as Head Skunk at the Programs and Projects Skunk Works--with David Bush and Tom McDonald thinking up new ways to keep the program relevant.

WHAT ARE THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU?

First, I am the President of the Jenn Hancock Fan Club. Second, I was never in the Scouts BSA program--I was a cub, then an Explorer. Third, I love military history, especially aviation related.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCOUTING MEMORY?

My favorite scouting memory is when I showed up to Philmont in 1977 to be a first year Ranger and found out they were going to pay me to lead groups and hike all summer. I would have paid them to let me do that!

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FALL EDITION

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Personal Growth

PAST NATIONAL VOA PRESIDENT SHARES HER STORY Page 19

BREAKING DOWN THE SCOUT OATH

A VENTURER ON AN ANTARCTIC EXPEDITION

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Past National VOA President Shares Her Story M I C H E L L E

M E R R I T T

2 0 1 7 - 1 8 NAT IONAL VOA PR E SI DE N T

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W

hen I joined Venturing in 2013, I had no idea the places it would take me or how ingrained the program would become in my life. When I was fourteen, I was shy, lonely, and unconfident. I needed something that would force me to get out of my comfort zone and to make friends. I found this in Venturing. When I went on my first campout, it thrilled me to see how excited people were just to see each other and be in the outdoors. I loved that the older Venturers in the Crew showed me around and made me feel included. Leaving that trip, I knew I was going to stay involved.

Shortly after this first trip, I started being a leader in the Crew. I was ‘voluntold’ to be our Crew secretary, and my responsibilities in the Crew grew as my leadership skills grew. My love for Scouting also grew as I worked at summer camp and on NYLT staff. My best friend and I set our sights on earning the Venturing Summit Award.

To do so, we would need to go on a Tier 3 adventure. The summer of my junior year, I led my crew to northern Maine on a now infamous canoe trip. This trip is where I gained confidence in myself and my leadership abilities.

If I could lead a group of people, all older than me, on a 62-mile canoe trip, I knew that I could lead other events. I also had the friends, mentors, and advisors that would help me be successful in my future leadership positions.

My Crew advisor specifically has been a constant positive presence in my life, both in and out of Scouting, and without him I would not have been as motivated as I was to learn and lead in Scouting.

I started to be a part of Venturing leadership in my council and area. Volunteering at this level, I realized that people respected my opinions and wanted me to speak up and share ideas. Being the council and area Venturing president, I found my voice to help me advocate for other Venturers. I decided to take a chance and apply for national level leadership positions and was selected to be the National VOA Vice President and then National VOA President. The two years I spent working with the NVOA included many highs and lows. I got to travel the country, meet political and Scouting leaders, and sit on the executive board for the Boy Scouts of America. I also had to figure out how to be a leader of people with very different

goals, navigate the bureaucracy in a large organization, and balance being a chemical engineering student with the demands of my position. While the “highs” of the positions are the parts I talk about the most, it is the “lows” that I reflect on often and learned a lot from. I was never a perfect leader and I did not accomplish all of my goals, but I hope that I left the program better than I found it and helped local Venturers get excited about the program.

My time in the Venturing program as a participant ended recently as I turned 21. The skills that I gained as a Scout have made me confident that I will be successful in this transition to being a “real adult”. The past few years, I have stepped back from the Scouting program and am not as involved.

This has given me the time and energy to incorporate the values and skills I got from Venturing into my life. Currently, I am finishing up my first master’s degree and am excited to start my MBA in the fall. The organization and time management skills that I learned in Scouting made these academic accomplishments possible. When you stop traveling every weekend for Scouting, you learn you have a lot of free time.

To fill this time, I started playing Ultimate Frisbee and have become a leader on and off the field for the teams that I play on. My ability to be a successful leader is rooted in those trips that I planned and the projects that I managed throughout my Venturing career. Even if I am not doing Scouting work every day, I still think about the friends, values, memories, and skills that I have gotten from the program. Because I have gotten so much from Venturing, I will continue to be involved as long as I can so other young people can become better versions of themselves.

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Scout Oath BREAKING DOWN THE

ON MY HONOR an expression of sincerit y

I WILL DO MY BEST you’re not expected to be per fect, but you are pledging to tr y your hardest

TO DO MY DUTY a moral obligation

TO GOD Learn who God is. Our countr y was founded on a religious base, but many people have different views of who God is. By discerning this for yourself and following the teachings of your faith, you fulfill your dut y to God.

AND MY COUNTRY Many Americans have worked hard or given their life to protect the freedom and beliefs we have in America. However, there are also laws to protect us. Follow these laws to uphold your job as a citizen in America.

AND TO OBEY THE SCOUT LAW; 21

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Twelve adjectives that Scouts tr y to be in order to help societ y. We will get into these in the next newsletter.

TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE AT ALL TIMES; Strive to let your actions benefit others.

This may require generosit y of your time or money that is sometimes hard to give up. However, even something as small as a smile can make a huge impact on others. As scouts strive to “do a good turn daily,” they are helping the world grow to be a more joyous place. But don’t stop at simply one good turn, you are never too young or quiet to make a big impact!

TO KEEP MYSELF PHYSICALLY STRONG, We only have one body, tr y to take care of it so that you are able to go out and enjoy the world. Treat your body with respect, never doing anything to purposefully harm it.

MENTALLY AWAKE, Be fully present in whatever you are doing instead of let ting your mind wander. There is so much complexit y to the world, be inquisitive.

Learn as much as you can and tr y as many new activities as possible.

AND MORALLY STRAIGHT Develop morals that help others and stay true to them. As societ y may shake you in these morals, stay strong in your character. Many morals developed by Scouts tie into the t welve points of the Scout Law.

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L I A M

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ntarctica. A place like no other. A world virtually untouched by humans and preserved by the animals who live in an unparalleled harmony.

Over the course of 19 days, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the Antarctic region of our planet.

I was presented this opportunity by my Crew’s Committee Chair, who

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Vice President of Communications Support, WRA4

was going on a dive-based research trip to Antarctica to study the morphology of echinoderms and other small crustaceans. Simplified, how sea stars are different in different parts of the world, and why they are that way.

I was on a ship of 107 passengers and 45 crew members, which was just the right size in my mind (small enough to meet virtually everyone, big enough to spread out and have time to yourself).

Stops include the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Orkney Islands, Elephant Island, and other places on the Antarctic Peninsula.

After a series of biosecurity checks, I discovered each stop held a different combination of animals, nature, and new possibilities.

One of the most important lessons I learned was right at the end of the trip. On our very last landing, about thirty of us hiked up to the top of a hill overlooking the bay and the rest of the ocean. The view was absolutely stunning and incredible. After a few photos, we all sat down and enjoyed five minutes of complete silence, just taking in our beautiful surroundings.

It was the most magical moment of my life. Due to the small nature of our vessel, I was able to see just how small I am in the world. Both the ocean and the Antarctic continent are massive, however it also reaffirmed that no matter how small I am, I can still leave a big impact

on the world around me. It inspired me to not just have ideas, but to act upon them. Don’t just plan change, make change.

Don’t dwell on what has happened—push forward and strive for a new beginning. Every morning you have two choices: continue to sleep with your dreams or wake up and chase them. Since this voyage, I strive every day to chase my dreams, and I encourage you to do the same. Because good things come to those who go out and find them, rather than wait patiently. So go, stand up for what you believe in, step out into the sun, and find your dreams. They’re out there. I got a good like at mine, and I hope you will find yours.

However, this place is in serious danger due to the impact of humans. Because of the increase in carbon emissions coupled with temperature changes planetwide and pollu-

tion, the Arctic and Antarctic Region suffer the most. In the past few years, several species have been losing massive amounts of their population due to warmer waters, which prevents many from migrating back to Antarctica. Additionally, increasing pollution and harmful fishing methods kill many polar-region birds, whales, and other marine life.

So, what can we do to stop the adverse effects on this region of the planet? It may seem like you can have an impact, but that is not true.

For starters, the easiest thing to do is use your social media, across any and all platforms. Even if you haven been to Antarctica, promoting how ecologically and different this place is will spread the word. The more people who know and understand that this magnificent place is in danger, people will start to CONTINUED

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become more aware, and more willing to contribute to the cause. Additionally, supporting nonprofits and companies that promote sustainability as well as specifically the polar regions, is invaluable.

The more you support and promote their cause, the farther your message will go. Finally, if you can, visit Antarctica or the Arctic! There are plenty of people in the world that believe tourism in the polar regions is very harmful and leaves a negative impact on the ecosystem. However, I believe that if visited in accordance with proper regulations and in a controlled fashion, more people will begin to realize how unique these places are.

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Personally, I’ve grown so much because of this trip. Missing three weeks of school and my finals taught me to study hard, review, and plan for the work when I returned home. That said, this was a research trip, not a vacation—there was never a dull moment. It also instilled in me a greater sense of organization—forgetting just one thing on an expedition like this could be catastrophic, not to mention the organization of my school work. The teamwork required to accomplish goals both big and small was also astonishing. For a group of 106 passengers, there

were forty-five crew members on the ship. This expedition has taught me how to find the best place for me in a team. Being a leader in so many different aspects of my life, I learned to recognize and understand the role each member plays in a team, no matter its goal or function.

Remember, Scouting can take you far! I earned two merit badges just through my experiences! Experiences in the field are extremely enhanced and very rewarding. Never stop believing, and I encourage you, Lead the Adventure!

Service

SUMMIT HIGHLIGHT: THE LINUS PROJECT

VENTURER LEADS LOCAL SCOUT CAMP WILDFIRE RESTORATION

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joined Venturing on my fourteenth birthday and was so excited for the adventures ahead as well as the ability to do activities that other forms of Scouting did not provide. The Crew I joined taught me how to shoot guns, horseback ride, participate in high adventure camping, survival skills, and more.

As a freshman in college, I lived in the Science and Technology residential hall at Central Michigan University. I completed my Girl Scout Gold Award, similar to an Eagle Scout Award, a few months before starting college. This experience and the lessons learned helped me begin the fundamental steps to earning my Summit Award.

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I wanted more of a volunteer's experience, a challenge, and to make an impact on the local community, so I set out to start a project that would be continuous and reach farther than I could alone. I decided on a project making blankets for local hospitals, emergency rooms, and cancer centers. With that, The Linus Project was started, a non-profit blanket drive I started up on my campus. The project involved making security blankets for children who were in traumatic experiences, had health complications, or were in need of comfort.

After talking with my campus advisor, who loved the idea, I then connected with different university entities to collect donations of materials. I asked my friends to invite everyone they knew, along with residents from my resident's hall. For three hours, we tied no-sew blankets. I also asked for the assistance of local retirement homes on the project.

The next semester, we doubled the number of blankets made. Afterward, a few of the volunteers and I dropped the blankets off to the local hospital. The nurses at the hospital were very excited about the thoughtfulness of the blankets and the quantity we donated. The next year, The Linus Project went campus-wide with hundreds of other students helping out a cause that was close to my heart. When we dropped off the second batch of blankets, the nurses told us about the children eagerly looking forward to the picking out their very own blanket. Four years later, people still gather to make blankets to donate to the local hospital.

As a young woman in Venturing, I learned how to be a good leader, strengthen my communication skills, and enjoy the outdoors on a deeper level. The lessons I learned through Scouting has helped me achieve a college degree in Outdoor Education, Environmental Management and Museum Studies. Earning my Summit Award, along with my bachelor's degree, helped me get my dream job working for National Park Service. I am so grateful for the endless possibilities Scouting brings to youth.

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In 1914, Dr. William Hornaday, the founder of the National Zoo in Washington D.C., created the Wildlife Protection Medal. The objective was to encourage citizens to promote wildlife conservation and habitat protection. Upon his death in 1937, the award was renamed the William T. Hornaday Award in his honor.

R E C I P I E N T: John-Aaron Bozanic

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ornaday Awards are sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America, and are described as, “Olympic Medals bestowed by the Earth.� There are four levels of achievement, each requiring the equivalent of completing a conservation project similar in scope to an Eagle Scout or Summit Award project. In fact, with the proper project and planning, both the Summit Award and the Hornaday Award may be earned 29

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simultaneously with the same project. The four levels of achievement are Hornaday Badge 1, Badge 2, Bronze Medal, and finally the ultimate recognition, the Hornaday Silver Medal. This is a rare and prestigious award. Since 1914 only about 1,100 medals have been conferred. Compare this to over 1,000 youth earning Eagle Scout rank in Western Region Area 4 in 2019 alone!

John-Aaron Bozanic is managing the reconstruction of the Koll Mountain Trail at the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center (IROEC), a camp owned by Orange County Council. The original trail was constructed in 2006, but was destroyed in the Canyon Fire 2 wildfire in October 2017. John-Aaron (our WR Area 4 VOA Vice President of Communications) began working the project in Spring 2018. This is his third Hornaday project.

Immediately after the fire, strong concerns about increased erosion, due to loss of plant cover, slowed project initiation. During this time John-Aaron walked the trail, finding that nearly all of the signs, steps, and erosion mitigation structures had burned away. Later, delays in construction supply funding forestalled active building efforts long enough that the entire hillside (and prior trail) became overgrown with dense vegetation 8-10 feet high, making it nearly impossible to determine where the trail once ran.

Over the course of 10 workdays spread out over 14 months, John-Aaron amassed work teams of up to 20 people each to survey the route of a replacement trail, cut railroad ties and rebar to be used for making steps, clear vegetation, dig out portions of the trail that were buried by mud flows, place steps and water diversion barriers,

and remove burned trees and exposed rebar anchors that might compromise hiker safety. Some of the steps were constructed of concrete‌ all of the materials for which (cement, rebar, water, forms, etc) had to be carried up by hand to near the peak of Koll Mountain.

In January 2020, John-Aaron oversaw the final construction of the trail. The route to the top of Koll Mountain is actually a loop of just over a mile, and is being used by the many campers and public school science camp students who utilize the Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center. The formal trail opening will not occur until the new signs are emplaced, but John’s work has already benefited hundreds of people who are enjoying the newly constructed trail.

So, as you consider what to do for your Summit Award project, consider a conservation project that will help not only yourself, and not only other people, but the environment as well! And the next time you visit the IROEC, take the time to walk the newly reconstructed trail, admire the view from the top of Koll Mountain, and think of the many ways Scouts and Venturers have helped other people with the countless service projects they have managed through the years.

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MEET YOUR UPCOMING

2020 - 2021 NVOA Tyler Grey

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NATIONAL VOA PRESIDENT

Tyler Grey joined Venturing at the age of 13 to meet new people and have fun in the wilderness. He is from Western Los Angeles County Council in Los Angeles, California, and served most recently as the Western Region Venturing Officers’ Association President.

Tyler is an Eagle Scout and has earned the Council, Area, and Region Venturing Leadership Awards. He is also a Vigil Honor member of Malibu Lodge and has received the Silver Shark Award, Founder’s Award, and the James E. West Fellowship. Tyler has served on staff for a variety of National events and is a rising junior at the University of California, Davis studying Materials Science & Engineering.

Tyler hopes unite the National VOA to strengthen ties with the National Venturing Committee, increase transparency and visibility, and create orientation

Samantha Troiano

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NATIONAL VOA VICE-PRESIDENT

Samantha first joined Venturing at the age of 13 and found a home within the program. She is from Mayflower Council in Marshfield, Massachusetts, and served most recently as the Northeast Region Venturing Officers’ Association Vice-President of Administration.

Samantha is a Summit Award recipient, has the Pope Pius XII religious emblem, is an Ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow, and holds the Council, Area, and Region Venturing Leadership Awards. Samantha is a rising junior at the University of Maine, studying Education and History.

Samantha hopes to assist the continuation of uniting the National Venturing community through the creation of resources to further strengthen VOAs, encouraging the increasing collaboration between the four Regions, and establishing open and honest communication between herself and the rest of the NVOA. 31

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Amy Hermann

SOUTHERN REGION VOA PRESIDENT

Ian Arnold

NORTHEAST REGION VOA PRESIDENT

Andrew Steckner

CENTRAL REGION VOA PRESIDENT

juliana Murillo

WESTERN REGION VOA PRESIDENT

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“SOCIAL DISTANCING” MEETING AND ACTIVITY IDEAS - Take this time to catch up on online first aid and CPR trainings - Complete an online rank-required training as a Crew - Use a video chat app for meetings, or play charades of pictionary using the screen share feature - Use Netflix Party to watch a movie at the same time while not needing to leave the house - Download a multiplayer game app to play games with your Crew - Create a stay-at-home fitness plan for your Crew to complete together - Use this time to plan out future outings Most of all, stay safe and continue to lead the adventure!

VENTURING 30CHALLENGE DAY CHALLENGE VENTURING 30-DAY APR 2020

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P ICK U P G ROC ERIES FOR A NEIGHBOR

D O A COO KI N G C H AL L EN G E US I N G F OOD I N TH E P A N TRY

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R EF LEC T O N THE P AST MO NTH

F O L L O W A L O N G W I T H T H E C A L E N D A R A N D C H E C K - O F F E A C H D AY Y O U PA R T I C I PAT E I N S H A R E YO U R J O U R N E Y O N S O C I A L M E D I A W I T H # V E N T U R I N GAT H O M E FO L LO W A L L P U B L I C H E A LT H R E G U L AT I O N S , S U C H AS S O C I A L D I STA N C I N G HAVE FUN, BE POSITIVE, AND SPREAD THE SPIRIT OF SCOUTING!

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