West is Best!
WESTERN REGION VENTURING
Volume 3, Number 2
President’s Message:
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appy Winter to the Western Region! I hope you have all had a wonderful fall full of Venturing adventures. I know I sure have!
I ended Fall attending the Regional Board Meetings, the Area 1 Venturing Jillian Infusino R.A.V.E and Powder Horn all in a matter of two weeks! I had a great time repreWestern Region President, 2013-14 senting Western Region Venturing at the Region Board Meetings. Region staff were very impressed! Thank YOU for all your hard work! Has your Crew done something awesome in the past few weeks or months? If you did, I want to hear about it and feature YOUR Crew on our Region Venturing website for all to see! Email me your story with a photo at president@wrventuring-bsa.org so we can publicize you and your AWESOME CREW! We have a brand new website slated for a first-of-the-new-year release and – who knows – you just might be on there! As many of you have already heard, our 2014 Venturing youth conference will be held Labor Day weekend in Elbert, Colorado, and will be hosted by the Denver Area Council. Mark your calendar to close out your 2014 summer with us! We’re going to have very special and “never-been-done-before” activities at this conference, so PLAN to be with us! If you’re interested in helping with the planning process for this confernce, we’d LOVE your help and/or input! Email Jeremy Felty, our Region VOA Vice President of Program, at: vpprgm@wrventuringbsa.org Are you ready for the new Venturing Program that is set to be released May 2014? If you still have questions or would like more information, read the FAQ article in this newsletter or check out: scouting.org/scoutsource/Venturing/NewProgAnnouncement.aspx If you have other questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to email me... I’d be happy to talk to you more about the new program! As soon as more information is released, we will make sure to get it out to you via our Facebook page: facebook.com/westernregionventuring If you have any other questions, comments, or concerns, or just want to say “Hi” and share your Crew activities with me, feel free to email me at any time! I love hearing from you all! I hope you have a happy holiday season and a nice winter break from school that is filled with Venturing activities! Remember WEST is BEST! – Jillian
Winter Quarter 2013-2014
Venturing Youth Conference Set for Labor Day weekend
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XTRAVAGANZA! That’s what planners are calling the annual Venturing Youth Conference set for the Labor Day weekend in 2014 – specifically, August 29 to September 1. The “W.R.V.E.” – or Western Region Venturing Extravaganza – will be held at Camp Cris Dobbins (Peaceful Valley Ranch) in the Denver Area Council. The camp is located at 7,000 fee elevation near the town of Elbert, CO – about 90 minutes from the Denver airport, and 45 minutes from the Colorado Springs airport. Plans are already under way for an exciting event, and this will be the sixth annual region Venturing Youth Conference.
Two Areas in Region to realign
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ffective January 1, 2014, councils from the current Area 2 and Area 5 will be reconfigured into a single Area, to be called “Area 2.” This newly combined Area will include the councils that comprised both current areas, with the exception of Ore-Ida Council (headquartered in Boise, ID) which will join Area 1. The newly configured Area 2 will represent about 45% of Venturing membership in the Region, and will include the eastern half of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and virtually all of Utah and Colorado. After the realignment, Area 2 will have Michael Marchese as Area Director and Paul Clyde will serve as Area President. Since there is no Venturing Cabinet in the current Area 5, the Area Venturing President will be Bailey Peterson from Area 2. Contact William Stark (williamstarkjr@gmail.com) or Tom Harrington (thomas.harrington @scouting.org) for President’s Message ................... pg. 1 more information; Area Merger ............................... pg. 1 and as it becomes Area 1 R.A.V.E ........................... pg. 2 available, it will be Area 4 Powder Horn .................. pg. 3 posted on the Western Region Area 6 Adventure Rendezvous.. pg. 4 Venturing website, FAQs: “New” Venturing....... pgs. 5-7 Facebook page and Area 3 “Safety at Sea” .................. pg. 8 Twitter account.
In This Issue...
R.A.V.E. at Scouters Mountain was‘Really Awesome Venturing Experience’ Area 1 has been busy. We recently held our annual “Really Awesome Venturing Experience” - or “R.A.V.E.” - November, which took place at Scouters Mountain near Portland, Oregon. The R.A.V.E. had close to 100 participants throughout the weekend who came in from all over Area 1. Participants made bullets, went to a water park, went rock climbing and participated in other activities brought in by the Oregon National Guard. Participants got to take classes ranging from meet the man to leave no trace camping. Participan A highlight of the weekend was the dance held on Saturday night. Jillian Infusino, Western Region Venturing President, flew up for the we weekend to participate in the event with us. The parti participants really had a blast having her there, an and appreciated the time to talk with her about hher job and the Venturing program. Overall, R.A.V.E. was a huge success; we had Ov a blast blas and many said they couldn’t wait to go next year. – submitted by James Guzek, VP-Administration, Area 1 Venturing Officers Assn. Ve
Powder Horn in Area 4 features Region Past Presidents plus high adventure skills, resources, consultants
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n November, a region Powder Horn course was hosted by the Long Beach Area Council. Of note: Much of the staff consisted of past Western Region
Venturing Presidents, including course director Melisa Bures (2002-03). Other Region Venturing Presidents included Jillian Infusino (2013-14) Annaliese Parker (2012-2013, current National Venturing President), Brent Uberty (2011-12), Mackenzie Lardie (2010-11), Dan Bronstein (2000-01), and David George (National Boatsway and National President, 2006-2008). For those unfamiliar with Powder Horn, it’s an outdoor, high adventure resource management course designed to motivate and prepare adult and youth leaders to provide their unit with related program activities and introduce outstanding consultants for those crew-level events. Throughout the four-day course held at Camp Tahquitz (in Southern California), the 54 participants enjoyed classroom and outside activities that helped them understand the Venturing program better. For all of the course activities offered, one could discover resources to do with your ship or crew -- from emergency preparedness and leave no trace outdoor skills, to astronomy and SCUBA. One session included the latest information on program changes in Venturing expected in 2014. Outdoor activities were geocaching, canoeing and rowboats, climbing, COPE, outdoor living history (i.e., a mule packer and an Ol’ West Re-enactment Group) , and shooting sports (guns and archery). Everyone had a great time. New friends from different councils and different states were made, and new resources (consultants) discovered. With the closing awards ceremony, almost everyone was disappointed because the “good times” with new friends was coming to an end. Although the course is completed and all are home safe, we will continue to share our experience at Powder Horn and encourage others to take the action-packed course. – submitted by Travis Burks Area 4 VOA VP-Communications
More photos of Powder Horn in Area 4
Venturing Island Adventure Rendezvous Over the weekend of October 4-6, 2013 the San Diego Imperial Council Venturing Officers Association held its annual Venturing Island Adventure Rendezvous at the San Diego Youth Aquatics Center. Activities included sailing, kayaking, and canoeing as well as classroom sessions on Dutch oven cooking, and many others related to the Ranger Award. A big hit with the Venturers was the Velcro® wall which was new this year. Many of the participants had an amazing time learning about new activities they could take part in! Participant count was about 150 youth and adults, one of the largest turnouts to date! We even had participants from Area 4 – from the councils of LA and Inland Empire. Being able to gain new members allowed for us to gain new contacts and spread this adventure further out. This event provides opportunity to run seasons and fulfill requirements, as well as what is most important, to have fun and network with others. We all had a ton of fun and hope for more attendees next year, so we can continue on with our goal and keep this event going strong! – submitted by Shannon Mulligan Area 6 VOA President
Get the FAQs about the 2014 Venturing Program Speculation continues to be widespread and confusing re: expected changes to the Venturing Program in 2014 as announced at the National Meeting in May 2013. A presentation was made to national leaders of Scouting specifically addressing anticipated enhancements and modifications. At that meeting, the following FAQs information was provided. As of this publication date, specific roll-out of the new Venturing Program is not expected until May 2014. The following questions and responses provid leaders with some perspective of what Venturing will become.
What is a quick overview of the vision for the new Venturing Program? The new vision for Venturing uses youth-led adventures and a simplified program model to provide a means of developing leadership skills, reinforcing the value of service to others, and creating opportunities for personal growth in line with the Scout Oath and Law. What are “adventures?” Adventures are any Venturer-designed rer-designed and –lead experience that at interests Venturers and help carry out of their comfort zones. In Venturing,, adventures can be based on STEM exploration, outdoor adventure, faith journeys, urneys, arts and hobbies, or anything that at appeals to the members of a crew. Will this still work with existing crews? Yes, the new program model enhances Venturing’ss current strengths, while allowwing crews flexibility in terms erms of the program “vehicle” used – outdoor tdoor adventure, STEM, faith-based experiences, eriences, arts and hobbies, among others. The new vision for Venturing is adaptable to any activity or interest that allows for opportunities for continuous, youthled adventure. The continuous process of reflection and goal-setting built into the new model helps youth better appreciate the deeper purpose behind the activities in which they already participate, as well as encourage them to explore new growth opportunities. Relatively few Venturers take advantage of the current awards program in Venturing. Will advancement become more central in the new program? In the new program model, goals and objectives take centerstage, providing a structure for organizing crew-organized adventures. The new structure offers core elements that can guide all crews and that will give each Venturer an opportunity for learning and growth.
Changes made to the Venturing awards will better align Venturing recognition with what crews do. As Venturers achieve the goals they set under the new structure, they will also advance up through the several award levels. Each element of the award program also provides a benchmark for a successful crew. An overall goal of the new system is to recognize more Venturers for doing what Venturers do best: having fun as they pursue adventure, leadership, service, and personal growth.
Will the current bronze awards remain? No. All five of the current bronze awards will be retired. The new program will have one award at that level. Will the medals continue to be used as the main recognition devices? It has been recommended, but not finalized, that only the highest award be signified with a medal, while the others will be represented using a patch and/or a pin. This will also align Venturing with current practices in Sea Scouting and Boy Scouting as well as the traditions established from Exploring. Will the Ranger, Quest, and TRUST awards be retained? Yes. All three expert awards will remain under the new Venturing model. Because the separate, specialty Bronze awards will be retired, however, all of the current requirements for these awards will need
to be satisfied while working specifically on the Ranger, Quest, or TRUST award. How is the new model structured? Venturing will be organized around four “pillars”: adventure, leadership, service, and personal development. These pillars are informed by the work of the BSA’s 411 Task Force and research on the wants and needs of this age group, helping to ensure that Scouting is a continuous program for youth from ages 7 to 21 that uses age-appropriate program models to achieve a common set of youth development outcomes. Under each pillar, youth will be encouraged to set and meet goals in order to earn Venturing awards. What is the vision for the new Silver Award model? The aim of the new model will be to ensure that recipients of the capstone Venturing (whose name is not yet final) have achieved and demonstrated skills that identify themselves as effective leaders, valued community members. a Through b a l a n c e d
program that involves serving others throughout Venturing their tenure and through a capstone project, organizing adventures, exercising leadership and setting and achieving challengship, ing personal goals, Venturers will be recognized for distinguished character and leadership. What is the difference between advancement and recognition in the new Venturing model? Advancement takes place within the progressive program system described in the program matrix. Levels of performance and achievement are provided within the four pillars of Adventure, Leadership, Service, and Personal Growth. Recognition comes through the development of skills and experiences throughout the Venturing program, including the specialty awards of Ranger, TRUST, and Quest.
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tage of a training opportunity – most of the advancement will take place at each level while seeking to achieve that level.
FAQs
Venturing has, since its inception made use only of recognition. How is the new system different? Advancement takes place within the progressive program system present described in the Silver Award program matrix. Levels of performance and achievement are provided within the four pillars of Adventure, Service, Personal Growth, and Leadership. Recognition is present through the use of the expert awards of Ranger, TRUST, and Quest.
2014 Venturing continued
What is the difference between advancement and recognition in the new Venturing model? Advancement takes place within the progressive program system described in the program matrix. Levels of performance and achievement are provided within the four pillars of Adventure, Leadership, Service, and Personal Growth. Recognition comes through the development of skills and experiences throughout the Venturing program, including the specialty awards of Ranger, TRUST, and Quest. What handbooks and resources will support the new Venturing model? The BSA will issue a new, youthfocused Venturer Handbook that will include all of the basics about the Venturing program, guidance for effectively participating in and leading a crew, and setting goals and earning awards. In addition, a new adult guide will help advisors and other volunteers work effectively with youth. There will be an additional book that will serve as a resource document for Venturing program opportunities. Will there be on-line resources available? Yes. The plan is to make many “how-to” materials available on-line for easy reference. Phone apps for Venturing have been talked about. Will they be produced? Perhaps. This is something that can be pursued after the program is completely defined and ready to use. Our first task is to generate the content. Is it true that Venturers will now use the Scout sign and salute? What about the Scout Oath and Law? Yes, Venturers will adopt the Scout sign and salute, used worldwide by older youth in our programs. Venturers will also begin using Scout Oath and Law.
These changes are effective May 2014, although we hear units are already adopting these practices. What is the timeline for roll-out of the new Venturing program? The plan is for new materials and award requirements to be released starting in May 2014, with a phase-in period for youth who are currently working to complete Venturing awards under current requirements. If working on current awards: May continue working on current awards until Dec. 31, 2014; May convert to new awards after May 2014, beginning with the Level II Award (award names are still under study); Must utilize the new awards requirements after Dec. 31, 2014. If working on NEW awards: May convert to new awards after May 2014, beginning with the Level II Award for current Venturers, or beginning with the Level I Award for new Venturers; All must utilize the new awards requirements after Dec. 31, 2014. Can new awards be worked on simultaneously, i.e., can one do something for the new Level IV Award while still working on the new Level III Award? In some cases, yes. These opportunities will be detailed when the advancement guide is updated to reflect the new Venturing advancement system. While some specific requirements can be “frontloaded” – such as taking advan-
Who was involved with this project? The vision for this approach to Venturing was based on both general and BSAconducted research in youth development, as well as grounded in the practices of current Venturing Crews. Members of the task force that developed this program model came from all over the country. There were youth as well as adults in the process, led by volunteers and supported by professionals. All of the adults have experience with Venturing (and Exploring) and work regularly with local crews. What changes are anticipated to provide stronger leadership to the Venturing program? The National Key Three has endorsed the re-establishment of a National Venturing Committee (NVC) to roll-out and realize the recommendations of the National Venturing Task Force. The National Venturing Committee will report to the National Council Operations Group Committee.
The NVC will be headed by a National Venturing Key Three – the national chair, National Venturing President (youth) and the National Venturing Staff Advisor, and will include the chairperson of Venturing from each region and at-large members. What changes are anticipated for the area and regional support structures? Support at these levels will be maintained and will be connected to the National Venturing Committee in the method described above. What is the status of the college-age Venturing proposal? The expansion of program ages is still under review, but will not be a part of the changes being announced for implementation in 2014. What changes are coming in youth training? Training of our Venturing youth will be enhanced in a number of ways. Existing syllabi are being updated; but more than that, five new courses are being created to support the new program matrix. Each of these new courses is designed to give Venturers a more competitive advantage in the world. Such skills as project management, goal setting and mentoring are just some of the things to look forward to. These courses are being created with the understanding that true learning is not a passive experience. Both the existing courses and new ones will be updated and created with hands-on experiential learning at their core. Our Venturers will be growing by doing.
Will “Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC)” be changed? Although it won’t be a major overhaul, there will be some modifications made to the current syllabus, which will enhance individual learning and give youth leaders the tools they need to fulfill their roles more effectively and readily. You will see more practical application and less theory. Over the past several years there have been changes to Venturing training which lessened the uniqueness of the Venturing program and made it more like Boy Scouts. What adjustments are being made to recapture Venturing’s unique spirit? The program-neutral aspects of training materials are being replaced with situational learning, which is specific to the crew structure and program. Terms, which now seem to need translation, and skills that are broad in their delivery will be targeted to this unique program and the youth who are drawn to it. Giving Venturers age-appropriate challenges and leadership tools will serve to take their Scouting experience to the next level. Will there be any changes to the training for adults? Yes. Leaders need to know how to do their jobs and a clear definition of what it takes to become successful. As such, training for Advisors is being separated from training for committee members. In addition to the new syllabus for Crew Advisor Position Specific Training, the Crew Committee Challenge is being created to help those adults working at the committee level to know how best to work with crew members and how they
fit into the Crew structure. Learning by doing will be the mantra in our adult training updates. What will be the definition of a trained leader with this new program? For the adult leader, the definition won’t change much. They will be required to complete Venturing Youth Protection Training, and the leader specific training for their position (i.e. Venturing Leader Specific Training or Crew Committee Challenge). Youth who complete both the Crew Officer’s Orientation and The Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews (ILSC) will also be eligible to wear the ‘Trained” patch. Will an adult who is currently considered “trained” be required to take any additional training with the new program? Like all of Scouting’s programs, a leader who has completed the basic training courses for their position, is considered trained from that point forward. Keep in mind, however, that previous trainings will not have included the features and enhancements of the new program. Leaders are strongly encouraged to update their training in order to deliver a vibrant, relevant and quality program to their Venturers. Will there be any training for current adults that help explain the changes in the program and how to utilize the new program? The new Venturing Leader Specific Training will be the quickest and most comprehensive method of getting our leaders up to speed on all of the changes. Its content will be specifically designed around the new program.
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ith school in full swing, the officers of Area 3 and I have been extremely busy these past few months! Since the start of our term, we've already had three Area VOA meetings and have been able to successfully start up a new council VOA. It’s amazing being able to meet Venturers from all over! One of the events that I attended was Area 1’s R.A.V.E. (Really Awesome Venturing Experience) in Oregon! Not only was this event out of my Area, but also my first time in that beautiful area (and state)! The Area 1 Venturing Cabinet did an exceptional job with the event! There were leadership classes, human foosball, rock climbing, HALO simulators, Humvee rides, and even a trip to a local water park! Not only did I have a tremendous amount of fun at this event, but I also learned a great deal about planning an area-wide Venturing event. I’ll definitely be using what I’ve learned to help my VP-Program successfully plan our Area 3 Leadership Summit, which will be taking place in March! You'll be hearing a lot from me soon about this Area 3 Leadership Summit, so don’t hesitate about signing up. Have a great holiday season everyone! – submitted by Edward Abraham Area 3 VOA President
S.F. Bay Area Maritime Event
20 Years of ‘Safety At Sea’ Celebrated On October 20, ships from all over Area 3 sailed (and cruised) from different parts of the San Francisco Bay Area to meet up with other ships at Yerba Buena Island. (That's the island in between the two spans of the Bay Bridge, in case you didn't know). On this beautiful Saturday by the Bay, Sea Scouts and Venturers came together to celebrate 20 years of the “Safety at Sea” weekend event – a maritime tradition in which Sea Scouts enjoyed learning and training at different stations. Flare launching, gumby suit training, fire fighting, pipe patching, scuttlebutt rigging and how to rig tow lines between boats – all were part of the weekend experience.
Since 1993, leaders have been training youth in the vital maritime safety and survival skills that will benefit them and fellow crew members if the time ever comes when those skills are tested. One event highlight was the famous tug of war, Sea Scouts style. Unlike how most people play the game, participants shoot giant fire hoses of water at a round fender. Not only is it fun, but all of the Scouts get drenched! At the end of the day, participants, leaders and guests were treated to an amazing catered dinner from Outback Steakhouse – bloomin’ awesome! After dinner, all were able to meet and bond with other Sea Scouts and Venturers from the Area as adult leaders conducted their bi-annual Area 3 Sea Scout meeting, where they talked about upcoming events, membership, and changes to the program. “Safety at Sea” has been strong for 20 years, and will continue in the years to come; it has become so successful that “Safety at Sea” weekends are now conducted at seabses in San Diego, Hawaii, Texas, and Baltimore! – submitted by Edward Abraham Area 3 VOA President