Thursday, September 12, 2013

Venture Scouts


“Venture”.  Think about that word and focus on the thoughts that it conjures. Perhaps other words come to mind, like “explore” or “explorer” (not coincidentally the name of this Scouting Family prior to “Venture”), or “adventure”. A dictionary search reveals the following definitions: “An undertaking that is dangerous, daring, or of uncertain outcome”. “A risky or daring journey or undertaking”. “Dare to do something or go somewhere that may be dangerous or full of risk”.  These are terms and definitions that are inherently youthful in their nature, being so characterized perhaps from the attraction that the young have to the electric emotion that is always associated with them.  We adults, however, have a tendency to conform more readily to caution and care – venture’s antonyms.  To an adult leader it may cause a quandary then when we attempt to box in our Venture-aged youth with our own proclivity for protective passiveness and thereafter see enthusiasm and participation wane.


As you conduct your calendar planning sessions, keep the word “Venture” in mind.  Perhaps it would be wise to write The Venturing Oath at the top of the blackboard or planning sheets as a less-than-subtle reminder of the purpose of the activities being planned: “As a Venturer, I promise to do my duty to God and help strengthen America, to help others, and to seek truth, fairness, andadventure in our world.”  Create an open atmosphere of acceptance where every idea is valid enough to be written down.  Avoid saying the words “no” and “can’t”…they quickly kill enthusiasm and hinder participation.  Instead, encourage “adventurous” thinking and then follow up by asking searching questions about each idea: “How will we accomplish this?”  “What can we do to afford that?”.  These questions will stimulate further thinking and the young men will begin to eliminate and prioritize, with your guidance, the activities that are unfeasible.  In the end, make sure that the activity(ies) chosen have an element of daring, excitement, and energy.  Of course we’re not advocating anything unsafe – all BSA safety rules must always be followed (hint: “Guide to Safe Scouting”), but make sure the idea comes from the youth and is unfettered by adult apprehension.  If it makes you just a little nervous, then maybe you should do it!

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