Venturing (Boy Scouts of America) - Methods and Ideals

Methods and Ideals

The Methods of Venturing are:

• Leadership All Venturers are given opportunities to learn and apply proven leadership skills. A Venturing Crew is led by elected crew officers. The Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews is designed for all Venturers and helps teach them in an active way to lead effectively.
• Group Activities Venturing activities are interdependent group experiences in which success is dependent on the cooperation of all. Learning by "doing" in a group setting provides opportunities for developing new skills.
• Adult Association The youth officers lead the crew. The officers and activity chairs work closely with adult Advisors and other adult leaders in a spirit of partnership. The adults serve in a "shadow" leader capacity.
• Recognition Recognition comes through the Venturing awards program and through the acknowledgement of a youth's competence and ability by peers and adults.
• The Ideals Venturers are expected to know and live by the Venturing Oath and Code. They promise to do their duty to God, help strengthen America, to help others, and to seek truth and fairness.
• High Adventure and Sports Venturing's emphasis on high adventure and sports helps provide team-building opportunities, new meaningful experiences, practical leadership application, and lifelong memories to young adults.
• Teaching Others All of the Venturing awards require Venturers to teach what they have learned to others. When they teach others often, Venturers are better able to retain the skill or knowledge taught, they gain confidence in their ability to speak and relate to others, and they acquire skills that can benefit them for the rest of their lives as a hobby or occupation.

The Ideals of Venturing are expressed in the Venturing Oath and Venturing Code:

The Venturing Oath

As a Venturer, I promise to do my duty to God and help strengthen America, to help others, and to seek truth, fairness, and adventure in our world.

The Venturing Code

As a Venturer, I believe that America's strength lies in our trust in God and in the courage, strength, and traditions of our people.

I will, therefore, be faithful in my religious duties and will maintain a personal sense of honor in my own life.

I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve and enrich it.

I will recognize the dignity and worth of all humanity and will use fair play and goodwill in my daily life.

I will acquire the Venturing attitude that seeks truth in all things and adventure on the frontiers of our changing world.

The Venturing Sign

A raised right hand with the palm open, upper arm held horizontally and the forearm vertically. The right thumb is held slightly open, creating a "V."

The Venturing Hand Salute

A full-hand salute, with the pointer touching the forehead or hat brim.