Venturing

VenturingVenturing is a youth development program in the Sam Houston Area Council for young men and women 14 years of age (and in the 9th grade) through 20 years old. Venturing provides positive experiences to help young people mature and become responsible and caring adults. The program offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development, citizenship, and physical fitness. 

Each Venturing crew has its own special interest, often including (but not limited to) outdoor activities, sports, arts and hobbies, religious life, or aquatics. These activities, plus service projects, ceremonies, and friendly competition help youth to learn the core values and give them a sense of personal achievement. Consultants from the community play an important part in Venturing. Through positive peer group interaction and adult mentoring, youth also learn honesty, responsibility, and respect.

Venturing crews can be coed, all-male, or all-female. The chartered organization and the leadership make that decision. The special interest is determined by the chartered organization and by the interests and capabilities of the youth and adults in the crew or ship.

Join a Crew

Venturing Forum

March 30, 2025

VenturingVenturing Forums are held three times a year and are a great resource and fun opportunity for your entire Venturing crew.  Each forum includes a chance to get to know fellow Venturers from across the council and features a program packed with ideas and opportunities for your crew to take advantage of and implement into its annual program plan.  The council’s youth Venturing officers take the lead in driving this program and making it a great experience for both the youth and adults in the Venturing program.  Every crew should have at least one representative; all Venturers are invited.

6:00 pm - Advancement Training
7:00 pm - Venturing Forum

Virtual Meeting Link

 

Posted by Darlene Scheffler Tuesday, March 25, 2025 6:13:00 PM

Venturing Roundtable

April 23, 2025 | 8:00 pm

VenturingVenturing roundtables are held online and are similar to district roundtables. The Venturing Officers Association (VOA) promotes upcoming Venturing events. These sessions allow participants the opportunity to share best practices, seek advice, provide feedback, and shape SHAC Venturing events. Each crew should have at least one advisor and one youth, preferably the crew President, in attendance to represent their crew.

Virtual Meeting Link

Posted by Darlene Scheffler Saturday, March 22, 2025 8:14:00 PM

VLA Nominations

Due July 1, 2025

VLA​The Venturing Leadership Award (VLA) is presented to Venturers who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing and who exemplify the Venturing Code. The awards will be presented during the Venturing Banquet.

VLA Nomination Form

 

Posted by Darlene Scheffler Monday, March 3, 2025 11:15:00 AM

Venturing Banquet

August 3, 2025

Venturing BanquetVenturing Banquet is an opportunity to celebrate all of the Venturers in the Sam Houston Area Council. The fun-filled evening begins with the midway from 6:00 - 7:00 pm filled with new and exciting activities for Ventures and crews to enjoy throughout the year. The VOA elections will be held before dinner.  After dinner, Venturers and advisors will be recognized for their outstanding work over the past year. This is an opportunity to honor those who have achieved the Summit Award and to recognize the Venturing Leadership Award recipients. Bring the whole crew or ship – and prospective Venturers!  The banquet is being held at the Cockrell Scout Center (2225 N Loop W, Houston, Texas 77008).

Learn More

Posted by Darlene Scheffler Sunday, March 2, 2025 4:06:00 PM

Venturing Challenge

February 20-22, 2026

Venturing ChallengeThe Venturing Challenge is a weekend campout for Venturers across the council. It is an opportunity for fun and fellowship and to bring prospective Venturers to a council-wide activity. Activities will include shooting sports, field day challenges, high adventure activities, and other games.

Learn More

Posted by Darlene Scheffler Saturday, March 1, 2025 6:58:00 AM

Venturing Advancement

Venturing-AwardsThe first step in any journey is the courage to begin. The Venturing rank advancement program is designed to help Venturers grow in the areas of adventure, leadership, personal development, and service (the ALPS model). Ranks serve as benchmarks that give Venturers a structure for developing their own personal vision into manageable goals that lead to recognition by their peers, mentors, and the larger community. Learn more about the SHAC Summit Board of Review process.

Posted by Darlene Scheffler Thursday, May 23, 2024 8:50:00 PM

About Venturing

Venturing is a youth development program in Sam Houston Area Council for young men and women 14 years of age (and in the 9th grade) through 20 years old. Venturing provides positive experiences to help young people mature and become responsible and caring adults. The program offers fun and challenging activities that promote character development, citizenship, and physical fitness. Sea Scouts is a youth development program for young men and women 14 years of age (and in the 9th grade) through 20 years old with a special interest in aquatic activities.

Each Venturing crew has its own special interest, often including (but not limited to) outdoors activities, sports, arts and hobbies, religious life, or aquatics. These activities, plus service projects, ceremonies, and friendly competition, help youth to learn the core values and give them a sense of personal achievement. Consultants from the community play an important part in Venturing. Through positive peer group interaction and adult mentoring, youth also learn honesty, responsibility, and respect.

Venturing crews can be coed, all-male, or all-female. The chartered organization and the leadership make that decision. The special interest is determined by the chartered organization and by the interests and capabilities of the youth and adults in the crew or ship.