2. 1 Venturing A new and improved approach for the 16- 18 year-old young men in the LDS Church

3. 2 You must think outside the box… Take off your Boy Scout hat Erase from your mind “tradition” Don’t be obsessed with advancement Be flexible Empower your youth Remove roadblocks, don’t create them

4. 3 We need to think anew... Old Paradigm 16-18 year olds are “Scouts” Must wear uniform Advancement IS the measurement of success Activities are planned to promote advancement What I bring to this calling will determine success Puppet Leadership If young men not interested in “Scouting” (earning Eagle), then Spaulding becomes our program New Paradigm 16-18 year olds are Venturers The uniform is optional Strong testimonies, quorum unity, mission calls are the measurement of success Activities are tailored around individual quorum needs Utilize ward and community resources Shadow Leadership Young men plan and implement their tailor-made program, and meet outside the Church often

5. 4 What is Venturing? “It’s not a box or a package we present.” “It is focused resources designed to help a community organization provide wholesome, flexible, well-rounded, challenging activities, tailor-made for teenage youth.”

6. 5 Here’s Venturing In the LDS Church it is for 16-18 year old young men in the Priests Quorum Venturing units are “Crews” Venturing adults are “advisors” Youth leader is the “president” You can call yourselves whatever you want to

7. 6 Venturing Uniform The recommended uniform is the spruce green Venturing shirt with green epaulette tabs and gray backpacking-style shorts or gray casual pants. However, the uniform, if any, is the choice of the crew.

8. 7 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.

9. 8 The following new literature is available at your Scout Shop or Service Center Venturing Leader Manual Ranger Guidebook Venturing Leadership Skills Course Venturer Handbook Venturing Advancement Chart Roundtable Guide Awards and Certificates

10. 9 Videos New Crew Fast Start Youth Protection (Youth) Youth Protection (Adult)

11. 10 Venturing Training Venturing Leader Specific Training (for adults) Venturing Leadership Skills Course (for youth) Powder Horn -Venturing Advisor Outdoor Skills Course (Ranger Training)

12. 11 Venturing Advancement

13. 12 Eagle Scout Eligibility remains the same  Eligibility remains the same uFirst Class Scout uEarned as a Boy Scout or Varsity Scout u Requirements remain the same uLeadership position in the crew uVenturers can receive multiple credit and past credit for many of the Venturing requirements

14. 13 Bronze, Gold, Silver,Ranger Requirement- Samplings

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16. 15 Priest Duty to God & Venturing The Priest Duty to God requirements will satisfy many advancement requirements for the Venturing program

17. 16 Can Priests still earn the old Duty to God Award? If a priest continues to work on the previous program, he will receive the former award.

18. 17 Apply LDS terminology to Youth Ministries Bronze Award 1. Earn the Duty to God or the On My Honor Award 2a. Invite a member from a foreign country or a returned missionary 3. Plan and lead a service project 4a. Serve as a volunteer in your ward for three months: sing in the choir, splits with the missionaries, home teaching, or a community food bank, retirement home, etc. 4b. Keep a personal journal of your experiences as a volunteer 5. Attend one of the following: youth conference, EFY, Education Week, mini- mission, Church History pageant, or visit a historical site lasting at least two days 6. Produce or be a cast member in a road show, Christmas or Easter play, Priesthood Commemoration event. This could also be a puppet show put on by the Priest Quorum for the primary. 7. Serve as an Assistant or Secretary in the Priests Quorum, or an officer in the crew, Sunday School class, Seminary class, or other youth group in or out of the Church.

19. 18 Bronze Award LDS Terminology (continued) 8. Complete a Standard First Aid course or its equivalent 9a. Participate in at least two Ethical Controversies as a participant 9b. Be a facilitator for a at least two Ethical Controversies 9c. Lead or be a staff member in putting on an Ethics Forum 10. Serve as an assistant Primary teacher for three months during Sunday School time. This would not have to be a calling, but simply an assignment coordinated with the Primary President. This is great preparation for a full-time mission. 11. Meet with your Bishop to discuss: (a) the duties of the Aaronic Priesthood, (b) the ward organization- how it functions, how callings are made, how setting apart is done, and how people are provided training, materials, and help, © how the bishopric works, their duties and responsibilities.

20. 19 The Venturing Ranger Program Rangers are elite outdoorsmen Ranger are required to teach what they’ve learned to others Rangers work with their advisor and consultants Ranger medal is a powder horn on a compass dial

21. 20 Ranger Core Requirements Standard First Aid plus When Help is Delayed Communications Cooking Emergency Preparedness Land Navigation Leave No Trace Wilderness Survival Conservation

22. 21 Ranger Electives (Must earn 4 of 18) Backpacking Cave Exploring Project COPE Mountain Biking First Aid Fishing Ecology Equestrian Hunting Lifesaver Mountaineering Outdoor Living History Physical Fitness Plants & Wildlife Scuba Shooting Sports Watercraft Winter Sports

23. 22 Does the LDS Church support Venturing? Scouting officials met with President Thomas S. Monson in January of 1998. President Monson strongly endorsed the creation of Venturing and its implementation in the Church. Elder F. Melvin Hammond of the General Young Men’s Presidency has said: “The Church supports Venturing, it is a part of our program. If you’ve got something better for your young men of priest age, then go ahead and do it. But if you don’t, you better look very carefully at Venturing. As magnificent as this Church is, we’re not holding our boys. We’ve got to save these boys. 65% of the Aaronic Priesthood youth in the United States and Canada will never serve missions, and even a greater number than that will never enjoy the blessings of the temple and eternal marriage.”

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25. 24 Elder Spencer J. Condie 2 nd Counselor in the General Young Men’s Presidency October 25, 2001, Logan, Utah We want every young man to earn his Aaronic Priesthood Duty to God Award and we want every young man to earn his Eagle Scout Award. We want to re-enthrone Mutual in the Church Scouting is here to stay The youth program of the Church needs to have more sizzle in it Our youth are out running their spiritual supply lines All Priests should be registered in a Venturing Crew

26. 25 “If I were a Bishop, I would no more consider not having a (Venturing Crew) than I would think of not having a Priest’s Quorum. We must realize that Scouting is an activity arm of the Aaronic Priesthood, and that Priesthood leaders are also Scouting leaders…Our present policy is that Stake Presidencies may approve a program other than (Venturing) if it is a fully developed, better program, but we have yet to see anything better on a consistent basis. Each time I look into such “better” programs, I see a (Venturing) program with a different name attached to it, or even more often, I see unsupervised basketball.” -Elder Robert L. Backman Is Venturing Optional?

27. 26 Elder Robert K. Dellenbach First Quorum of Seventy “There’s a new program in Scouting called Venturing. The scouting organization has taken the old Exploring program and completely renovated it, but held onto many of the fine and wonderful attributes that it contained. “Venturing provides wonderful outdoor activities, high adventure, opportunities for learning about citizenship and sociability. It is a great program for Priest-age boys in the church. 1999 LDS Church Video on Scouting

28. 27 [Continued] “While the Venturing program is an optional program in the church…as we look down the training path of a young man, we see in Venturing many attributes and skills that help prepare him for a mission and life. Therefore, we encourage our priesthood brethren to look very carefully at sponsoring a Venturing crew in their ward or branch.” [italics added] Elder Robert K. Dellenbach First Quorum of Seventy

29. 28 Is Scouting on trial in the Church? “I do not believe that Varsity Scouting is on trial in the Church, nor is Boy Scouting, Cub Scouting, or Venturing. But rather it is my firm belief that Bishops, and the ward leaders, the advisors, Scoutmasters and coaches are on trial.” “The program will work if they will work and become trained and put into effect the things they have been trained to do.” Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone

30. 29 Venturer-age young men are on the threshold to adulthood. It is an exciting, but often confusing, and sometimes frightening time. Getting the young men through this time prepared to receive the Melchizedek priesthood and to receive Temple ordinances is crucial. It is important to keep these young men close to parents, the Bishop, and other priesthood leaders, and to provide good, meaningful activities and role models during this important time.

31. 30 16 to 18 year old young men need: Positive Melchizedek Priesthood Role Models Consistent leaders that “walk their talk” Tenured leaders- (average tenure is 7 months) Leadership opportunities and training Well planned, but flexible activities with other young men and young women Life skills training and spiritual experiences outside the classroom Opportunities to become proficient at something, it builds self-esteem

32. 31 16 to 18 year old young men want: Challenging physical activities with young men their own age Recognition of their “older” status Activities with young women Independence To explore and experience their world A sense of belonging and acceptance from their peer group

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34. 33 BSA Mission Statement “The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Closely connected with its mission statement are the aims of the movement: character development, citizenship training, and mental and physical fitness.”

35. 34 Character, Citizenship, Fitness These are the aims of the BSA Boy Scout Methods Adult Association Leadership Scouting Ideals Outdoors Advancement Patrol Method Personal Growth Conference Uniform Venturing Methods Adult Association Leadership Ideals High Adventure Recognition Group Activities Teaching Others

36. 35 Why doesn’t Scouting work as well as it should in the LDS Church? We don’t read the BSA literature and use their resources We seldom think outside the box or look at the big picture (mission, aims, methods) We are obsessed with Advancement (1 of the methods) –We measure success by one standard –What is the first question you ask your son when he returns from Scout camp?

37. 36 If we could read the thoughts of a 17 year old young man… Scouting is…merit badges Scouting is…Dad & Mom bugging me about getting Eagle… and I can’t drive Scouting is…wearing the uniform in my closet I have my Eagle…why is Brother Jones bugging me about earning another award No wonder most of our Priest-age young men want little to do with “Scouting”

38. 37 Don’t introduce “Venturing” to the young men. Introduce resources to them, one boy at a time. Use the Venturer Handbook, Venturing Leader Manual, Ranger Guidebook and Priest Duty to God Book together.

39. 38 Not only on the Sabbath “ Can Sunday meetings be enough? Do we dangerously assume that, having performed on Sunday with Sacrament Meeting, Sunday School and Priesthood Meeting, that we have fulfilled our callings and are through until next Sunday?” Sitting in Church for three hours each Sunday will not save our young men.They need to practice what they have learned in the laboratory of the outdoors. Thayne Packer

40. 39 What motivates you in your Church calling? Fear Duty Love

41. 40 Call the Right Leaders The call to serve should not be equated with the thought of limited service Training At the time of the call should be given: -Crew Fast Start Video -Fast Start packet Within 90 days: -Attend Basic Training Experience - (Ideal) Returned Missionary Parent of a Venturer Outdoorsman Attributes Personal interest in boys Enthusiastic Positive Example

42. 41 “Boys Need Heroes Close By” “Boys need heroes close by. They need to know some man of towering strength and basic integrity, personally. They need to meet them on the street, to hike and camp with them, to see them in close-to-home, everyday, down-to-earth situations; to feel close enough to them to ask questions and to talk things over man-to-man with them.” Spencer W. Kimball

43. 42 Getting Started: Conduct an Annual Planning Session Arrange for a retreat setting Prep youth leadership in advance Include Leadership Training in retreat Do your homework, don’t start with a blank page when brainstorming Consider needs and interests of all youth Use all available resources Produce a draft document Meet with each boy and his parents in their home, give draft document and give expectations

44. 43 Plan a well-rounded, customized program that blends Duty to God, mission and career preparation: Venturing has produced resources to help with the following: Expertise and program helps for 25 Outdoor disciplines Annual planning meeting agenda Youth officer job descriptions Ethical Controversies Safe Driving How to introduce a speaker How to make a speech How to use parliamentary procedure Leadership Skills Training

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46. 45 We can’t compete with the entertainment industry, here’s what we can do... Provide opportunities to serve Teach, teach, teach…we are teachers Demonstrate that you love them Praise them in front of their peers Leader’s enthusiasm- it doesn’t matter what the program is… it’s enthusiasm

47. 46 LET THE YOUTH LEAD Adult shadow leadership Hold periodic planning sessions to fine tune the annual plan Always have a three month calendar Hold regular presidency meetings Train the youth about leadership Meet in advance with the Crew President Ranger and Silver Awards require Venturer to share what he’s learned with others

48. 47 What we’re hearing from the field... Centralia, Illinois - Crew 211 Robert Williams of Centralia, Illinois is the Advisor of Crew 211 chartered to the Centralia Ward. He reports that the entire crew of 15 Venturers ( 2 non-members) chose to work on the Sports Bronze Award before attending a Church basketball tournament. The crew has a six month plan that includes working on the Youth Ministries Bronze Award, Leadership Skills Course, first aid training, and service projects. The boys are eager to earn the Gold and Silver Awards. Williams said that he and the young men like Venturing better than Exploring because it is focused and provides so many program ideas and outlines. Adopting Venturing has improved the activity level and enthusiasm of the young men in his Priests Quorum.

49. 48 Phoenix, Arizona - Crew 9108 Advisor Cleve Hill- Crew #9108- 8 boys-most are 17-18 years old Six are Eagle scouts Boys, advisors and Bishop excited about Venturing and implementing the Ranger program “The boys chose a spruce-green polo shirt and sewed a Venturing patch above the pocket.” “From a leaders standpoint Venturing is “A” program, I don’t have to keep making things up. Why recreate the wheel, the wheel has already been created.” “The boys are excited because they can do the real first aid that adults do. What they are doing counts in the adult world- credentials. Venturing is perceive by the boys as Adult Adventure.” “This has given are boys a reason to attend mutual on Wednesday night.” “My Bishop works real closely with us, this is the first time he has seen a program with focus for the Priests.”

50. 49 Las Vegas, Nevada - Crew 173 David Carleton - Advisor - Crew 173- Las Vegas, Nevada 8 boys in the crew The young men like Venturing’s awards, it separates them from the younger boys. They can earn something that no one else has. The like the uniforms that distinguish them from other scouts. They feel special. In Boy Scouts they learned basic first aid - in Venturing they can get certified. Brother Carleton used the PCI and found many resources in his ward. One adult, an expert rock climber said, “ I’ve been wanting to help with Scouts in the ward for years, but no one asked.”

51. 50 Pitman, New Jersey Bill James- Young Mens President “Since my call, our ward now has a complete Troop, Team, and Crew, complete with every boy at every age in appropriate uniforms. My boys have not only the green class “A” but a tee and golf shirt as well and they wear them.” “I can honestly say, they are very enthused about Venturing. When we convene in opening exercises the Crew does the flag ceremony- complete with Venturing Oath. It’s a site to behold. The program works when you work the program.”

52. 51 Eric Anderson- Crew Advisor Spanish Fork, Utah- Crew #870 Our crew is really moving. We have completed all of the core requirements for the Ranger Award except Wilderness Survival and the Conservation Project. All of our guys are Scuba certified, did Winter Sports, the First Aid elective and Shooting. At first we were intimidated by the costs of the First Aid certification. We looked at our resources and discovered that the person in charge of Safety for the city was in our neighborhood. We took an 8-week course and we are certified in the city to help in case of a disaster. Since the stake was looking for people to help with emergency disasters, they paid $20 of the fee. It cost us $10 per boy.

53. 52 Gilbert, Arizona - Crew #9189 Barry Hallsted- crew Advisor and Young Men’s President- when a “new program” was first introduced to the boys they were not interested - he changed the approach 23 Priests in the Quorum after recent ward split Nine Outdoor Bronze Awards awarded to date Crew uniform- maroon golf shirt with small Venturing logo- boys wear to school In semi-annual interviews the Bishop helps set goals Mutual night they put up basketball standards and lock with the club 1st Tuesday of each month- 5:30a.m. -Power Breakfast at Brother Hallsteds home- this is the only consistent 100% attended activity- Each month a recently returned missionary, mission president, stake president speaks. Crew gave leadership to father-son outing-Peter, James & John 30 feet up in a tree They teach Ranger skills to Laurels- Bishop gave GPS- Liahona comparison

54. 53 Barry Hallsted (continued) “The ethical controversies is a wonderful coaching tool to help them decide now how they will respond when choices come up in their lives that might lead them to destructive choices. The reflection that we hold after each activity before the closing prayer is the highlight of each event. The Venturing Leadership Skills Course is also a great teaching highlight and a time for great spiritual growth. To date, 19 of the 23 have either left on a mission or are fully prepared to serve. I believe that the principles learned from our Venturing experience has made a positive impact in preparing them for their missions, and beyond. They have truly experienced and have a greater understanding of what it means to do their duty to God. This Sunday I look forward to participating in an Eagle court of honor for the last five of my Venturers.”

55. 54 Jeff Cazier Council Venturing Chair - Ogden, Utah Venturing is a powerful vehicle for missionary preparation. You can see the lightbulb come on with our Venturing leaders when they catch the vision. When they get past their stereo-typed, pre-conceived mind set that Venturing is just advanced Boy Scouting (which their Priests won’t be interested in), then the grassfire really takes off. Leaders must catch the vision that Venturing is a whole new ballgame. Wipe the mental slate clean of old Boy Scouting methods. It’s fresh, mature and more sophisticated. Think outside the box. Priests don’t want “advanced” Boy Scouting or “Scouting warmed over”. Treat Venturing like it’s the program for young adults, rather than for boys. Reinforce to the Priests that you recognize their maturity and higher intellectual and skill levels. Anyone who tries to force-feed a “Boy Scouting-warmed over” curriculum to their Priest-age teenagers is doing a tremendous dis- service to their youth and is going to drive away the young men.

56. 55 Derek Groneman Layton, Utah – Crew #721 Was awarded four bronze awards, Gold Award, Silver Award and the Ranger Award in April of 2001 Began working on awards in 1999 “I gained advanced skills in leadership and practical skills including CPR, lifeguard certification and firearms safety. I had many opportunities to offer meaningful service. Skills I learned in Venturing will be particularly useful in serving my mission in Korea. Already, I have been able to see the benefit in my school work at Weber State University.”

57. 56 The Story of Robert “Robert was starting to drift away. He was 18 and no longer active in mutual activities and only attended occasionally on Sunday. He told his leaders that he didn’t like Scouting, and had no plans of going on a mission and after graduating from High School would enlist in the military. Robert’s crew Advisor talked him in to attending a white water rafting trip with the other Priests. He loved the activity. His attendance on Sunday and mutual increased. His mother was astonished at the change that has come over her son. “What did you do on this campout, my son is a different kid?” Robert is now active in the Priest Quorum and recently turned in his mission papers.

58. 57 Most Frequent Excuses “My boys aren’t interested in Scouting” –When you describe Venturing, they will quickly see that this is not “Scouting” as they view it “Not enough boys in the Priests Quorum” –Recruit non-members, if it is fun, they will come –Combine occasional activities with the Varsity Team “The budget guidelines prohibit us from doing all these fun things” –Plan ahead- get $$ budgeted for Venturing in advance –Use community resources for little or no cost activities –Raise $$ for the annual camp, just like the Deacons. The annual camp can include scuba, mountain biking, COPE, horses, shooting sports, etc.

59. 58 Can the wants and needs of the young men in your Priests Quorum be met with no planned mutual night activities? Is the current program in your Priests Quorum, meeting the needs and wants of the young men better than Venturing can? Can the Bishop afford to delegate the responsibility of meeting the needs and wants of his Priests Quorum to any other program or plan?

60. 59 “A child is a person who is going to carry on what you have started. He is going to sit where you are sitting, and, when you are gone, attend to those things which you think are most important. You can create all the policies you please, but how they are carried out depends on him. He will assume control of your cities, states, and nations. He is going to move in and take over your churches, schools, universities and corporations... the fate of humanity is in his hands.” Abraham Lincoln