Venturing Adult Leader Training

In the Venturing program, the youth make all of the program decisions, do all of the planning, and are heavily involved in program presentation. Unlike the Cub Scout and Boy Scout programs, which had all adult unit committees, the Venturing program has an all youth unit committee at which adults attend, but limit their involvement. The adults serve as facilitators and advisors to ensure the program is feasible, safe and per BSA guidelines. The Venturing program is focused on high adventure and meeting the needs of older youth and young adults. The Venturing Adult Leader Training prepares the adults for this role. In addition, the Venturing program documentation and resources are less specific than the Boy Scout program. This is necessary so the program can provide the lattitude needed.

To earn the adult leader Trained patch, the adult volunteer must complete the following courses:

  • Fast Start [OLC]
  • Youth Protection [OLC]
  • Venturing Leader Specific [Classroom]
  • This Is Scouting [OLC]

To take Venturing Scouts (Venturers) on outdoor events, BSA recommends the following supplemental courses (some of which are required to obtain a tour permit... an RTP):

  • Introduction to Outdoor Leadership Skills (IOLS)... see note below.
  • Hazardous Weather [RTP]
  • Powder Horn
  • Age-appropriate activity safety courses, including American Red Cross approved training. (some are RTP)

NOTE: The National Council web site and some of the BSA Publications are inconsistent about whether or not IOLS is required. Based on everything we have read, the consensus is that all direct contact Venture Crew leaders that have an outdoor program are required to take IOLS. Since all of Occoneechee Venture Crews focus primarily on high adventure, we felt this would be a proactive and prudent approach to being trained. So, Venturing Advisors and Associate Advisors are required to take IOLS (if they have an outdoor program) to be considered trained. Venturing Committee Members are considered trained without IOLS.