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Venturers

Venturer Scouts is for young people between 14 to 18 years of age. The program is flexible allowing member to choose activities according to their own interests. A group of Venturer Scouts who meet together on a regular basis form what is called "the Unit".

Unless, specifically permitted, it is intended that there be no less than 15 Venturer Scouts in a Unit.

Adult leadership of the Unit is provided by a Venturer Scout Leader and Assistant Venturer Scout Leaders. Units comprising both boys and girls should have an Adult Leader of each sex.

The Scout Association of Australia encourages mixed membership, however admission of girls to membership is a matter for decision by each Unit, subject to approval of the Group Leader.

Uniform

For many activities and meetings, Venturer Scouts wear casual clothes or their own Unit T shirt or similar. For more formal public and for ceremonial occasions, the Scout uniform is required.

Program

Venturing provides an attractive program of activities, self-government, leadership experience, companionship of their own age and helps to develop iniatitive and resourcefulness.

By determining their own training needs it encourages young people to be self-motivating. Key elements of the program are selected from the following four development areas:

• Community Involvement: Citizenship, Environment , First Aid, Service
• Adventurous Activities: Expeditions, Outdoor , Initiative
• Personal Growth: Expression, Lifestyle, Ideals, Pursuits
• Leadership Development: Unit Management, Leadership Course, Vocations

The proportion of time devoted to each activity will depend on the preferences of the Unit Members but a well balance program will include activities from all areas.

Description of some Development Areas

CITIZENSHIP - As Venturer Scouts mature they should develop an understanding of how their community operates at a local, state and national level. In turn, they should investigate how they can equip themselves to be informed, useful citizens.

This area is broad and involves studies of institutions important in the community, the place of Scouting and other youth organisations in the community, the operation of government at all levels, road and boating safety, employment opportunities, Trade Unions and other professional bodies.

ENVIRONMENT - A traditional area of Scouting is the appreciation of nature through outdoor activities such as astronomy, meteorology, geography, forestry, etc. In addition, concern for the quality of the environment and conservation for future generations has become prominent in citizenship.

Thus a Venturer Scout's concern should extend to the prevention of human pollution of the air, water, beaches, roads and towns.

FIRST AID - First aid is an essential component of citizenship as it involves care for the human race. First aid is critical to serving the community, as it can often be the difference between life and death.

EXPEDITIONS - This is an important part of character building and can involve transport on foot, boat, four wheel drive provided that the expedition requires planning, an adventure into unfamiliar territory, some considerable physical effort and the absolute necessity for self-reliance, determination and co-operation among the party.

EXPRESSION - In an increasingly technological age there must be a corresponding emphasis on the development of artistic appreciation and performance in order to develop the whole person. This area would include visual arts (painting ,sculpture, film etc.), performing arts (music and theatricals) and the literary arts (poetry, journalism etc.)

Ceremonies

Venturer Scouts don't stand much on ceremony but nevertheless there are a few important Venturer Scout ceremonies. A Scout that is ready to become a Venturer Scout will be the focus of an advancement ceremony.

The earning of milestone awards in the Award scheme is recognised during a Formal Parade which is another name for a simple opening and closing ceremony incorporating flag break, prayer and notices.

Scouts who advance to Venturer Scouts or new members joining for the first time will make their promise during an Investiture ceremony.