**New Venture Patrol**

The Venture Patrol is a patrol in troop 513 consisting of older scouts that would like to participate in a rigorous outdoor program with the possibility of a number of high adventure activities. The patrol has the opportunity to participate in programs that may include any of the following:

Other activities are possible, depending on decisions of the patrol and the availability of experts to instruct & lead the activities. We currently are searching for equipment and experts available for all of the above activities.

Certainly. As a matter of fact, Venture Patrol membership will expand merit badge possibilities, and should help older scouts advance toward the Eagle Rank.

We will be using the BSA Fieldbook as our course book for out Venture Patrol Program. All Venture Patrol Members should pick up a copy from the scout office.

�These merit badges constitute the basic skills needed for high adventure trips.
Venture Patrol trips can be planned so as to cover the requirements for all of these merit badges in one year.

Backpacking

three hikes- 3 days, 2 nights each, cover 15 miles
one hike- 5 days, cover at least 30 miles

Camping

campout for 20 days & 20 nights

Canoeing

tandem & solo canoe techniques

Climbing

learn techniques, including belaying
three climbs
three rappels

Cooking

plan & cook cook three dinners, one lunch, one breakfast

Hiking

five 10-mile hikes
one 20-mile hike

Orienteering

three orienteering events
set up and run an orienteering event

Pioneering

knots & splices
project

Whitewater

earn Canoeing MB
learn whitewater skills
one beginner level trip

Do Venture Patrol members still go on regular Troop campouts and attend Monday night meetings?

Yes. Venture Patrol members are expected to hold Troop leadership positions and help instruct younger scouts, both on trips and at Monday night meetings.

Do Venture Patrol members have separate meeting times or trips?

The Venture Patrol will have additional trips and meetings. The frequency is up to the boys, but it will probably be one meeting a month and an outing every three months.

Do Venture Patrol members have separate uniforms?

The boys will wear their normal tan/khaki uniform with the Venture strip over the right pocket above the Boy Scouts of America.
We will also get to design our own t-shirts as well.

How do I join the Venture Patrol?

You can make application to the scoutmaster for approval.
The leaders will then dicuss wether the scout has the skill levels, maturity levels, and capabilities required in order to safely participate in high adventure programs. The Patrol will be limited to 8 scouts at this time.

Requirements for Participating in Venture Activities:�

In general, you must be at least 14 years old and hold the rank of Star. You are also expected to be actively working on your advancement.
William Thomas will be evaluating your progress toward Eagle Scout.
You must be active in the regular Troop program and have gone on a number of regular Troop outings during the past year.�
Venture Patrol members are expected to hold leadership positions in the troop, and carry out their jobs in a satisfactory manner. Those not holding troop offices are expected to serve as instructors or troop guides.
You must have on file a current BSA medical form, and a consent form, signed by your guardian to participate.
Each scout must conduct themselves in a manner to which they do not compromise the safety of the group or himself at all times.

Participation at BSA High Adventure Bases requires First Class rank at the minimum, and may require a minimum age of 14 years. In addition, there may be specific requirements depending on the particular activity.�

How does the Venture Patrol operate?

Venture Patrol Leader

The Venture patrol's youth leader is the Venture Patrol Leader. The Venture patrol elects the patrol leader, who works with an Assistant Scoutmaster - Venture to put the patrol's plans into action.
He represents his patrol on the patrol leaders' council and appoints the assistant patrol leader. He is lead by the Assistant Scoutmaster - Venture under the direction of the Scoutmaster.

Plans and leads his patrol for high adventure experiences and sports activities.
Works with Assistant Scoutmaster - Venture to ensure an active venture Venture patrol program is implemented.
Ensures that he or (one of) his Assistant Patrol Leader(s) is in charge on any adventure.
Works with the Senior Patrol Leader and the Scoutmaster to ensure that Venture patrol activities add to the troop experience and do not conflict with troop or regular patrol activities.
Plans and lead patrol meetings and activities.
Keeps patrol members informed.
Assigns each patrol member a specific duty.
Represents his patrol at all patrol leaders' council meetings and the annual program planning conference.
Prepares the patrol to participate in all troop activities.
Works with other troop leaders to make the troop run well.
Knows the abilities of each patrol member.
Sets a good example.
Wears the Scout uniform correctly.
Lives by the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
Shows and develop patrol spirit.

Ten Tips for Patrol Leaders

From Ten Tips for Being a Good Patrol Leader

Keep Your Word. Don't make promises you can't keep.
Be Fair to All. A good leader shows no favorites. Don't allow friendships to keep you from being fair to all members of your patrol. Know who likes to do what, and assign duties to patrol members by what they like to do.
Be a Good Communicator. You don't need a commanding voice to be a good leader, but you must be willing to step out front with an effective "Let's go." A good leader knows how to get and give information so that everyone understands what's going on.
Be Flexible. Everything doesn't always go as planned. Be prepared to shift to "plan B" when "plan A" doesn't work.
Be Organized. The time you spend planning will be repaid many times over. At patrol meetings, record who agrees to do each task, and fill out the duty roster before going camping.
Delegate. Some leaders assume that the job will not get done unless they do it themselves. Most people like to be challenged with a task. Empower your patrol members to do things they have never tried.
Set an Example. The most important thing you can do is lead by example. Whatever you do, your patrol members are likely to do the same. A cheerful attitude can keep everyone's spirits up.
Be Consistent. Nothing is more confusing than a leader who is one way one moment and another way a short time later. If your patrol knows what to expect from you, they will more likely respond positively to your leadership.
Give Praise. The best way to get credit is to give it away. Often a "Nice job" is all the praise necessary to make a Scout feel he is contributing to the efforts of the patrol.
Ask for Help. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help. You have many resources at your disposal. When confronted with a situation you don't know how to handle, ask someone with more experience for some advice and direction.

Assistant Scoutmaster Venture

Works with the Venture Patrol Leader in delivering high adventure and sports program.

Responsible to the scoutmaster for Venture patrol.

Advises the Venture patrol leader.

Assists the patrol in obtaining needed resources and outside consultants.

Makes sure Venture patrol members fulfill their troop responsibilities.

Meets with new Venture patrol members and their parents.

How Do We Pay for Adventure Trips

That is up to the patrol, through fundraisers, etc.

Venture Patrol Mission Statement

The mission of the Venture Patrol is to participate in high adventure opportunities, support and participate in the activities of the Troop, assist in the advancement and growth of the younger scouts, carry on the rich traditions of the troop and to exhibit at all times the leadership standards found in the Scout oath and law.

Combining all the aspects of what a Venture Patrol is and what it could be, the Venture Patrol becomes a powerful tool in skilled hands to keep boys in Scouting. Far beyond a simple high adventure group, the Venture Patrol can take on the mission of the Leadership Corps while functioning as something like an �In Troop� version of Venturing, ready and willing to serve the Troop and others.

Whether the young men remain in the Troop or join a Crew, they are no less members of the Boy Scouts of America. The longer they remain members, whatever the unit, the more opportunities Scouters have to positively affect the lives of the young man and the greater the young man�s ability to return service to others. This expanded use of the Venture Patrol contributes positively towards those goals.

*Note* The Venture patrol should not be confused with Venturing. Venturing is a separate program for young men and women ages fourteen through twenty-one. Young men and women that are in Venturing are members of a "Venture Crew" and not a Boy Scout Troop. Venture Patrols, however, are established within a Boy Scout Troop as an optional program for boys thirteen through seventeen years old. Venture Patrol members are Boy Scouts and should not be referred to as Venture Scouts. Venture patrols experience more autonomy from the troop than ordinary patrols, and provide older Scouts with expanded social contact and physical challenges. In Troop 513, Venture Patrol members are expected to actively participate in regular Troop functions and be involved in helping younger scouts to learn and advance as a condition of being a member of the Venture Patrol.

Contact the webmaster of this page M. Baker