Venturing Portal

Venturing is a year-round program for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years of age to provide positive experiences through exciting and meaningful youth-run activities that help them pursue their special interests, grow by teaching others, and develop leadership skills.

Sea Scouting

Sea Scouts is a specialized segment of the Venturing program, which was organized to address members' boating skills and promote knowledge of our maritime heritage. Swimming, lifesaving, first aid, Coast Guard Auxiliary Sailing and Seamanship, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses are taught with the ship by its officers.

• 50 Miler Award
• Boardsailing BSA
• BSA Lifeguard
• Emergency Preparedness Award
• Historic Trails Award
• International Activity Badge
• Interpreter Strip
• International Activity Badge
• Kayaking BSA
• Leave No Trace Award
• Mile Swim BSA
• Physical Fitness Award
• Religious Emblems
• Scuba BSA
• Snorkeling BSA
• Shooting Sports Outstanding Achievement
• William T. Hornaday Awards
• World Conservation Award

Honor Awards

• Venturing Leadership Award
• Medal of Merit
• Heroism Award
• Honor Medal
• James E West Award

Qualified male Venturers who have achieved First Class as a Boy Scout or a Varsity Scout may earn all Boy Scout awards and Merit Badges until their 18th birthday.

List of all Scouting Awards

• October 08: Public Law 110-363 requires the U.S. Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the Boy Scouts of America. Full Story

• September 9: Little Sioux Scout Ranch, Scouts and Leaders involved in the tornado tragedy received new award from the state of Nebraska. Full Story

• August 12: Boy Scouts prepared to launch marketing campaign to connect with digital-era youth. Full story

• July 1: The World Organization of the Scout Movement welcomes four new member organizations. Full story

Venturing Bronze Awards

• Sports
• Religious and Community Life
• Arts and Hobbies
• Outdoor
• Sea Scout

Venturing Gold Award
Venturing Silver Award

Expert-level awards:

• Quest Award
• TRUST Award
• Ranger Award

Sea Scouting
Scouter Awards

• Guide to Safe Scouting
• Buddy System
• Climb On Safely
• Safe Swim Defense
• BSA Swim Test
• Safety Afloat

See the 2009 Boy Scout Requirement Changes for details. All Merit Badge pamphlets have been reprinted with color photographs, diagrams, and covers effective August 1, 2008. The actual text and requirements, in most cases did not change from the previous editions.

The Auto Mechanics merit badge was replaced with badge Automotive Maintenance. Architecture and Landscape Architecture Merit Badges were combined into a single book.