Venturing Portal

Venturing is for young men and women who are 13 and have completed the eighth grade, or be 14 years of age and not yet 21. The year-round program provides 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.

• 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

May 5, 1961 – Alan Shepard becomes the first American in space, aboard Mercury-Redstone 3.

May 7 and 8, 1945 – Victory in Europe Day

May 10, 1869 – Completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad - Promontory Summit, Utah

May 9 – 12th Annual Jamboree On The Trail

May 10 – Mother's Day

May 25 – NASA's Phoenix spacecraft will land on Mars.

May 25 – Memorial Day observed

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

• BSA Program Info (many answers here)
• Merit Badge Program Outlines (on MeritBadge.com)
• Merit Badge Worksheets
• Forms and Files (on MeritBadge.com)
• Discussion Forums (on MeritBadge.net)

Dr. James E. West (May 16, 1876 – May 15, 1948) was a lawyer and an advocate of children's rights, who become the first professional Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America, serving from 1911-1943. Upon his retirement from the BSA, West was given the title of Chief Scout. When the new BSA office opened in January 1911 West was at the helm and the movement began to grow at a rapid pace. Sixty local councils were organized in the first month of his tenure. One of his first tasks was the first edition of Boy Scout Handbook. West was instrumental in expanding the third part of the Scout Oath:

...To help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

He also pushed to add three parts to the Scout Law: brave, clean, and reverent. In November 1911 the title was changed and he became the first Chief Scout Executive.