The Venturing Oath
As a Venturer, I promise to do my duty to God and help strengthen America, to help others, and to seek truth, fairness, and adventure in our world.

The Venturing Code
As a Venturer, I believe that America's strength lies in our trust in God and in the courage, strength, and traditions of our people.

I will, therefore, be faithful in my religious duties and will maintain a personal sense of honor in my own life.

I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve and enrich it.

I will recognize the dignity and worth of all humanity and will use fair play and goodwill in my daily life.

I will acquire the Venturing attitude that seeks the truth in all things and adventure on the frontiers of our changing world.

Venturing Crew 690

As our Scouts get older, they stay connected to the troop by joining our Venturing Crew 690. This co-ed Crew (ages 14-20) pursues high-adventure activities, such as wilderness canoeing, skiing, backpacking, rock climbing, caving, and more!

Venturing is the young adult program of the Boy Scouts of America for men and women 14 (who have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years of age. The Venturing program is designed to build character, promote citizenship, and develop personal and mental fitness. Each crew has the responsibility of achieving this purpose by designing its own program.

There are four goals for the participant in Venturing:

1. To gain practical experience
2. To engage in a program of activities centered on leadership, service, social activities, fitness, the outdoors, and citizenship to encourage the development of the whole person
3. To experience positive leadership from adult and youth leaders and be given opportunities to take on leadership roles
4. To have a chance to learn and grow in a supportive, caring, and fun environment.

Vision

The Vision of Crew 690 will meet the needs of the youth in our diverse community and provide youth the opportunity to develop character, citizenship, personal fitness, teamwork, and leadership skills.

Mission

The Mission of Crew 690 is to prepare young peole to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Values

The Scout Law is the definitive summation of our principles and Core Values. A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

Methods

Leadership—All Venturers are given opportunities to learn and apply proven leadership skills. A Venturing crew is led by elected crew officers. The Venturing Leadership Skills Course is designed for all Venturers and helps teach in an active way to effectively lead.

Group Activities—Venturing activities are interdependent group experiences in which success depends on the cooperation of all. Learning by doing in a group setting provides opportunities for developing new skills.

Adult Association—The youth officers lead the crew. The officers and activity chairs work closely with Advisors and other adult leaders in a spirit of partnership. The adults serve in a "shadow" leader capacity.

Recognition—Recognition comes through the Venturing advancement program and through the acknowledgement of a youth's competence and ability by peers and adults.

The Ideals—Venturers are expected to know and live by the Venturing Oath and Code. They promise to do their duty to God, help strengthen America, to help others, and to seek truth and fairness.

High Adventure and Sports—Venturing's emphasis on high adventure and sports helps provide team-building opportunities, new meaningful experiences, practical leadership application, and lifelong memories to young adults.

Teaching Others—All of the Venturing awards require Venturers to teach what they have learned to others. When they teach others often, Venturers are better able to retain their skill or knowledge they taught, they gain confidence in their ability to speak and relate to others, and they acquire skills that can benefit them for the rest of their lives as a hobby or occupation.

Venturing Crew 690 Activities

11-10-2006 VSLC Training, Mauston WI

12-11-2006 Leadership Training, Galena, IL

For more information about joining Venturing Crew 690, please contact Kris or Sandy Cramer, 847-934-0079, or e-mail cramerks@comcast.net.