The Venturing Program was introduced in August of last year in order to provide young men and young women with a challenging, achievement-oriented program of adventure, motivation, and leadership experiences.   Young adults who are at least 14 years of age and have completed the 8th grade are eligible for membership.

Venture Crews register in any of 5 different interest areas: Arts & Hobbies; Outdoor Adventure; Sea Scouting; Sports; or Youth Ministry.  Each Venture Crew selects their own youth officers who will lead the crew members, and also selects the programs that the crew wishes to experience each month.  Crew Leaders serve for at least 6 months and are advised by adults.

In support of the Venturing program, youth may earn three levels of awards that recognize proficiency in any of the interest areas listed above.  The awards (Bronze, Gold, and Silver) are sequential and require each Venture to set and accomplish personal goals, to gain skill in both core and optional interests, and to demonstrate both leadership and community service.  The Ranger Award requires a high degree of outdoor skills proficiency and a demonstrated ability to teach and lead others.  Each of these awards will also require a formal board of review similar to an Eagle Board in order to determine each candidate’s suitability for the award.

Venture Leaders, both Youth and Adult, may also be recognized for dedication, leadership, and service by a recommendation for an award of the Venturing Leadership medal.  This medal is presented to Venturers and adults who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing and who exemplify the Venturing Code.  Presentation is restricted to two youth and two adult medals per year.

If you would like more information on the Venturing Program, or would like to set up training for your Venture Crew, contact Donald Cheek at the Council Office.

COUNCIL CAPITAL CAMPAIGN BEGINS

Your Executive Board has hired a national professional firm to conduct a capital campaign to provide funding for planned capital development projects and endowment.

National Community Development of Atlanta, GA has been engaged to conduct the effort to produce about five million dollars.   Mr. John Gatling of Ashland, KY has been assigned to our council to conduct the initial feasibility study.  This study will provide guidance in determining which capital projects has widespread support  and how much support is available to Scouting.  The initial estimate includes about 1.8 million for capital expansion projects and 3 million to endow camp maintenance and three professional staff positions.

The planned capital projects include relocating Boy Scout facilities at Camp Sol Mayer, developing a cub scout “Cub Town” at Camp Sol Mayer, developing the RAGE program on Sol Mayer Ranch, renovations at Camp Fawcett, Camp Baden Powell and the Scout office.

The actual campaign will begin in September and should be completed in 10 months or less.

Mike Adam, the new Senior District Executive for the Amistad and Winter Garden Districts, began his new assignments with the Concho Valley Council on July 1st.

Mike, a native of Oklahoma, has over 16 years experience as a Professional Scouter and most recently served with the Indian Nations Council in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

 Mike is residing in Del Rio and is excited about the opportunities to serve the youth and leaders of his Districts. Mike’s phone # is (830) 778-2402.

Please join us in giving a big Texas Welcome to Mike Adam!

SCOUTNET 2000

Scoutnet 2000 is the new computer system of the Boy Scouts of America.  This system will be based in a new national data mainframe located at the National office.  Each local council will be tied to the system, via fiber optic cables.  This system replaces the ones now located in each council service center.  The new system will eventually allow units to access their membership rosters, advancement records and training records and recharter online.  These functions will not be available in the near future as all the bugs must be worked out of the system.  Stay tuned.