What is Venturing?

Venturing is a division of the Boy Scouts of America, but it's not quite what you would first think of when you hear "Boy Scouts".

Venturing is open to all youth (both male and female) who are at least 15 years old (14 years old if you have finished 8th grade) and are not yet 21.

Unlike Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts where everyone follows the same program, in Venturing every Crew (units in Venturing are called Crews just like a Boy Scout unit is called a Troop or a Cub Scout unit is called a Pack) gets to pick its own specialty. Broadly the specialties are divided into Arts and Hobbies, Outdoor, Religious Life, Sea Scouts, and Sports. Within each of those five clusters there can be considerable variation, for example some of the Arts and Hobbies crews in the council include a brass band, a rock band, a group of historical reenactors, a group specializing in web page design, and a German singing society. All of these diverse specialties fit within just one of the five clusters, so no matter what you're looking for there's probably room for it somewhere within Venturing.

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.

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.

Mission Statement

It is the mission of the Venturing Division of the Greater Pittsburgh Council to be a recognized leader in helping teens safely experience adventure, develop leadership skills, enhance self-confidence, and foster personal development that will help them become well-adjusted adults.