During the weekend of April 15-17, representatives from Crew 42 attended the BSA Western Region's Venturing Youth Conference.  Hosted by the Orange County Council, the event was held at the new Outdoor Education Center in the Irvine Ranch complex.  The BSA owns a 250 acre parcel of land where they've built southwestern-style lodges, a modern dining hall, dorms with kitchens and lounges, and for outdoor fun, a huge pool, mountain biking, small arms ranges, and a monster zip line.  Of course, the weather's always gorgeous.

Over 120 Venturing officers from all over the West attended, including reps from all 6 of the official "areas" of the Western Region.  Alaska, Washington, Oregon, the Idaho Panhandle, and the mountainous area of California above Mt Shasta are all considered Area One of the Western Region.  There are 11 local Councils within Area 1.

April 9th Crew 1042 rocked All Star Lanes Bowling Alley.  Well… Some did.  Arriving at 10pm excited to start bowling for 3 hours straight. “Free cake anyone?” Jake and Nick gobble down huge pieces of delish looking chocolate cake from a random person handing out.  I guess they were never told not to take candy from strangers.

Great turn out for a short notice event. 12, 13 or so people arrived, some late some leaving early but that’s just little details. Bowling the night away out while singing and dancing beautifully under the black lights. The truth comes out as we change everyone’s name behind their back. You can never tell someone to watch and then get a strike, it’s just not possible.

Congratulations to Jake, Brody, and Mrs Zantek, who were all selected for the Chief Seattle Council's prestigious 2011 Venturing Leadership Award.   As published in the BSA National Council's literature, the VLA is awarded to those "who have made exception contributions to Venturing and who exemplify the Venturing Code....the Candidate must show exceptional dedication and give outstanding leadership and service to Venturing and to Venturers across the Council."  There are 200 Venturing Crews in the Chief Seattle Council and our Crew won THREE of these very selective awards.  Only nine awards were presented this year.

The medallion is suspended on a blue and white ribbon worn around the neck when in a full dress uniform.  An embroidered tri-color square knot is sewn above the left pocket of the uniform shirt for normal use.  They received their awards at the Council VOA General Assembly Meeting at Camp Parsons on April 2nd.