[Don't Panic!] FW: Venturing List: Proposed Changes to Venturing

[John Zantek]

Here's the best chance I've ever seen for people in the "field" to express
their opinions about the Venturing Program...as it was originally
envisioned, how it's being run today, and how it could be structured in the
future.  As the solicitation advises: Be constructive and respectful.  If
there's something you think needs a attention, you should explain why, and
suggest a solution instead of simply tossing out a complaint.  

When you do send your input, identify yourself.  That adds credibility,
while anonymity does not.   If you are a Venturer (youth), say so...since
your voice can better be heard.

I understand that the "411 at scouting.org" group is a very small group, but
filled with some powerful players.   The Chair of this Task Force is Charles
Dahlquist, the previous LDS General Young Men's President.  

I have spoken with a few other adults on the Task Force, and they were
unanimous in their support of the "One Oath" initiative where Cub Scouts,
Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Venturers would all use the same Oath, Law,
Salute, and Sign.  Their solution to the Venturing Uniform complaints is to
put everyone in Boy Scout Khaki.  Venturing would gain Ranks.  The terms
Venturer and Venturing Crew would be replaced with Venture Scout and Venture
Crew or Patrol (independent units or Crews would only be necessary if there
are girls, else it would only be a Patrol in a chartered Troop...which
reduces annual rechartering paperwork.   NYLT could return to Boy Scouts
only, Kodiak would be Varsity and Venture Scouts only.  Varsity Scouting,
omnipresent in the West, but sparse in the Central, almost non-existent in
the NE and Southern Regions, becomes a real wild-card because of Dahlquist.
They will not make suggestions about OA elections in Crews.

None of this is cast in stone yet, even the One Oath initiative.  The latter
was approved by the 10 officers of the National Council Executive Committee,
and will be voted on by the full 100 members this winter.  The One Oath
initiative is presently supported by 4 Western Region's Area 1 (the PNW)
appointed Venturing adult leaders.

-----Original Message-----
From: venturinglist at yahoogroups.com [mailto:venturinglist at yahoogroups.com] 
Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2012 1:01 PM
To: venturinglist at yahoogroups.com
Subject: Venturing List: Proposed Changes to Venturing

Hello Venturers and Advisors -
The BSA published an announcement yesterday that it is in the process of
reviewing all of its programs, including Venturing, as called for by the BSA
National Strategic Plan.  One proposed change is the replacement of the
Venturing Oath, Code, Salute, and Sign with the Boy Scout Oath, Law, Salute,
and Sign.  Also, a National Venturing Review Task Force has been formed to
review the entire Venturing program (awards, program, membership, marketing,
support, training, etc.).

Venturers and Advisors are encouraged by provide comments and suggestions to
the task force by sending a message to 411 at scouting.org.  Do you like the
Venturing awards program or do you want to see changes?  Then say so!  Don't
like the uniform?  Let them know!  Have other ideas?  This is your chance!
*Please be constructive and respectful.*  You might consider framing your
input to the task force by answering the following questions:
1.       What is the essence of Venturing?
2.       What presently works well in Venturing that helps us serve youth?
3.       What could be made better in Venturing to serve youth more
effectively?
4.       If you could keep one thing in Venturing--something you value
above all else--what would it be?
5.       If you could remove one aspect of Venturing--what would it be?

To ensure your comments make their way to the task force, please include
Venturing in the subject line.