OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDER SCOUTS

VENTURE PATROLS

A VENTURE PATROL is an optional older-boy patrol (ages 13 through 17) within a troop. It is led by a youth member elected as Venture patrol leader. Like a Varsity Scout team, the Venture patrol features exciting and demanding ultimate adventures and sports activities. For example, a Venture patrol might spend two or three months learning how to paddle and portage canoes, brushing up on orienteering, and researching the load and gear needed for long journeys. With the skills mastered, they plan and set out on a canoe-camping ultimate adventure-miles of canoe travel along lakes and rivers, finding their way with a map and compass, and pitching their tents each evening on the shore. Venture patrols might also select a sport such as basketball or soccer, and spend a season (usually three months) sharpening their skills, competing among themselves, and challenging other Venture patrols. Venture patrol members may continue to advance through Scouting's ranks and to hold positions of troop leadership. Venture patrol members wear the Boy Scout uniform with the Venture identification strip above the right pocket.

Venture and Varsity Program Features Venture patrols and Varsity Scout teams offer older Scouts plenty of terrific program opportunities. Members can choose from among the following high-adventure and sports features, each lasting ahoutthree months. See BSA publications Troop Program Feafures, Volume I [No. 33110); Volume II [No. 33111); and Volume III [No. 33112]-available at local Scout shops or service centers-for how-to information and program outlines.