Venturing Leader May 2017

Leader Leader May INSIDE THIS ISSUE \\ Advisor’s View of Summit Award 2 2017 Venturing Camp @ Goose Pond 3NEPA Council Venturing Officers Association VenturingFest 4 72 Montage Mountain Road Spring Fling/Summer Bash 5 Moosic, PA 18507-1776 VOA @ Pinewood Derby 5 voa.nepabsa.org [email protected] View Point with Lou Piniella 7 570-207-1227 Venturing Advancement review 8 Venturing Resources 8 The Venturing App® 9 Calendar 10 voa.nepabsa.org [email protected] 570-207-1227 President’s CornerDear Venturers,Sunday, May 7th, the NEPA VOA hosted and ran the “Goal Setting andTime Management for Crews” training at the VOA meeting. The VOAofficers, the general members present, and the Venturers who attended allhad an amazing time.The “Goal Setting and Time Management for Crews” training is arequirement for the Discovery Award. Those Ventures Present are one stepcloser to completing the award. If you missed this training, there is no needto fret. The NEPA VOA will be hosting another training later in the year!And a quick shout out for our next event themed to Mission”s” Impossible,you will be emerged into the world of covert operations. You will sneak pastguards, speak in code, learn the secrets of enemy embattlements, and haveall the makings of a covert operative by the end of the Spring Fling. June 3rdand 4th. Register On-line at http://nepabsa.org/upcoming-events/voa/voa-spring-flingSee you there!Yours in Scouting,Joshua Sepcoski.

Venturing Leader Page 2 Summit Award – Through the eyes of an advisor By: a proud advisorNortheastern Pennsylvania Council’s VOA isproud to announce its second Venturing SummitAward! Megan Schuster from Crew 3701 inAvoca has completed all the requirementsincluding a capstone project & had a formalboard of review.As her Crew advisor, I am so proud of Meganto be the second person to navigate through thenew Venturing Award system that was releasedin June of 2014. I believe Megan achieved allthe goals the new awards were setting out toachieve.You see, years ago, Sarah Gromala brought provides Megan well deserved recognition byMegan to join 3701. Megan was Sarah’s peers, mentors and community of a fantasticsidekick & Sarah was Megan’s voice. They fit journey into adulthood. I encourage all Crew advisors to guide Venturing Youth to followright in my all girl crew. Megan was quiet and the new awards while planning their Crewlearned that if you don’t speak up & tell your activities.tent mate to completely close your tent at PolarBear, you will wake up covered in snow. She Your crew may hold the next Summit Awardhad adventures like waterskiing, rock climbing, recipient!rafting, biking & hiking 3 miles up Bull Hill. Inoticed that Megan was no longer attached toSarah & Megan seemed to even like some of thenew people she met through Crew. She went onto work at Camp Acahela. Megan grew stronger& more confident & became our Crew President& a VOA Vice President. She planned smallweekly activities & large council events.Megan became the Area 5 Rendezvous symbolwhen she allowed herself to become a living“Weeping Angel” in 2014 & an Oompa Loompain 2015. She said she is proud of helping tocreate & carryout the Harry Potter themedInsomniac’s Revenge & Super Hero’s Lock-in.I saw her be more confident when she was ableto speak to her employer & college professorsfor flexibility to allow her to participate Crewactivities. Her Summit Board of Reviewincluded youth & adults from her crew &community. Youth have the final vote on aSummit Board of review.Megan amazed everyone in the room herconfidence, maturity & self-awareness. Theaward system provided Megan a structure ofmanageable goals to develop her personalvision to become the successful collegestudent that she is today. The Summit Award

Page 3 Venturing Leader Page 3NEPA Venturing Camp @ GPSR Anyone coming to our Out Island Trek should be prepared for all types of water activities. This adventure will include2017It is with great pleasure that the Northeastern Pennsylvania at least one multi-day trip.Council, BSA presents you with the Goose Pond ScoutReservation Venturing Camp (GPSR-VC). This is the Goose Pond Scout Reservation is now offering exciting,eighth annual Venturing Week at GPSR, a Nationally new opportunities for Venturers. Our Venturing Camp treksAccreaded Venturing Camp. The Northeastern Pennsylvania are marked by the same commitment to excellence, highCouncil is dedicating a week of summer camp for those of quality equipment, and outstanding service the Scoutingus that wear \"green;\" As a Venture Crew Adviser, I know world has come to expect of us.firsthand the importance of having a camp designed for ourVenturing units. Out Island Adventure TrekThe 2017 Venturing week will host five treks that have a You think Survivor is tough? Check out NEPA Venturingwide range of appeal. Newly formed Crews can focus on Week GPSR style. The Out Island Adventure combinesleadership and teamwork, Crews new to Scouting can take camping on the 5750 acre lake Wallenpaupack. The lake ishave a week dedicated to experiencing both Northeastern 13 miles long, has 52 miles of shoreline, and is about 60Pennsylvania Council camp in our Camps Adventure, for feet deep.those looking for more high adventure we are offering bothout island and camping / hiking treks as well. You will canoe to your campsite, taking all the food, water and equipment used during your adventure. PracticeThe staff of Goose Pond Scout Reservation is looking canoeing strokes and rescue techniques.forward to giving you a week to remember.Sign-ups for this program are made by contacting John Later, powerboats will take you snorkelling, tubing, waterSepcoski @ 570-472-3253 or email [email protected] skiing and fishing on selected days. A program mate willIf you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or remain with you for the duration of your trip to assist you inemail (preferred). appreciating this unique environment.Please note: Youth can attend this Venture Camp as After a few days on the lake you will return to GPSR toprovisional's. The staff at GPSR and additional Venture work on your crew project, do some awesome nightCrew leaders will be on staff that week. Both male and climbing with only glow sticks to light your way. Then it’sfemale leadership have been secured. So even if you as a off the underworld, under the sea that is, for some scubaleader are not available to attend, the youth still can. diving. The package is all wrapped up with a day for2017 Trek Information shooting sports.We offer adventure and advancement based Venturing Biking & Rafting Adventure Trekactivities. Whether you are on the quest for your Rangeraward or just want to have a good time, our Venturing campis a great place to be. Activities may include: pistol shooting,black powder, snorkeling, scuba diving, wilderness survival,advanced cooking techniques, land navigation, Leave NoTrace training, cycling, first aid, rock climbing, and muchmore!Venturing camp is full of activity while maintaining a laidback atmosphere. We're really looking forward to sharingthese experiences with you.Part of our Venturing camp treks takes place in an outpost You will be biking and rafting in the river forms the bordercampsite well suited to the activities and adventures you are between Carbon and Luzerne counties, The Lehigh River.most interested in. As with all high adventure activities, Utilizing Jim Thorpe as your base camp for 3 days, you willparticipants should be prepared for an appropriate level of travel the Lehigh Gorge by Bike and by Raft. Your Bikingactivity. It is suggested that Venturers and Advisorsinterested in attending Venturing Camp prepare themselvesphysically prior to arrival. Participants in the ClimbingAdventure should be prepared for moderate hiking with amoderate to heavy load followed by strenuous climbs.

Venturing Leader Page 42018 VenturingFest will celebrate the program’s 20th anniversary Venturing became an official BSA program on Feb. 9, 1998. Since then, thousands of young people have buttoned up those green shirts and had their lives changed. In Venturing, where Eagle Scouts and young men find new reasons to be excited about Scouting and where young women can, at last, enjoy the same program they grew up envying. Venturers design their own path to high adventure, resulting in dozens of different specialties.VenturingFest registration is now live. Venturing The inaugural VenturingFest happened this week atturns 20 in 2018, and you and your crew are invited SBR, and hundreds of Venturers zip-lined, climbedto the party. and paddleboarded around this haven of high- adrenaline fun.The BSA’s high-adventure program for young menand young women has announced that the next But with Venturing’s 20th anniversary in 2018, theVenturingFest, celebrating the program’s 20th next VenturingFest promises to be bigger and better.anniversary, will take place July 1 to 6, 2018, at the both volunteers and professional Scouters.Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. Get all the latest information at: http://www.summitbsa.org/venturingfest/Venturing Camp continued. Our rock climbing and hiking adventure camp can take you from beginner, intermediate and advanced climbing experience will range from 20 - 40 MILES over beginner techniques on world class stone. through advanced trails. There are level railroad grade trails for beginners and several steep grades for the more Venturers will meet up in our base camp at GPSR to learn experienced biker. You will bike through some of the basic safety and rope work skills as well as gaining a basic nicest scenery Northeast Pennsylvania has to offer. understanding of climbing movement. As these skills are Periodic stops along the trail will provide you the developed, we will travel on a hiking adventure where a opportunity cook as a crew, learn wilderness survival Kodiak style 2 day trek will take you through some of the techniques, leave no trace, and more. nicest scenery Northeast Pennsylvania has to offer. Periodic stops along the trail will provide you the Climbing & Hiking Adventure Trek opportunity to make your own penny stove, cook as a crew, learn wilderness survival techniques, leave no trace, and more. Once the hiking trek is completed, you will be taken to Acahela Rocks for a fantastic day of climbing natural rocks featured in Boys Life, Magazine. Venturing Camp Fees are: Venturing Youth $360 by 7/15 $385 after 7/15.

Page 5 Venturing Leader Spring Fling / Summer Bash Page 5 By: Sarah Gromala This year’s theme for the Spring Camporee is “MISSIONS IMPOSSIBLE”. Baden-Powell described Scouting as “a game with a purpose”. It is in that spirit that we offer the Spring Fling. The camporee will be held may 3rd -4th , at Camp Acahela. Units should arrive around 1 pm Saturday afternoon to register, set up camp, participate in field games, enjoy a great prepared dinner meal (5:00pm) and opening campfire at 7:00 pm. Scouts will be given secret orders that will direct them to their first night mission (event). They will be directed to a total of 11 Night Missions (including midnight meal). After each completed night mission, they will be given sealed orders directing them to their next mission. The Missions will conclude by 1:00 am. All Scouts should be in their campsites and quiet by 2:00am. Sunday morning we will have breakfast followed by award presentations, cleanup and departure. See schedule for exact times.Please read the attached material carefully. Cost per participant is $25.00, before June 4th 2017. The feeincludes registration, a patch, the program, and dinner, snack and breakfast. In addition, there will be a specialcost saving for “Extremely Awesome” leaders.For additional information goto http://voa.nepabsa.org/events/15-spring-fling-june-2017Leaders Guide http://voa.nepabsa.org/media/ckfinder/files/Spring%20Fling%202017.pdfRegister On-line at http://nepabsa.org/upcoming-events/voa/voa-spring-flingApril 29, 2017, Venturing Officers association providedrefreshments to hundreds of Cub Scouts and their familiesduring the annual Two Mountains District Derby. All theCubs came to Wyoming Area Secondary Center with hopesof winning the biggest shinny trophies. Every race had awinner. Every Cub also won a hot meal provided by VOAofficers. This event is the primary fund raiser for theVenturing Officers Association. The VOA uses funds toprovide scholarships such as the Michael Lolli Scholarship &awards like the Venturer of the year that promote Venturingin NEPA.Special thanks to Greta Ketchner, Josh & John Sepcoski forpreparing the & serving the food. Thanks to Rick Stritzingerfor getting & organizing the food. Thanks to VOA alumni,Megan Schuster & Matt Gromala who helped with the bakesale! Good to see the Green shirt pride does not wear offwhen Venturers turn 21!

Venturing Leader Page 6 Missions that are Impossible

Page 7 Venturing Leader View Point: A rendezvous with Lou Piniella Page 7 What memory out of your entire career in baseball, was your favorite? “I have many. I really had. My first at bat in the big leagues. I played six full years in the minors, so I, I struggled to get to the big leagues, I really did. First at bat for the Kansas City Royals in 1969, First championship we won, the Yankees in 1977. And then the 90’s Season with the Reds, world championship in 1990. Who was the biggest influence on your life? Why? “Probably my mom. She encouraged me. You know, she loved baseball. So she was somewhat of a coach, but the encouragement she gave me was second to none.In this installment of View Point, I What is the one thing you wish you knew as ainterviewed former Pro Baseball Player, Coach, andManager, Lou Piniella. teenager that you know now? Well a lot of things? A whole lot of things. There’s noMr. Piniella started his career as an outfielder in themajor leagues. He played sixteen seasons with the substitute for experience and going through the trialsBaltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Kansas City and tribulations of life. At age 16, 17, you’re a youngRoyals and New York Yankees. During his playing bull who wants to go through the wall. When you’re 73career, he was named AL Rookie of the Year in 1969and captured two World Series championships with years old like I am now, you slow things down. You thinkthe Yankees (1977, 1978). things down a little more, thoroughly before embarking. Yannno, taking your time, and assessing things. I think that’s probably the most important thing. Don’t be so quick and rash in making decisions and think things out rationally, more rationally.He was nicknamed \"Sweet Lou\", both for his swingas a major league hitter and, facetiously, to describehis demeanor as a player and manager.You were a player, a coach a manager and abroadcaster? What career did you like the most,and why?“Well playing was by far the most fun. Managing hada lot of responsibilities. Broadcasting is Okay, butplaying definitly is the most fun. You get to play witha lot of great players. You can make a lot of greatfriendships. I had the opportunity to play on manychampionship teams, so playing was by far the mostfun for me, “What piece of advice were you given at an early Catch more installments of “View Point: A rendezvous with..” onage that you value most today?“To work hard, pay attention to my teachers and my http://voa.nepabsa.orgcoaches, and to never give up on myself and to keepstriving to get better.”

Venturing Leader Page 8 Venturing Advancement Structure: A ReviewVenturing has an advancement structure that allows Venturers to develop themselves while working to complete aset of challenges. Each advancement in the structure has requirements that focus on the ALPS model: Adventure –Leadership – Personal Growth – Service.Upon joining and demonstrating his or her intent to be committed to the program, a youth member first will earn theVenturing Award. Each Venturer may then work towards the Discovery Award by completing several requirementsthat relate to volunteer service hours, crew participation, CPR/First Aid training, Introduction to Leadership Skillsfor Crews, goal setting, and crew officers’ orientation.Next comes the Pathfinder Award, which requires Venturers to continue participating in their crew activities whiletaking on more leadership responsibility for planning and conducting crew activities, as well as taking part in anethical controversies discussion, while also completing additional service hours.Finally, the Venturer works towards earning the aptly named Summit Award by taking on other crew leadershippositions, instructing crew trainings, and mentoring a younger member of the crew.The Summit Award requires completion of a service project where the Venturer leads others. Finally, each Ventureralso is asked to set and obtain personal goals, and to lead an ethical controversies discussion. In order to completeany of these four advancements, a Venturer must complete an Advisor conference and a crew board of review. Looking for Venturing Resources No matter if you scan the QR Code, navigate to http://voa.nepabsa.org/bookshelves or go to our website you will find one of the best collections of Venturing resources available. Our bookshelves contain books for Advancement, Training, VOA operations, Program, Membership and of course our Newsletters. You can even find Summit Advancement Resources The Summit Fillable PDF Advancement Resources: Venturing Summit Award Service Project Workbook, No. 512-938 Venturing Summit Award Application, No. 512-941 The tracking spreadsheet for the awards is available here:

Page 9 Venturing Leader Introducing “The Venturing App” P®age 9 NEPA Council VOA Designs “The Venturing App” ® The Northeastern Pennsylvania VOA is proud to present “The Venturing App”. Depicted on this page are beta tabs/pages used in the App. These tabs include the Events, Maps, Photos, Videos, About, and Newsletter tabs. The Events page will show the upcoming events with their description, whether that be for Venturing nationally, or on the council level. The Maps tab will display maps for the Council Camps and will show the customized Event maps during events like the Insomniacs Revenge. The Photos tab will allow Ventures to post photos from their crew outings and such. Photos will be Moderated before posted.  What do the other Tabs contain?  What other tabs will there be?  What other resources will be made available within the app? You will just have to download the app and find out :). The Venturing App should be hitting the shelves in just a few weeks, so be on the lookout!

Venturing Leader Page 10 How can YOU benefit from the NEPA VOAWhy you should attend VOA Meetings  You help to determine the program for Council Venturing events.  The VOA is there to support its crews, so if you have any struggles, you can let us know so we could offer our help.  The VOA will aid in your campaigns for membership.  Networking with other crews in your area.  You help to determine the direction of NEPA council Venturing  You have access to all the VOA resources for recruitment and planning. Read Around the World! Northeastern Pennsylvania Council VOA Newsletter, The Venturing Leader is read around the world. Since going to our new format for our newsletter we are able to track where our newsletter is read. Not only are we read throughout the United States but we are also read in Italy, Australia, Kuwait and Puerto Rico.https://twitter.com/NEPABSAVOAhttp://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs6Lhb5hg-P6gOCCCsf2OXwhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/NEPA-Council-Venturing-Officers-Association/485868761534738 Upcomming Events / Important Dates May June JulySunday 7th - 5:00pm VOA Saturday June 3rd into June 4th Sunday 2nd – VOA Officer /Meeting - Goal Setting Training VOA Spring Fling @ Camp Acahela Advisor Meeting – TrainingSunday May 14th - Mother's Day June 11th NEPA BSA VOA Meeting Sessions starting at 11:00amMonday 29th – Memorial Day @ 5:00pm @ the SSTC Tuesday 4th – Independence Day June 18th – Fathers Day