Venture, Varsity, Explorer

[Elangomat]

I'm not sure where this goes so I'm posting here (feel free to move/delete/etc.).

I'm very confused here... what are the differences between Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Explorer Scouts? For example, some are co-ed, what are age requirements, etc.

[wagionvigil]

Venturing and Exploring and Sea Scouts are co ed 14-21st Birthday

[Rick Tyler]

I'm very confused here... what are the differences between Boy Scouts, Venture Scouts, Varsity Scouts, and Explorer Scouts? For example, some are co-ed, what are age requirements, etc.

Boy Scout Troops: boys only, ages 11 (more or less) to 17. Substantial safety rules appropriate to middle-school boys.

Varsity Teams: boys only, ages 14 to 17. This is a separate chartered unit with its own committee and adult leadership. Every Varsity Team I've heard of was chartered by an LDS church. I have been told that Varsity teams tend to be sports-oriented, but I don't see that in the BSA literature. Varsity scouts use the Boy Scout advancement program and wear "normal" uniforms.

Venture Patrols: Just an informal label for a patrol in a Boy Scout troop. Many troops have these for their older scouts. They sometimes have separate outings that would be too challenging for younger scouts.

Venturing Crews: Co-ed, ages 14 to 20. Like Varsity teams, these are separately chartered units. Venturers have their own rules, uniforms, and leadership structure. See http://www.scouting.org/nav/enter.jsp?s=vy.

Explorers: When I was a scout, Explorer Posts were either a place for boys to explore a career (I was a member of a post sponsored by an aerospace company), or as a high-adventure alternative for older boys. Now, the high-adventure camping aspect has been moved to Venturing, and Explorer Posts are limited to career exploration (as far as I can tell).

and don't forget:

Sea Scouts: Originally part of the Senior Scouts programs, then independent, now attached to the Venturing program, Sea Scout Ships are co-ed units for 14-20 year-olds who want adventure on the water. Most Sea Scout Ships own their own boat (or boats). Many will take Boy Scout troops on cruises, too. My father was never a Boy Scout, but he was a Sea Scout.

[Elangomat]

Thanks, that clears up a lot. Now, which can earn the rank of Eagle (I've noticed somewhere that certain of those scouts can earn eagle...

[PaulSWolf]

Thanks, that clears up a lot. Now, which can earn the rank of Eagle (I've noticed somewhere that certain of those scouts can earn eagle...

Rick's comments were basically correct.

All Boy Scouts and Varsity Scouts are eligible to earn all Scout Ranks through Eagle, and Eagle Palms.

Male Venturers and male Sea Scouts that have at least earned the rank of First Class Scout while in a Boy Scout Troop or Varsity Scout Team may continue to work toward the ranks of Star. Life and Eagle, plus Eagle Palms, while registered in Venturing Crews and Sea Scout Ships. (They may also, if they desire, maintain a registration in a Troop or Team, but it is not required to do so in order to advance.)

Explorers are not members of BSA, and are not eligible to earn Scout Ranks unless they are ALSO registered in a Troop, Team, Crew, or Ship. Since 1998, Exploring has been a program of the "Learning for Life Corporation", which is a separate organization, wholly owned by the BSA. Explorers are considered "participants" in the Exploring program, not "members".

As a side note, the terms "Venture Scout", "Explorer Scout" and "Venturing Scout" are NOT recognized as appropriate terminology. Venturers are not Scouts, nor are Explorers. Members of Venture Patrols are Boy Scouts. I'm sure Wagionvigil's use of "Exploring Sea Scouts" was just a typo.

[wagionvigil]

missed the ,there Thanks will correct

[wagionvigil]

Sea Scouts are Under the Venturing Program. They are counted as Ventuers in membership totals and take part in Venturing Activities when held on an Area or Regional Basis. It is a pretty strong program in alot of areas.
The learning For Life Programs in this area are used in the schools in the Special Education programs.

[riverwalk]

And of course, the co-ed Exploring Program is still for Career Awareness too.

[OldGreyBear]

And while Eagle can be earned by male Sea Scouts, Varsity and Venturing Crew members who transfer in at least as a first class scout, they must earn Eagle by their 18th birthday.

[Eamonn]

How about a area for Venturing and Sea Scouting?
Yes I know one is part of the other.

[wagionvigil]

I might arrange that> I will think on it and diiscuss it with the other moderators

[falcon]

Oh... and dont forget Air Scouts. My dad found an "Air Scout" manual at the local book store. It was back preparing for war. Diagrams of planes in the handbood etc.

[riverwalk]

Yep, there were Air Scouts too. In fact, it's not unusual to find an Aviation Explorer Post.