Venturing is an inclusive program through the Boy Scouts of America for youth ages 14-21 (or 13 and completed the 8th grade). Click here for an overview of the Venturing program.
Venturing Advancement & Awards
Venturing is based on the ALPS model: Adventure, Leadership, Personal Growth, and Service. Along their journey, Venturers can earn Core Venturing Awards (Venturing, Discovery, Pathfinder, and Summit) that serve as benchmarks along a Venturer’s journey, similar to Scout ranks in the Scouts BSA Program. Venturers can also earn other special awards and leadership awards. Click the links for more information or click here for an overview of the Venturing Awards Program.
Venturing Officer's Association (VOA)
A Venturing Officers’ Association, or VOA, consists of a team of youth officers who are supported by advisors. It provides leadership opportunities that prepare young people for their respective futures and gives them a voice to help strengthen the Venturing program. The Northeast Illinois Council is in the process of restarting our VOA. If you are interested in joining, please contact our VOA advisor.
Boards of Review
PLEASE NOTE: Due to COVID-19 all Boards of Review will be conducted virtually until further notice.
Venturing Boards of Review are conducted by each district. Use the contact info below to schedule a BOR.
Aptakisic: Boards of Review are held at the Kasperson Center for Scouting (our council office). For questions on Boards of Review in Aptakisic, please contact the BOR volunteers here.North Star: Please contact Dan Leslie, Patty Chojnacki, or Pat Lample to coordinate your Board of Review.
Potawatomi: Contact George Sullivan to schedule a Board of Review. They are typically held on the second Thursday of each month. For Potawatomi Project Approvals and Questions please contact Tom Handler, Mike Schaeffer, or Rich Hill.
In your email be sure to include your full name, troop, age, birth date, and phone number. You must include your Scoutmaster or another troop leader on the email to maintain two-deep leadership standards.
Service Hours
All crews should enter their service hours on a regular basis. This helps crews achieve higher awards in Journey to Excellence and helps our council more accurately report how much service we provide to the community. Click here for the Service Hours Portal. Need your unit ID? Contact our office at 847-433-1813.