Looking for a program to help revitalize (or kick start) your youth ministry program?  May I humbly suggest that you "Venture" in a new direction . . .

Who says Boy Scouting is just for boys? Or that it's not for older teens? If your parish youth ministry program is looking for some new life, new energy, or a new structure, consider Venturing! Venturing is a program for young men and women 14-20 years old (or 13 years old and completed 8th grade) to provide positive experiences through youth-led activities that help them pursue their special interests, grow by teaching others, and develop leadership skills. Remember, scouting IS youth ministry, and Venturing is a program that fits well within the framework for Catholic youth ministry described in Renewing the Vision.

Using Venturing as your senior high youth ministry offers you structure, training for leaders, and an exciting program to offer your teens . . . while still allowing you flexibility to tailor the program to your own setting and build in Catholic activities and faith formation. Catholic Venture Scouts can work on the same Religious Emblems as other Boy Scouts, providing them with deeper faith learning opportunities. And if your parish already has a Cub Scout or Boy Scout troop, you can (and probably should!) still consider Venturing - its focus on youth leadership and higher adventure help to keep older teens (who might be drifting away from traditional scouting) engaged in church-related youth activities.

For more information, or to see if Venturing might be right for your parish, contact me (Youth & Young Adult Ministry), Jim Smyczynski (Catholic Committee on Scouting), or Patrick Coviello (Scout Executive with Greater Niagara Frontier Council).