Venture Scouts

the adventure continues…

Venture Scouts are experienced, thoughtful and fun to be around. They have received the training and are now ready to take on the adventure of the Scouting journey on their own. They set their own plan, carve their own path as they work towards the Queen’s Scout Award.

The Venture Scout programme and Chief Scout Award

The Jamaica Venture Scout Programme

The Venture Scout Programme includes:

            The Venture Scout Membership Badge (The World Badge)

            The Venture Scout Award

            The Queen Scout Award

It is open to young persons between the age of 15 and 18 years.

The Venture Scout Membership Badge:

To be passed under the arrangements made by the Venture Scout Leader, in consultation with the Unit Executive Committee. The Arrow Head Badge on a Purple background surrounded by a rope in a circle, tied in a reef knot at the bottom.

Requirement for a Scout Entrant:

1.   Action:

Take part with members of the Unit in at least one worthwhile activity.

Note – the holder of the Chief Scout Award who may have been associated with the Venture Scouts in performing their Adventure requirements of that badge would be given credit for this.

2.   Understanding and Commitment

a.   Show that you understand the Scout Motto.

b.   Show that you understand and accept the Scout Promise and Law.

c.    Show that you understand the International aspects of the Movement.

Requirements for a New Entrant:

 1.        Action

Take part in the Unit activities on at least six occasions with other members of the Unit. One of these activities must be an outdoor exercise.

2.  Understanding and Commitment

d.   Show that you understand the Scout Motto.

e.   Show that you understand and accept the Scout Promise and Law.

 f.   Show that you understand the International aspects of the Movement.

The Venture Scout Award

Creativity and Entrepreneurship

1. Complete A OR B and C of the following:-

(A) Career Awareness

  • Attend a talk, seminar or exhibition on Career Guidance and Development. Discuss with VSL and make a short presentation to your own unit/group on how to choose a career. This presentation should include charts, pictures, and diagrams. The presentation should last at least 30 minutes.

OR

(ii) Make an arranged visit to a chosen industry, corporation, statutory board or a medium-sized company*. After the visit, make a report on the different kinds of jobs and careers available, remuneration, staff incentives, job security, training opportunities and other details, which will help you in understanding the choosing of a career. Discuss with VSL and make a presentation to your own Unit. The presentation should last at least 30 minutes and should include a multi-media presentation or overhead projection. Participants should be presented with pamphlets for additional information.

* A medium-sized company in this context refers to one with at least 25 staff and 5 different levels of the job description.

(B) Self Improvement

·           Successfully completed a course or seminars on one of the following topics pertaining to Self-Improvement. The following is a sample list, but it is by no means exhaustive. You may also seek your VSL for his/her advice on a relevant subject on Self Improvement. Write a report on the topic you choose and present it to your own unit. The presentation should last at least 30 minutes and should include multi-media presentation or overhead projection. Participants should be presented with pamphlets for additional information.

·          

Example: Public Speaking, Social Etiquette, Effective Communications, Effective Study technique, Time Management, Emotional Intelligence, Accelerated Learning, Mind Mapping, Effective Writing Skills, Creative Writing, Creative Thinking, Boy-Girl Relationships, Team Dynamics/ Confidence Training, Brainstorming, etc.

(C) Creative Expression

1. Successfully complete a course of training in either (i) public speaking (ii) introduction to Visual arts (iii) introduction to performing arts

2. Prepare a mini-training session for a group of Venture Scouts on any one of the trainings undertaken in 1. The training session may be done in a format approved by the VSL and must last a minimum of 3 hours.

Self- Reliance and Exploration

Complete both 1 and 2

1. Survival Skills

· Pack and know the usage of a personal survival kit.

· Demonstrate 2 techniques of fire starting.

· Demonstrate knowledge of rescue signals and 2 techniques of sending them.

· Demonstrate how to source, collect and prepare water for consumption.

· Demonstrate how to prepare baits and make animal traps; demonstrate 2

· Demonstrate the construction of an improvised shelter for 2 people.

· Prepare a meal for 2 comprising of rice, meat, soup, hot drink and dessert using a        backwoodsman cooking technique.

Demonstrate the use of seven knots, five hitches and three splices

2. Household Management

Complete any 7 of the following:-

· Mend and iron clothing

· Wash, dry and fold clothing

· Change bed linens and curtains

· Sweep and mop (or vacuum) floor

· Marketing for a fresh ingredient for a simple meal for 4

· Prepare a simple meal for 4

· Change light bulbs and fuses

· Clear a choked sink

· Hang a frame onto the wall (with no existing nail or hook available)

· Change water and clean a medium-sized fish tank

Note: Venture Scouts who have taken Home Economics in High school may be exempted from the relevant portion.

1. Expedition Test

· Pre-requisite: Completed a basic First Aid course.

 Complete an 8-week swimming and water safety course

· Basic requirements: Travel with 3 companions and complete an expedition Log (see Appendix).

· May be conducted at Unit or District level.

· Expedition Logs may be called up at random by the National Training Team for an audit of standards.

The expedition may be the combination of any two of the following;

(A) Land Expedition

· Distance of no less than 60 km on foot, over a minimum of 2 days 1 night.

· Day exploration, night exploration, and survey element.

OR

(B) Cycling Expedition

· Distance of no less than 100 km on bicycles, over a minimum of 2 days 1 night.

· Day exploration, night exploration, and survey element.

OR

(C) Sea Expedition

· Distance of no less than 45 km on kayaks or sailing boats, over a minimum of 2 days 1 night.

· Day exploration and survey element. (Venture Scouts MUST complete 8 one hour swim instruction sessions before undertaking this expedition.)

AND

(D) Complete a Venture Scout Intensive Camp (VSIC) organized by the National Training Team. (This is a survival type high adventure camp that will last a maximum 3 days 2 nights. See Appendix… for full detail of the camp.)

Leadership

1. Leadership Appointment

  • Hold a leadership appointment or role of responsibility successfully for no less than 6 months in the Unit or one approved by the VSL beforehand.
  • Example: President/Vice-President of a club or society, Captain/Vice-Captain of a team, Stage Director, Chairman/Vice-Chairman of an Executive Committee, Peer Support Leader, etc.
  • Attend a leadership seminar organized by the National Training Team (Scout leader or Cub Scout leader training)
  • Plan and conduct a 3-hour workshop for a patrol (5-8 Scouts)
  • The Venture Scout should discuss with the VSL and record his/her role, responsibilities, terms of duties, targets, achievements, etc. and later evaluate with the VSL.

2. Activities Coordinator

  • Successfully complete an Instructor-level course organized by an approved organization.
  • Example: Athletics coach, Football Coaching Level 1, Cricket coach Course, Football referee, Cricket umpire, Swim instructor, etc.

Community and Citizenship

1.         Community Project

· Organize and conduct a community project whose key objective is to create a positive impact on the target group, which may be a Cub Scout Unit, Voluntary Welfare Organisation or religious body.

· Project should be over a minimum period of 3 months from planning to evaluation.

· Area of involvement should encompass administration, logistics, program planning, conducting of activities and evaluation.

· A Project Log should be maintained to record reflections and lessons learned. (see appendix…)

· The ratio of Venture Scouts under assessment to the number of participants should not be greater than 1:15.

The activity may take one of the following formats;

(A) Day Event

· Event should be over at least 8 hours.

· Example: Community campfire, Cub Scout Field Day, environmental awareness exhibition, etc.

OR

(B) Overnight Camp

· Camp should be over at least 2 days 1 night.

· Example: Children’s Camp, Cub Scout Skill Camp, etc.

· Must be a camp organized with the Cub Scout leader and a certified camper from The Scout Association of Jamaica.

2.        Community Service

· Provide a minimum of 10 hours of service over no less than 2 months in the same organization.

· Service may be to a recognized Voluntary Welfare Organization, school authority or religious body.

Citizenship

1. Complete one of the following:-

  • Civic knowledge

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the different levels of governance from local government to ministerial governance.

  • Discuss with your VSA how a Bill becomes law

  • Give a 15 minutes presentation to your unit on the importance of voting for public representation.

  • Plan and execute a mini election for your troop and unit

  • Explain to your VSA the process and purpose of paying taxes

OR

  • Community Living

· Make an arranged visit to a government department, statutory board, community centre or public organization, and make a report on how it is organized and its purpose in society.

Example: Neighborhood Police Centre, Public Utilities Board, Town Council, Housing Development Board, Sewage Department, Water or Power Plant, National Trade Union Congress, Juvenile Centre, National Parks Board, etc.

Religious and Social Expression

Complete any ONE. Keep a daily personal journal of your experience and what you have learned and how the experience has impacted your life.

  • Assist in your home church to put together the program for worship sessions for a period of at least three (3) months. Invite one or more persons from your church to your Unit to give a presentation on a subject of his or her choice. Introduce your guest.

  • Visit a denomination/religious group that is different from your own over a three (3) month period; find out about the principles and policies of this denomination/religion and determine what makes it different from yours. Invite one or more persons from that denomination/religion to your Unit to give a presentation on a subject of his or her choice. Introduce your guest.

  • Attend a course on conflict resolution. Organize a training session for no less than 3 hours for a group of Scouts (8-12) in conflict resolution.

Venture Scouts may also choose to take on the Chief Scout Award

THE CHIEF SCOUT’S AWARD

To be passed under arrangements made by the Scout Leader and awarded on his recommendations after interview with the District Commissioner or his nominee. (To be completed before the 17th birthday)

  1. Have passed the advanced Scout Standard Badge.

  • Scout Skill

Pass (a) and any two other tests

  • With another Scout, complete a pioneering project, using two lashings and /or blocks, tackles, and hold fasts. Know the Japanese and Filipino lashings.

Note: A highwayman’s hitch can be substituted for a block.

  • Signalling- Be able to send or receive semaphore (rate 6) or Morse (rate 3) i.e. 15 letters per minute
  • Demonstrate the fireman’s chair knot and the highwayman’s hitch.
  • Throw a 15 metres lifeline to fall between two pegs twice out of every three throws. Pegs to be 1.2 metres apart and 12 metres from the thrower.
  • Know the safety rules of axemanship.
  • Demonstrate how to log-up a pie ce of timber, not less than 10cm in diameter, using either a cutlass or a handaxe, then split one of the logs into four pieces.
  • Be able to estimate weights, heights, distances and voulmes to an accuracy of plus or minus 10

  • First Aid

  • Know what action to take when a road accident occurs. This is to include calling for an ambulance, the police and traffic control.
  • Demonstrate how to rescue a person:
    • From drowning, and carry out respiratory resuscitation,
    • In contact with an electrical live-wire,
    • From a burning building,
    • Whose clothes are on fire.

  • National Heritage

Pass (a) and any other test

  • Visit a place of National Interest, e.g. historical, geographical, industrial, agricultural, natural- and write a report.
  • Give a brief history of Jamaica.
  • Have a knowledge of the background, and give a brief description, of any Jamaican Folk Art or Culture- dance, songs, music.
  • Know the general geography and geological history of Jamaica.

  • Hobbies

Satisfy the Examiner(s) that you have undertaken a hobby for at least 6 months and have attained a satisfactory level.

  • Community Service

  • Arrange and carry out, either individually or as a member of a Patrol or Troop, some form of useful service to others, either within or outside the movement, e.g. Service to disabled, invalid, or infirm aged person; assistance with some form of Public Service, such as at a hospital, or welfare home; helping with a Cub Pack or Scout Troop other than your own Scout Troop.

NOTE: A suitable project would require regular voluntary service over a period not less than 6 months.

  • Undertake a recognized course in First Aid, Fire Fighting, Life Saving or Leadership Training.

  • Mechanical Skills

Pass any three tests.

  • Car maintenance: Check and Change a wheel, clean and check spark plugs check battery, oil, coolant, tyres, Oil filter, gas filter (if applicable), air filter and brake fluid.
  • Build a simple radio receiver- without using a kit.
  • Have a good practical knowledge of one of the following- maintenance of domestic appliances, carpentry and joinery, metal work, home decorating and maintenance.
  • Demonstrate some proficiency in handicraft using local material.
  • Demonstrate how to mix mortar and lay a double row of concrete blocks.

  • Environment

Plan a conservation project and carry it out either as an individual or as a member of a group in consultation with the Scout Leader.

  • Community Project

  • Participate in a Community Project organized by either the Troop, District or Community.
  • Demonstrate the acceptance of your role as a responsible person at Home, Church, Troop, or Community

  1. Adventure

Pass (a) and (b) and any other three

  • Complete a 20 Kilometer hike or a 70 kilometer cycle journey, or a 15 kilometer boat journey with another Scout. The journey is to be carried out in unfamiliar territory over a period to include one day and two nights. A bush shelter must be used, and a written report with sketches and other relevant data submitted. This test should be done last, and must be set and examined by the District Commissioner, or someone appointed by the District Commissioner.
  • Have camped 12 nights, this must include a weekend camp with either a Patrol or a Troop that you have helped to plan and run. Know how to choose a camp site.
  • Show some proficiency at an outdoor sport
  • Use the Silva or Prismatic Compass to take bearings and back bearings. Plot a compass course of not less than 400 meters and using not less than 10 bearings
  • Be able to swim 100 meters, any combination of stroke.
  • Cook a three-course meal, backwoodsman style, i.e. without utensils, the meal is to be well balanced and correctly served.
  • Understand the operation of the public transportation system in your country; travel at least 25 kilometer by public Transportation and give a Verbal report.

Queen Scout Award

To be passed under arrangements made by the District Commissioner and the Venture/Queens Scout Coordinator and awarded on his recommendations after interview with the Chief Commissioner or his/Nominee by the 18th birthday.

  1. Having passed the Chief Scout Award

  • Journey
  • Complete a 40 kilometres journey over 3 days. The journey is to be over land with company. Groups of Scouts completing the Queen Scout award may join in this venture or the Scout attempting to complete the requirement may invite other Scouts who are not at the time attempting to complete the requirements for the Queen Scout award.

  • Be able to swim for 200m. The Scout should utilize strong swim strokes such a free style and breast strokes in addition to resting techniques such as back stroke and floating. Be able to undress in deep water and dive and retrieve an object under water. The Scout should be the holder of the swim badge.

  • Project

  1. Complete a project over a period no less than three months and no more than six months. This project should be of benefit to the Scout’s immediate community or extended community or national significance. The project may be undertaken as a group with other Queen Scout aspirants or individually. A full journal report outlining the process from conceptualization to the completion of the project should be presented to the District Commissioner for review.

  • Leadership

  1. Work with a Scout leader or Cub Scout leader other than your own for four months, to help develop and execute the program of that troop or pack. The leader of the troop or pack will complete the evaluation form provided for the work done.

  • Merit Badges

  1. Complete fifteen merit badges eight of which are compulsory as listed below:
    1. Pioneering
    1. Camp Cook
    1. First aid
    1. Handyman
    1. Swim
    1. Observer
    1. Scout Craft
    1. Communication

  • Interview

Sit with the Chief Commissioner and discuss your progress as a Scout with respect to the law and promise and their impact on your life.