expedition planning a.k.a. the super activity, the backbone of venturing

Expedition Planninga.k.a. The Super

Activity,the Backbone of

Venturing

• Major annual activity, trip or project– Requiring long-range planning and – Usually extensive preparation– Involves budget planning

• Highlight of the Crew’s program year– Generally is at least a week long

What is a Venturing super activity?

• Can be anything that matches the interest of the Crew members

• Crew determines what is affordable

• Can be:– A challenging outdoor adventure– A visit to a foreign country– A service project– Or just plain fun

Does it have to be big? Or expensive? Or exotic?

• Serves as a long range goal

• Everyone needs to work as a team in order to be successful

• The process will unite the crew

• Will give everyone the feeling of achievement

• PLUS – it makes it easy to sell Venturing!

Why the emphasis on the Super Activity?

Super Activity Brainstorming Rules

• Start at least one year in advance (more for some activities/facilities)

• Nothing is impossible• Dedicate time to brainstorming

and stick to it!

Super Activity Ideas

• Venturing Activity Interest Survey

• www.scouting.org/scoutsource/HighAdventure.aspx– Philmont– Sea Base– Northern Tier– The Summit

• www.wrventuring-bsa.org/highadventure

• www.crventuring.org/Other/Where_To_Go_Venturing

• www.tinyurl.com/international-events (www.scout.org)

Preparation

Clearly defining the goals, objectives and expectations of the trip is probably the most critical part of preparation.

Discuss:• Preferences• Rules• How to arbitrate• Duty rosters• How to prepare

Monthly Activities – Within Year Preparation

• Activities related to the super activity• Fund raising• General fun activities• Certification

Certification

• First Aid– Standard– CPR

• Leave No Trace• Specialized Training– Safe Swim Defense, Safety Afloat– Climb On Safely– Trek Safely– Youth Protection Training (mandatory for advisors)

Trek Planning

• Training (certifications and physical preparation)• Develop budget • Make contacts (plan to visit others)• Weather• Group Equipment• Personal Clothing• Forms (tour permit, passport, medicals, etc.)• Traveling (time, rest stops, maps, shopping,

washing, meals, etc.)

Venturing Award Opportunities

• Gold – req. 3An activities chairman for one of the Crew’s weekend activities or super activity

• Gold – req. 4Participate in a district, council, area, region or national Venturing event.

• RangerCore – Communications, Cooking, possibly moreElective – Backpacking, SCUBA, etc.

• Is a resource• Provides inspiration• Challenges the planners• Provides reality checks

Role of the Advisor

• What went well

• What didn’t go well

• How can the activity be improved next time

• Document, document, document

• Developing a trip presentation for new recruits is a good idea

Post Event Wrap-up

Benefits

• Life-long memories• Develops maturity• Develops

responsibility• Acquires planning

skills• Team building

opportunities• Is fun!