trailpapa314

Let me start by saying this is my first post so take it easy on me. I stated a Venturing Crew in April 2005, Oil City, PA French Creek Council. We started with no support from Council or the District. My background is from Boy Scouts so yes of course I opted for the Outdoor Crew. Our initial registration was 3 male 2 female, of which the males are Boy Scouts all Eagles. The Crew actually voted and decided what they wanted to do and they said stay as an outdoor Crew. From that point to today the Crew has grown to 20 youth members of which only 5 are Boy Scouts, and 8 are females, the ages go from 14 to 19 and they are like a big family. My Crew is run by the youth of which none of the officers have any prior Scouting background. I have a young lady for Crew President and last year when the Crew was asked to host the District Klondike Derby, the president at that time an Eagle Scout asked this young lady to chair the activity. Her reply was sure...What is a Klondike Derby?? Well she did what everyone adult wise in the Council said would not happen and ran an extremely successful Klondike Derby. This year again we have been asked to host the Derby and she didn't even bat an eye saying sure no problem. She has been extremely busy with planning the event and looks forward to now assisting on the District Activity Committee planning furture events. The key as I see for the Crew to not be the 1 year and out the door...is a couple of items: 1. Have fun!!! 2. Let them run the show within Safe Scouting Guidelines 3. It is best for them to learn by their mistakes...they hold each other more accountable that way. 4. I don't push the Recognition stuff down their throat...they work at their own pace. 5. We meet each week (ie. week 1 business meeeting, week 2 recognition work if any, week 3 community service, week 4 away from the meeting place do something, and if a week 5 we have a games night with pizza soda or something of the sort.) Sorry about this being long but success breads success and if I can help anyone out there with any issues feel free to contact me. Tim

Hello from Oil City, PA. I just signrd up to be part of the excitement generated throughout this site. I am an Eagle Scout class of 85, Vigil Honor OA, and have been active in Scouting over 30 years. I am currently an Advisor for Crew 314 in Oil City, PA and Crew 67 which is our Summer Camp Staff that is active year round. I also serve as an ASM, and the properties chairman for the council.