Venturing Crew 2211
Bylaws

Venturing Oath:  As a Venturer, I promise to help strengthen America, to be faithful in my religious duties, to help others, and to seek truth, fairness, and adventure in our world.

Venturing Code:  As a Venturer, I believe that America’s strength lies in our trust in God and in the courage, strength, and traditions of our people.  I will, therefore, be faithful in my religious duties and maintain a personal sense of honor in my own life.  I will treasure my American heritage and will do all I can to preserve and enrich it.  I will recognize the dignity and worth of all humanity and will use fair play and goodwill in my daily life.  I will acquire the Venturing attitude that seeks the truth in all things and adventure on the frontiers of our changing world.

Our Purpose:  To have FUN, while further increasing the skills of the crew.  In the process of having fun, we will inspire others to follow, and help guide toward career, lifetime, and Leadership goals.

Objectives:

  • To learn and experience scouting/camping/outdoor/high adventure skills
  • To have fun as a main objective while enjoying the companionship of fellow youth members
  • To always share and consider opinions and ideas to help influence the outcome of any Crew decision
  • To learn to trust in one another and work as a team
  • To be open, caring, honest, compassionate, and treat each other with respect

Valuables:  Any valuables brought on a Venturing outing are one's OWN RESPONSIBILITY.  If property turns up missing, the owner of the property should report missing items to a crew officer, who should then IMMEDIATELY turn this information over to an Advisor.

Officers:

  1. The elected officers should be the following: Crew President, An Outdoor Coordinating Vice President, Vice President of Administration, Secretary, Treasurer, and an EVOA representative, and Activity chairs appointed per activity.
  2. A member of the crew must nominate a member for office.  The nomination must then be seconded, and the candidate must AGREE to serve.  The candidate must then be put on a ballot.
  3. The terms for holding office shall be 12 months.
  4. No officer can serve more than two consecutive terms.  If no one is willing to step forward to fill a position, then the former officer will be allowed to resume this position.

Voting:

  1. Roberts Rules of Order will apply to decision making of the Crew.
  2. A quorum must be present to make a Crew decision.
  3. A motion must be made and seconded to make a vote.
  4. A discussion will be held.
  5. A vote then will require a majority for approval.

Expected Behavior of ALL crew members:

  1. NO SMOKING!!  NO EXCEPTIONS!!
  2. There will be no alcohol or drugs on any Venturing outing or activity.
  3. All crew members must submit to the Bylaws set by the National Council and as set by the Venturing Crew.
  4. All Crew members will follow any directive given to them by an officer, unless deemed inappropriate, in which case the said directive should be taken to an Advisor.
  5. Follow the rules of Leave no Trace when outdoors.
  6. All Venturers should be courteous to fellow Venturers and adult advisors, as should Advisors be courteous to other Advisors and Crew members.
  7. No member will be forced to participate in any activity against his or her own will.
  8. If another crew member asks for help, and one possesses the ability to help, one should do so.
  9. On an outing, everyone is involved in camp cleanup.
  10. At no time will violence be tolerated at any Venturing activity.

CO-ED Behavior:
All crew members, youth and adult, will be aware of the fact that both sexes are present for all functions.  Co-ed behavior expectations include the following:

  1. Use common sense
  2. No going off alone as a couple.
  3. Be respectful and considerate of each other in and out of Venturing.
  4. When females are using bathroom facilities, males are not allowed, and vise versa.
  5. No public displays of affection at any crew activity.
  6. No co-ed buddies unless it is 4 or more people; Advisors will decide on specific activities and functions.
  7. No entering the domiciles (tents, dorms, rooms, etc) of the opposite sex.
  8. Clinging to one another instead of participating in activity or interacting with others is not acceptable.

Money Earning Projects:  All money earning projects must be approved by a majority vote of Crew members.  Members who do not participate in a project are not entitled to any benefits of the funds earned.  The adult committee and advisor must approve all money-earning projects which also must meet BSA requirements and standards.

Attendance Expectations:  Crew members are encouraged to attend bi-weekly meetings.  Crew members are also encouraged to participate in all Venturing events and activities and to take a leadership position in the planning of such events.  Money that is paid up front to participate in an activity is usually not refundable after it has been committed.

Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use Policy:  Crew members shall neither use nor possess alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, or paraphernalia during Venturing activities.  As venturers we strongly encourage each other and our friends to live a drug, alcohol, and tobacco free life, both in and out of Scouting.

Members taking either over the counter or prescription medication must inform the Advisor so he/she is aware of it’s presence at crew activities.  The advisor has the right to request a doctors or parent note of use before allowing the youth to bring the medication.

Dress Code:  Members should wear their Crew Class A uniform to meetings, or a class B if you do not have one yet.  Shirts must be tucked in at all times.  Class A uniforms must be worn at the following activities:

  • Training events.
  • Boards of Review or Courts of Honor.
  • Traveling on Venture Activities and events.
  • District/Council/Scouting events.
  • Other uniforming and gear may be substituted where appropriate for health and safety reasons during high adventure activities such as caving, rock climbing, backpacking, rafting, etc.
  • No sagging pants are allowed and no underwear showing.

Youth Drivers:  Under absolutely no reason should any Venturer drive any other Venturer to a Venturing related activity or outing away from the usual meeting place.  Venturers are allowed to drive themselves to monthly meetings only.

    Under 18:
    Very very very valid excuse
    • Venturer must have permission from advisors
    • Once the Venturer arrives, the keys should be turned over to an advisor
    • Valid written permission from youth’s Parents


    18 - 21:
    • Permission slip for anyone under 21 if said persons parents are not going.

Safety Rules and Guidelines:  As minimum, the crew will abide by rules, regulations, and policies of the Boy Scouts of America.  Particular attention will be paid to guidelines published in Guide to Safe Scouting.  The buddy system will be used at all times when possible during Crew activities.  Individuals desiring to tent alone must do so within easy site and sound of the Crew and advisors.  Gear will be searched when necessary to ensure the safety of the Crew and its members.

Amendments and Changes to the Bylaws:  Any crew member may suggest changes or amendments to these bylaws.  All suggestions will be discussed in open forum with a quorum of crew members present.  Adoption of the changes or amendments to these bylaws requires a two-thirds majority vote and approval by the Crew Committee.



Crew Member Signature / Date


Parent Signature / Date

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