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Venturing Aims

Towards a Less-Directive Leadership Environment

As one goes through the cadet scout unit and then the scout unit, one would realise that the unit leaders play a vital role in the management and organisation of the Troop. Most of the time, the adults are responsible for the decision making process. The final decisions may then be passed down to the patrol leaders within the unit to carry out or be made to help with the planning under the supervision of the adult leaders. This is what we call Directive Leadership.

In Venturing, a Less-Directive Leadership Environment is maintained.

In a venture unit, the clockworks of operation are much different from the scout unit. There are no patrols to facilitate the planning for activities which cater to the interests of ventures in the unit. Each and every venture is considered to be a leader in the venture unit. Within the venture unit, opportunities are provided to gain experience and learn leadership skills, both in organising activities and the running of a unit. With the experience gained, one’s confidence is boosted.

There is great autonomy in the venture unit. Within the unit, an Executive Committee (EXCO) is elected and the EXCO will plan and run the activities of the unit.  The EXCO enjoys independence from any higher authority unless required, in other words, it is a self-governing body. The unit plans for its own activities and sets the objectives and guidelines for the activities that are to be undertaken. All ideas from the members of the unit are taken into consideration by the EXCO in the decision making process. In this sense, a certain level of democracy is achieved within the unit, and it is from the suggestions from all the members that new activities may be planned. The adult leaders may be consulted for assistance and guidance. The increased number of activities planned by the unit will also help the ventures to gain experience in taking up leadership.

Members within the unit may take up leadership roles in temporary committees set up for a project or major activity. Those who specialise in particular skills may lead in a related activity and share the knowledge. It is the aim that through all the activities, ventures will get to learn how to socialise well and lead.

Teamwork

In the venture unit, teamwork is an important factor that keeps the unit running. Everyone is expected to give his all to ensure that the whole unit benefits form activities and not just a certain individual. Everyone is expected to participate fully in the activities planned and gain as much experience and knowledge from it without complaints. This may be achieved by the engagement of every individual in the decision making process.

To facilitate teamwork, good communication skills are required. Good relationships should be established not only amongst ventures, but also with the adult leaders. Through communication, the unit can then progress with everyone’s involvement and effort.

What is Venturing?

Action

By becoming involved in the venture unit, one will get many opportunities to try out a wide variety of activities. They may range from abseiling to rock-climbing, from camping to sky-diving, form biking to canoeing, and the list goes on.

Adventure

Bountiful opportunities are offered in the venture unit for activities like overseas expeditions and foreign exchange programmes. With these activities, one will gain exposure to the world we live in and get to explore.

Fun

Friendships are built with the activities that one participates in. Since activities are planned by the ventures themselves, group outings to watch a movie or have a meal together may be planned for everyone to enjoy.

Understanding

Through the necessary teamwork involvement in the venture unit, greater understanding of each individual in the unit is established. With this understanding, the ventures can then help each individual to grow and help to complement one another to make up for the shortcomings.

Responsibility

By taking charge the running of the unit, ventures instantly take up the responsibility to ensure that things go along smoothly. This helps the venture to grow into an adult, developing the individual character, values and ideals.

Character-Building

With the responsibility taken up in joining the venture unit, the venture will get to pick up life skills, learning how to handle people, to manage time wisely, and the like. Eventually the venture will be able to contribute to the society as an individual.