What is a VOA?
Since Venturing is a youth-led program, it is essential that our leadership structure above the Unit is youth-inspired and youth-led. We believe that youth should organize program events, lead entertaining trainings, and provide forums to bring the Crews, Districts, Councils, and Areas together. A Venturing Officers’ Association, or VOA, consists of a team of youth officers who are supported by advisors. It provides leadership opportunities that prepare young people for their respective futures and gives them a voice to help strengthen the Venturing program.
What does a VOA do?
Venturing Officers’ Associations (VOA) provide opportunities for adventure, leadership, personal growth, and service (A-L-P-S). By doing so, they serve to model best practices in programming for local Crews and to provide a program resource for Venturers and Advisors throughout the VOA’s area of operation.
VOAs provide opportunities for personal growth and leadership for their officers, just as the leaders and members of the VOA provide programming of interest to their constituents. A strong VOA has a positive correlation with strong Crews. Program and training events offered by the VOA give Venturers the chance to meet other Venturers, build friendships and networks, learn from their experiences, and have fun!
The purpose of VOAs is not to hold meetings, but to provide fun and informative program opportunities for Venturers. In many ways, the VOA serves as a forum for planning and carrying out great program. The VOA officers and Advisors know they have done their job well when they see that the efforts of the VOA have served to strengthen the Venturing program in their area of operation.
Join us for a VOA meeting!
The FRC-VOA meets monthly at the Five Rivers Council Field office in Corning, NY.
All Unit Venturing Crew Presidents, Advisors, and Committee members, are always welcome and encouraged to attend.
Apply for a Position in the VOA!
Are you a dedicated and motivated Venturer ready to serve the Five Rivers Council while
having fun and gaining leadership experience? Apply today for the 2020-2021 term. Contact Staff Advisor, Daniel Carpenter at: daniel.carpenter@scouting.org.
The VOA term runs from May 31,2019 to May 31, 2020
For more information about the VOA positions, duties, responsibilities, and expectations,
please read the VOA Administration Guide and visit the National Venturing website. Interested candidates must be available for an in person interview and commit to attending all monthly VOA meetings in order to be considered for a position.