Position: VENTURER ADVISOR

Scouters in a Venturer company are called Venturer advisors. A company has a Venturer advisor who must be at least 21 years of age. Where assistant advisors are required, they must be at least 18 years of age. Section members should be involved in selecting advisors.

Accountable to:

Group Commissioner

Time Required:

12-14 hours per month for planning and company/executive meetings, plus one weekend outing every two months. Extra time for training, Group Committee and Council meetings may also be required.

Scope of Position:

This position requires working as part of a leadership team to help conduct programs in accordance with guidelines in Venturer program handbooks, By-Law, Policies and Procedures, and company by-laws.

Responsibilities:

• Help the company executive create challenging activities that are consistent with the Venturer program and the youth's interests.
• With the members, ensure that the health and safety of all members is maintained continually. This is a primary concern.
• Help all members to experience challenging personal growth through Venturing.
• Participate in company planning meetings by offering advice, guidance and expertise, as appropriate.
• Ensure Venturers participate in at least six nights at camp annually.
• Develop close working relationships with other adults, and share the responsibilities of operating the company with the Venturers.
• Help carry out the Venturer program.
• Support and participate in special activities including interest trips, camping, and other outdoor experiences as planned by the company.
• Know and use resource materials available, including handbooks.
• Maintain good relationships with parents/guardians, and encourage activities, which involve these adults.
• Encourage the recruitment of youth, in consultation with the members, and help the Group Committee and company recruit other leaders and resource people.
• Maintain good relationships with leaders in other Sections and attend Group Committee and local Council meetings as required.
• Take training for the advisor position, including special interest and outdoor activity skills instruction.
• Meet specific requirements of the sponsoring body, where applicable.

Attitude:

"Selective recruitment" and "appropriate training" are two key ways to get and keep volunteers who will provide quality program opportunities to the children and youth in Scouting's Sections. New Scouting leaders will have been recruited principally because of their attitudes. Those involved in the recruiting process must be satisfied that the individual is:

Prepared to:

• Accept, and demonstrate personal values compatible with, Scouting's Mission and Principles.
• Subscribe to the Venturer Section's program goals.
• Be comfortable with, enjoy, and care about youth in developmentally appropriate ways.
• Ensure that Venturer-aged youth in the company experience the outdoors on a frequent basis.
• Be accountable for his/her actions.
• Follow Scouting's policies and procedures.

Willing to:

• Acquire the knowledge and skills appropriate to his/her volunteer role in Scouts Canada.
• Work co-operatively with other adults.
• Be open and honest.
• Be objective in evaluations.
• Provide a role model of appropriate adult behaviour.
• Wear the official Scouter uniform.
• Participate in, and support, Scouts Canada volunteer screening measures.