Jump to content

Venturing on a shoestring


Recommended Posts

Venturing on shoestring. I've been trying to find "sample adventures" that dont bust the wallet, but will give the crew a sense of what a full-blown outing would be like. That way they can decide if they want to pursue it further before shelling out money for something they may not really like: The best example i can come up with is getting the sampler platter at a restaurant, you can try smaller portions rather than taking a chance on the full-blown entree. I'm looking for ideas to fill that platter with.

Link to post
Share on other sites

There is no typical Venturing outing. It is what you make of it. My daughter is in two Crews, one likes to get together and plan ski trips, hostel stays, beach trips. The other likes to go camping, and high adventure type activities. Search your neighboring councils for activites. Some will run weekends aimed at Venturing.

Link to post
Share on other sites

yeah, I'm starting to actually wonder what a venture crew would do in my area. Not near the mountains, so no skiing, no climbing (except the indoor gym or the local BSA camp), no white water....

I guess swimming, scuba, flat water paddling, hiking, man made climbing.... only so much....

Link to post
Share on other sites

Give us some definition of your shoestring :). At the risk of being labeled a BSA shill, the Summit is offering such a sample platter starting this summer. But it's not inexpensive ($600+/person I believe). Our crew went to Latimer Scout Reservation a few years back for the whitewater. I think they offer other programs as well. Not sure of the cost.

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

shoestring, ideally less than $30 per single event, per day, like $25 5 hour standup paddleboard rental. The overpriced bsa events to me are just pre-planned group vacations. planning should be part of the experience.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Heres an example of 3 of 4 shoestring outings combined into one high adventure 1 snowshoe day trip (cheap) 2 overnight backpack trip (cheap) 3 Overnight winter camp (cheap) 4 cross country sking (cheap) combined into a 2 night 3 day hike/snowshoe outing, in a state/national forrest, or even on a rail/trail

Link to post
Share on other sites
yeah, I'm starting to actually wonder what a venture crew would do in my area. Not near the mountains, so no skiing, no climbing (except the indoor gym or the local BSA camp), no white water....

I guess swimming, scuba, flat water paddling, hiking, man made climbing.... only so much....

Kayaking,

Rocket Launches,

Jai Alai,

Fishing,

Coconut Harvesting,

Salsa Dancing,

Kite Building,

Costal Search and Rescue,

RC Airplanes,

Dog training,

Hog Hunting,

Invasive species removal (Python, Lionfish, African Crocs ...)

Link to post
Share on other sites
shoestring, ideally less than $30 per single event, per day, like $25 5 hour standup paddleboard rental. The overpriced bsa events to me are just pre-planned group vacations. planning should be part of the experience.
Contact your local sportsmans club to see if they host any youth NRA certifications.

Field sports with a mix of large and small caliber rifles, shotgun, and pistol can be done in a 1/2 day on that kind of budget.

Cycling trails.

See if anyone has a family farm near a scenic trail.

Dutch oven cooking can be a big draw.

An evening at the go-cart track.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Most people have bikes, you could plan a rural route or mountain bike. People that want to camp but not ride could be the ground crew to haul the equipment. If you don't like the ground crew idea have them haul everything they will need. This could be a great multi-day activity.

Link to post
Share on other sites
Give us some definition of your shoestring :). At the risk of being labeled a BSA shill, the Summit is offering such a sample platter starting this summer. But it's not inexpensive ($600+/person I believe). Our crew went to Latimer Scout Reservation a few years back for the whitewater. I think they offer other programs as well. Not sure of the cost.

Where are you at? I've been to Latimer multiple times, it's in my council: Middle Tennessee Council. And their whitewater is on the Ocoee River via Outland Expeditions.
Link to post
Share on other sites
What part of the country are you in Baggss? I'm attending a 1hr lecture on this topic soon. I will share what I learn if it is pertinent.
Don't forget road trips. I've seen scouts from Michigan on the Minister Creek Trail in PA.

 

But for more ideas you might want to put your youth in touch with these guys: http://www.michiganscouting.org/WaterAndWoods/News/WWnewVOA2014.

When I started as an advisor my VOA put my youth on to some great activities and opportunities.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Turns out the class I took wasn't very helpful. I knew it was going downhill when the lecturer started asking, "So, what's a shoestring. Its different for different people" Specific treks were in the Texas and Colorado area from Houston. None were under $350/person. I was hoping for ideas of close by adventures for $50/person or something. (What I get for thinking).

 

Best thing I can add is to start looking at close by national parks or preserves. Sorry I wasn't much help.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...