About the VOA

The mission of the Garden State Council Venturing Officers’ Association (VOA) is to promote and support the Venturing program, utilizing a standard organizational structure that enables local Crews to grow membership and advance leadership opportunities through communication, program, and administration.

The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

A Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.

The Aims of Scouting are: Character, Citizenship, Personal Fitness and Leadership

VOA Areas of Focus

Venturers lead a group song at an outdoor event

Program

The VOA runs programs and events on a Council level designed to bring many Crews together. These events are always open to guests and Scouts of Venturing age registered in other BSA programs. Visit the Events page for an overview of our annual events and the current list of upcoming VOA Programs.

Venturing Officers and Adults work together to plan events

Training

The Venturing journey includes courses designed to train Venturers how to plan, organize, and lead adventures. The training includes such valuable life skills as Time Management and Goal Setting. The VOA offers these trainings on a regular basis, especially as part of Council’s annual University of Scouting. Read more about the ALPS Youth Training on National’s website.

3 Venturers and an adult volunteer receive the Venturing Leadership Award from Garden State Council Venturing in 2018

Recognition

The VOA celebrates the accomplishments of all Venturers annually, and awards the Venturing Leadership Award to those Venturers and Adult Advisors who provide exceptional support to Venturing on the Council level.

Meet the VOA

Youth Officers

The VOA’s annual term begins on June 1 and runs to the end of the following May. Here are Garden State Council’s VOA officers for 2021-2022. When positions are available, interested Venturers are welcome to apply at any time. Annual elections are typically held in the spring.

Council President

Nathaniel L., Crew 4385

Garden State Council Venturing logo in green on a yellow background

VP of Administration

Position Available

Melissa Willis serves as the Garden State Council VOA VP of Communication for the 2021-2022 term

VP of Communication

Melissa W., Crew 4385

Garden State Council Venturing logo in green on a yellow background

VP of Program

Position Available

Adult Advisors and Committee

Council Advisor

Allison Eckel

The VOA Advisor provides advice and support for the officers who lead the VOA. The VOA Advisor mentors the VOA President.

Committee Chair

Scott Fisher

The VOA Committee Chair heads the Council Venturing Committee (CVC) and helps select the VOA Advisor. The CVC coordinates with the VOA Advisor and Staff Advisor to provide the VOA Officers with the tools and resources they need to carry out their annual plan.

Staff Advisor

Joe Blazejewski

The Staff Advisor to the VOA provides support and guidance to the Advisors and Officers of the VOA, provides access to the resources of the Council, ensures compliance with Council and National policies, and provides support regarding
the financial operation of the VOA.

Garden State Council Venturing logo in green on a yellow background

Associate Advisor

Positions Available

Associate Advisors serve to mentor the Venturing Vice Presidents. For example, the Associate Advisor of Program mentors the VP of Program.