On May 3, 2025, youth and families gathered at the Vienna Community Center for an afternoon of discovery at the Next Level Scouting Expo, an event designed to introduce others to Scouting’s older youth programs, including Venturing, Sea Scouts, and advanced leadership opportunities. Whether participating in challenges, connecting with other Scouts, or learning about programs, attendees got a firsthand look at how Scouting pushes limits and builds lifelong skills.
The event was packed with interactive activities and engaging conversations. With representation from over six districts, Crew 1345, Crew 612, Crew 617, Ship 1176, Ship 548, and others shared their experiences, helping youth explore new possibilities in high-adventure Scouting and maritime leadership.
Venturing, a co-ed program for ages 14–20, focuses on leadership, adventure, personal growth, and service. Venturers plan and lead their own activities, taking on challenges like rock climbing, scuba diving, wilderness survival, and special interests, all while developing leadership skills.
Sea Scouts, also open to ages 14–20, provides hands-on training in boating, navigation, and water safety. Members learn seamanship, advance through ranks, and gain valuable maritime experience while exploring careers in the nautical world. At the expo, they got an insight to all this program offers.
The National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) staff hosted a catapult contest, giving prospective participants a fun, interactive way to experience teamwork and problem-solving while learning about this council leadership training course for Scouts.
The National Advanced Youth Leadership Experience (NAYLE) booth connected attendees with a Summit Bechtel Reserve course director, offering leadership insights and exclusive Summit merchandise. Everyone walked away with sporks, hats, and something learned!
Attendees also learned about exciting opportunities for their units to participate in, including Phenomenon – an annual September regional event attended by troops, ships, and crews from over 3 states – and other high-adventure and leadership programs, helping them discover new ways to engage, grow, and explore within Scouting.
The NCAC Venturing Officers’ Association was also on hand, connecting with youth and sharing leadership opportunities youth can pursue at the council and territory level, as well as their responsibilities supporting the Venturing program. The Territory 12 Venturing Officers’ Association President was also in attendance!
Most importantly, the expo wasn’t just for current Scouts—it introduced new families to the adventure, leadership, and community that make Scouting such a transformative experience. By the end of the afternoon, youth left inspired, families left informed, and this event truly took Scouting to the next level!!
Even if you couldn’t make it to the Next Level Scouting Expo, you can still check out everything Venturing, Sea Scouts, and leadership programs have to offer. There are plenty of ways to get involved and take your Scouting journey further!
Starting at 9:00 PM on Saturday, February 14, 2025, Venturers and Venturing age Scouts BSA and Sea Scouts participated in NCAC Venturing Officers’ Association (CVOA) 3rd Annual Climbing Lock-In and 27th Anniversary Venturing Celebration at Vertical Rock in Manassas, VA! Lasting for 10 hours, this year’s Climbing Lock-In featured fun activities for everyone, like board games, sharing stories, puzzles, pizza, chips, cupcakes, bouldering, and, of course, lots of rock climbing.
The Lock-In started with a “Learn the Ropes” intro course, which taught Scouts and Adults all of the necessary safety to climb in the facility and manage the ropes without the need for an instructor. Even after the intro course was over, a Vertical Rock Staff member stayed the entire evening to assist with anything they may have needed.
The CVOA’s 3rd Annual Climbing Lock-In was an absolute success. It gave all the Scouts and adults who attended a fantastic experience and created lasting memories!
