Gold Award Fact Sheet


Background and Purpose

The Venturing Gold Award replaces the Exploring G.O.L.D. Award that was introduced in
1996. It was extremely well received and valued by those who earned it. One new
requirement has been added to create the new Venturing Gold Award. That requirement
is to earn the Venturing Bronze Award.

The Venturing Gold Award program was developed to recognize the significant
accomplishment in a Venturers life as he or she has proven outstanding performance in
a broad spectrum of activities. These activities relate to Venturing's six experience areas
of leadership, citizenship, social, outdoor, service, and fitness. It will challenge and
motivate Venturers over an extended period.

It will provide a favorable image of the Venturing program among youth, parents,
schools, and our communities. It will offer challenging and stimulating opportunities for
Venturers to develop and achieve personal goals in the areas of leadership, character
development, and personal fitness.

Requirements Overview

Venturing Gold Award candidates must be active and registered Venturers for at least
twelve months before final qualification.
They must earn at least one Venturing Bronze Award.
They must serve in a leadership role within the twelve months before final qualification.
They must participate in a district, council, or national Venturing event or activity.
They must set and accomplish one personal goal related to each of the six experience
areas.
They must plan and lead at least two crew activities built around the six experience areas.

They must recite the Venturing Oath.
Three letters of recommendation from adults outside of the crew are required, and the
candidate must make an oral presentation to a crew review committee.
They must be approved and recommended by their crew committee.
Click here for more detailed Requirements for the Gold Award.

Procedure

Venturing Gold Award candidates must submit a written petition to their crew Advisor in
which they should outline their plans and ambitions for their projects to achieve the
award. Advisors are encouraged to have a conference with each candidate to ensure
that the Venturer has developed a well-conceived plan, and that he or she has specific
goals in mind. The Advisor approves the plan. After council approval, the council issues
the award.

Recognition

After many months of determined service and leadership, the Venturing Gold Award
should be presented in a setting worthy of the award. Suggested occasions include high
school assemblies, church services, and council Venturing events.

The award may be presented more than once. The award is a gold medal featuring the
Venturing logo inside of a compass dial. The medal is suspended from a white ribbon
that is worn around the neck.

A certificate is also available.
Information on Venturing Awards from www.usscouts.org/advance/venturing