Background and Purpose

Advancement has been an important part of the Boy Scouts of America since the
issuance of the first twelve merit badges in 1911. When the Boy Scouts of America introduced the Exploring program (predecessor to Venturing) in 1950, the Silver Award program was also released as the advancement program for older Boy Scouts. From 1950 through 1966, 18,256 Silver Medals in general, i.e., Wolf, Antelope, Beaver, etc., were earned.

The new Venturing Silver Award is available to all Venturing youth members of the Boy Scouts of America. Its purpose is to provide a pathway for personal development; encourage Venturers to learn, grow, and serve; and recognize the high level of achievement of Venturers who acquire Venturing skills.

Requirements

• Venturers must be proficient in emergency preparedness (including standard first aid, CPR, and Safe Swim Defense);
• participate in Ethics In Action;
• complete the new Venturing Leadership Skills Course;
• earn the Venturing Gold Award (replaces the Exploring G.O.L.D. Award); and
• earn at least one of the five Venturing Bronze Awards.

Click here for more detailed Requirements for the Silver Award.

Procedure

Venturers work with their Advisors to establish a plan of action for earning the Silver Award. Venturers can choose to work on the requirements alone or with other Venturers as in a crew activity. Venturers can work on requirements in the Bronze Award program, Gold Award program, and Silver Award program simultaneously. They could also work on each program separately. It's up to the Venturer and Advisor as to how they earn the award. After completion of all requirements, the Silver candidate will go through a formal review with Venturers and adults from the crew.

The Medal

The Venturing Silver medal features a super-imposed eagle over a compass dial. It also has a red, white, and blue background behind the eagle. The medal is worn suspended from a green and white ribbon, which is suspended from a silver Venturing bar.

A cloth knot is also available.

Page updated on: September 17, 1998