About Us

Venturing Crew 1100

Burke, Virginia

Venturing Crew 1100

MISSION and VISION

Venturing Crew 1100 is a co-educational group of older youth who enjoy social activities and outdoor adventures, and are dedicated to the principles of the Venturing Oath and Code.   It is an organization where young adults have the opportunity to explore new areas of interest, to develop leadership, to improve social, and outdoor skills, and to make new friends.  Crew activities create an environment where everyone has fun, grows physically and socially, and contributes to the overall success of the Crew 1100.

MEETINGS

Crew 1100 meets the first three Thursdays of each month, at Nativity Catholic Church, from 7:30 - 9:00 PM.

For directions and more information, view the Crew's Contact page.

ACTIVITIES

Crew 1100 plans at least one overnight activity every other month, and a super week-long outdoor activity each summer.

CREW VISION

- to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually;

- to gain respect for nature and take advantage of the opportunity it holds;

- to become cohesive and supportive as a group;

- to lead and take responsibility for ourselves, our actions, and our crew;

- to challenge ourselves through the various activities in which we partake;

- to build life skills within our members;

- to establish a network of long-lasting friendships;

- to build a community of support and guidance with members and advisors;

- to inspire others and spread the values of Venuring by example.

As adopted by Crew 1100 Venturing Leadership Skills Course

February 2007

History of Venturing Crew 1100

An as extension of the Scouting program within the Church of the Nativity, and to provide older Scouting youth more opportunities for outdoor adventure, Crew 1100 was formed in November 2000.  Youth members at the time of its chartering primarily represented Boy Scout Troop 1100 led by Bob Melchior, Girl Scout Troop 3500 led by Maureen Gray, as well as several unaffiliated young men and women interested in outdoor adventure.  A crew committee, formed by Lee and Carol Cass, was instrumental in providing guidance and support, and the rest is history.

From the beginning, Crew 1100's area of interest has been outdoor activities, and it has introduced many young people to new and exciting outdoor adventures.  From its modest start, Crew 1100 grew to become one of the most successful Venturing crews within the National Capital Area Council.  The crew's first overnight campout was a theme park trip to Busch Gardens in August 2001, and since that time it has conducted numerous outdoor and high adventure activities to include hiking/backpacking, cave exploring, cycling, canoeing/kayaking, mountaineering, wilderness survival, winter sports and beach outings.  The crew averages one or two weekend outdoor activities quarterly and often an extended high adventure trek in the summertime.  In the past, Crew 1100 high adventure treks have included backpacking/canoeing in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, hiking/canoeing in Maine, backpacking in New Mexico at the Philmont Scout Ranch and scuba diving the waters off the Florida Keys at Sea Base.

Over the past ten years, Crew 1100 has engaged in other social, service and leadership activities.  Crew members have often just gone out to eat or join with other local Venturing crews in social activities.  Crew members and their families have come together for a summer barbeque, open house or parents' meeting to review past activities and recognize members.  The crew has conducted annual leadership training that trains all members leadership skills necessary to lead at the crew, school or community level.  Youth members of the crew have taught younger scouts from the troop in such skills as water safety, winter camping and sports, cycling and Leave No Trace.  And service to the church and community have included helping with Eagle Scout projects, Christmas parties, area clean-ups and local veteran support.

In the past, Crew 1100 and its members have been recognized for outstanding service and performance.  Crew 1100 has twice been recognized as NCAC Outstanding Crew and has been recognized similarly for having the outstanding newsletter and website.  Fifteen Venturing awards - Bronze, Gold or Silver - have been awarded to crew youth including four Silver Awards, Venturing's highest award.  Seven crew members have earned the Catholic Church's highest youth award, the Pope Pius XII Award.  And other awards/recognitions have been bestowed on youth and adult leaders of Crew 1100 through Scouting, school or community.

For the past ten years Crew 1100 has served the interests of local youth and is open to young men and women 14 through 20 years of age of all faiths or affiliation.  Many members who go off to college have maintained their association with the crew and participate in crew activities when time or availability permit.  For the information of all crew members, family and interested youth, Crew 1100 periodically publishes Venturing Views, its award-winning newsletter, and regularly maintains a Crew Website at www.crew1100.com.   All youth or adult leaders having an interest in the Venturing program are welcome to join the crew and should contact a crew representative.