3rd Ottawa
Scouting Group

Venturers (ages 15-17)

As experienced Scouts, Venturers are charting their own course towards adventures that they plan and carry out. The Venturer motto is: Challenge.

A panoramic shot of the huge crowd at the opening ceremony for the 24th World Scout Jamboree. What an amazing life experience!

Join our Venturer Company:

At the 3rd Ottawa, our Venturer Company is run traditionally with venturer advisors assisting the youth. Venturer Companies are self-governed, the youth are leading the way. The youth request Scouting Advisors, and leverage the Scouters when required. We have experienced Venturer advisors and our youth are considering both National and International adventures. Ready for a challenge?

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Overview / About

Venturers is Challenging Boundaries and Building Futures

A Venturer Scout Section is called a “Company” and a Company may be organized into smaller teams called “Expedition Teams”. The section is run like a company by the youth themselves.  However, as a Section with older youth, less emphasis is placed on Company structure and more on building a team that takes advantage of the entire skillset of the group. Venturer Scouts may muster into larger groups that provide greater social-development opportunities and allow Venturer Scouts to work together to ensure everyone reaches his or her personal summit.

Canadian Scouts experiencing rock climbing at the Summit Bechtel Reserve during the 24th World Scout Jamboree.
The opening ceremonies of the 24th World Scout Jamboree included a contingent of RCMP Mounties; Canada, USA and Mexico co-sponsored the jamboree.
A fun rainbow camp setup (each subcamp had their own colour tents; some enterprising youth decided to make a rainbow), with a real rainbow in the background.
Opening ceremony fireworks at the World Scout Jamboree, Summit Bechtel Reserve, West Virginia

Upcoming Events

Events scheduled for our Venturer Company.

Venturers Calendar

Venturers Weekly Meeting Details

Venturers plan and decide on their regular meeting cadence, and generally share details and planning of those meetings directly.

Latest Posts

Posts authored by our Venturer Company.

Venturers Blog

Resources

Testimonials

Testimonials from our Venturers Families

Our members and our community share how Scouting has made a positive difference in their lives.

  • Scouting and the 3rd Ottawa Offer Exactly That

    We want our child to participate in outdoor activities and appreciation of nature, and to become more independent and develop leadership and cooperation skills – Scouting and the 3rd Ottawa offer exactly that.

  • All from His Experience in Scouting

    [Our son] has really come out of his shell since joining the 3rd Ottawa; he’s realized others don’t just exist to serve him, and that he is part of a community that helps everyone within it. Helping around the house, getting ready for school, and looking forward to being outdoors.

  • They Get All This At The 3rd Ottawa

    I wanted my child to become self-sufficient, independent and caring and a contributing member of society. To gain outdoor skills and have outdoor (e.g. camping) experiences – they get all this at the 3rd Ottawa.

  • Thank you!

    The scouters are truly engaged and caring mentors to the kids. Thank you!

  • She is Happy and So are We!

    When our daughter moved to the 3rd Ottawa from another program, she was looking to learn skills with like-minded friends; in just two years she has gained the skills to do a 4-day remote canoe camp – paddling, portaging, carrying in food and leaving no trace. She is happy and so are we.

  • Teaches my children new skills

    Teaches my children new skills - outdoor but also leadership, teamwork and self/motivation - encouraged with badges, which they love.

  • Skills Development and Camping Trips

    We love the skills development and camping trips, along with the activities on the water like canoeing.

  • The 3rd Ottawa is a member of the community

    The 3rd Ottawa is a member of the community, and we really appreciate the community aspect of Scouting for our children. The emphasis on leadership and self-reliance helps build confidence and that sense of community in our kids.

  • Wanted the Same for My Children

    We brought our child to the 3rd Ottawa because I was in Cubs and was exposed to things I would otherwise not have learned or experienced as a child -and wanted the same for my children.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have a question you cannot find? Let us know and we well be happy to answer it.

Contact us

  • Are age brackets for the Sections flexible?

    Yes. Parents & the group (Group Commissioners and Scouters for that section) need to agree that including the youth in a section outside of their age range is the best decision for the youth and the group as a whole before the youth is provided with an exception.

  • When does the Scouting year start/end?

    The Scouting year will run from January 1st – December 31st. However, if your child is a 2024 member and knows they will continue Scouting next year, and you wish to register early to save your child’s spot in their preferred Group – you will have the opportunity to do so starting August 1st, 2024.

    New and lapsed members can register for the 2025 Scouting year beginning on August 28th, 2025; by registering in the fall, they benefit from a free Scouting season if space is available in their desired Scouting Group, ahead of their commencement in 2025.

  • What are the costs to join?

    The annual National Registration fee is $270 per youth. The 3rd Ottawa also adds an additional registration fee of $25 to cover church rental fees. Throughout the year, there are additional costs related to uniforms, camping, special events or activities. To learn more about the 3rd Ottawa’s additional costs or subsidies, please contact your Section Contact Scouter or the Group Commissioner. The value of Scouting is much greater than the fee. Youth who are registered in Scouting gain valuable skills through fun and engaging non-formal programming that prepares them for success in the future.

  • How do I purchase a uniform and other Scouting supplies my child will need?

    You can purchase a uniform and many other Scouting supplies online at Scoutshop.ca. Please note you do not need to buy a necker or woggle (the tie that holds the necker together) as these will be provided for your child by the 3rd Ottawa, as will crests and badges as they are earned.

  • Is there financial aid for families of limited means to assist with the costs of joining Scouts?

    Financial aid is available for families of limited means through the No One Left Behind national program.

    The 3rd Ottawa Scouters will help you through this process, or you can read more about it and apply on your own here on the Scouts website for: No One Left Behind

  • What will my child gain from Scouts Canada programming?

    Scouting uses non-formal educational methods to engage youth in the process of their own development, giving them program activities, guidance and tools to help them become self-reliant, confident, caring, responsible and committed to the world around them.

    For information on Scouts Canada programs visit the Scouts Canada Programs page.

  • What screening is required for parents/guardians to attend an activity overnight?

    Please note this includes camps, overnight sleepovers in meeting locations or other facilities (e.g. local Ottawa museums…yes we do that…), any overnight activity.

    • Scouters will discuss what is expected of parents at the activity.
    • Parents will need to read, understand and sign our Code of Conduct annually.
    • Scouters will introduce the parents to the rest of the youth and explain their role at the activity.
    • Parents will need to take the Safe Scouting for Parents course.

  • My son/daughter has special eating requirements, can they come to camp?

    The 3rd Ottawa is proud to have hosted all manner of youth with specific dietary needs – celiac, gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, food allergies with peanuts, shellfish, religious preferences (e.g. pork), many others – we are experienced handling these situations and use them as ways to explain to other youth how it is easy to accommodate these requirements.  We take these special needs very seriously and will cover with you, the parent, how we will handle them – we’ve never turned a youth away from camp because of dietary restrictions.

  • My son/daughter is currently taking daily medication, can they come to camp?

    Of course.  We ask that you provide the medication with written instructions (usually frequency and dose) in a ziplock bag clearly marked with your child’s name, and we are happy to ensure your child takes their medications on time and at the right dose.