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Why Crew 75 Offers the Challenge Today’s Young Adults Are Craving

We’ve all seen it — teens glued to their phones, bouncing between apps, games, and screens, yet somehow still saying, “I’m bored.”

Despite endless digital options, many teens feel burned out. Not because they’re overworked — but because they’re under-challenged.

Our culture has given them passive entertainment, instant gratification, and adult-designed programs that aim to “keep them busy” rather than make them stronger. In the process, we’ve created generations of young people who are disconnected, restless, and in desperate need of real growth.

Enter Crew 75 — a Venturing crew based in Fuquay Varina, NC — and a powerful answer to this problem.

Not Just Another Youth Program — A Different Philosophy Entirely

Crew 75 is part of the Venturing program, a youth-led leadership experience for young men and women ages 14 to 20. But this isn’t a campy club or another adult-driven schedule of events.

Crew 75 doesn’t entertain teens — it equips them.

Where many programs pad the walls and lower the bar, Venturing raises expectations and puts youth in the driver’s seat. Venturers are responsible for planning their own adventures, solving real problems, and leading their peers.

That responsibility is the program — and it’s exactly what makes it work.

Real Leadership. Real Adventure. Real Responsibility.At Crew 75, Venturers don’t just follow. They lead. That means:

• Organizing trips and high-adventure outings.
• Creating safety plans, menus, and logistics.
• Running meetings, making decisions, and managing real group dynamics.
• Learning from failure — and growing stronger because of it.

This is a challenge by design. It’s not always comfortable — and that’s the point.

Young adults rise when they’re given space to lead, room to struggle, and support that doesn’t interfere or sugarcoat. Crew 75 trusts youth to make real decisions and expects them to grow into that responsibility — and they do.

Not a Babysitter — A Forge for Stronger Young Adults

If you’re looking for a program to “keep your kid busy” or “get them out of the house,” Crew 75 probably isn’t for you.

But if you’re looking for a crew that:

• Strengthens character through trial and error,
• Demands accountability and personal growth,
• Builds lifelong confidence through earned success,
• And challenges teens to become real leaders…

Then Crew 75 is exactly what your teen needs.

Venturing isn’t about coddling young people — it’s about equipping them. The adventure is fun, yes, but the growth is serious. The experiences your teen will have in Crew 75 are the kind that last a lifetime — the kind that build resilience, leadership, and moral courage.

The Antidote to Digital Burnout

When teens get bored of screens, they start looking for real connection. When they’re tired of routines, they seek real challenge. Crew 75 meets them where they are — and pushes them farther than they thought possible.

So if your teen is burned out on phones, entertainment, and more of the same — don’t offer them a substitute that pampers or placates.

Offer them a challenge. Offer them purpose. Offer them Crew 75.

Crew 75 meets in Fuquay Varina, NC and is open to youth ages 14 to 20. To learn more, visit crew75.com or contact us to attend a meeting and see firsthand what Venturing is all about.

No hand-holding. No fluff. Just real growth, earned the hard way.

Venturing is a co-ed program for youth ages 14 to 20 that focuses on leadership development through hands-on adventure and service. Venturing gives teens the chance to lead their peers, plan their own activities, and grow through real-world experiences—not just lectures or checklists.

What Will I Do in Venturing?

As a Venturer, you help decide what your crew does—and then you help lead it. You might plan a weekend kayaking trip, organize a community food drive, visit a robotics lab, or spend the summer backpacking in the mountains. Whether you’re building trail shelters, training for a first aid certification, or hosting a fundraiser for a local cause, the program gives you the tools—and the responsibility—to lead the way.

How Often Do Venturing Crews Meet?

While our crew meets the First and Third Sundays of every Month, Most Venturing crews meet once or twice a month, either in person or virtually, depending on what they’re planning. Meetings usually happen at places connected to their current focus—like a nature center, climbing gym, maker space, or community hall. Outings and events often happen on weekends, and some crews do larger trips during school breaks or summer.

Who Leads Venturing?

Venturing is youth-led, adult-mentored. That means elected youth officers—like a President, Vice President, and Activity Chair—run the meetings and make key decisions. Adult advisors are there to coach, support, and ensure safety. Each crew is sponsored by a local organization, such as a church, school, fire department, or civic group, which helps provide resources and meeting space.

Why Should I Join Venturing?

Venturing helps you build real leadership experience in a setting that’s active, challenging, and supportive. It is designed around High School Aged Youth, and is not a middle school program dressed in a High Adventure Uniform. You’ll develop practical skills like public speaking, event planning, team management, and ethical decision-making—all while doing things you actually enjoy. If you’re looking for a place to grow, serve, and have adventures you’ll never forget, Venturing is for you.

If you’re in high school and still doing traditional Scouting, it might be time to ask yourself a tough question: Is this still the right place for me? For many older teens, the answer might be “no”—and not because Scouting is bad, but because there’s something better waiting: Venturing.

Let’s get it out of the way up front—Venturing isn’t “quitting Scouting.” In fact, it’s the natural next step for teens who’ve grown beyond campouts and merit badges and are ready to start leading, adventuring, and shaping their own experiences. Venturing is co-ed, high-adventure, youth-led, and packed with real leadership growth. It’s Scouting’s grown-up cousin—and it might just be the program that finally treats you like the emerging adult you are.

Venturing Crew 75 has it right, it is where BS Stops, and the Adventure begins. And Yes, BS Stands for Boy Scouting, or because of the name change Scouting America.

Here’s why high schoolers should seriously consider trading their Scout uniform for a green Venturing shirt. Or in the case of our crew’s official uniform, the Royal Purple Shirt.

1. Venturing Respects Your Age and Maturity

By high school, you’ve likely been through your fair share of merit badge classes, troop meetings, and campouts. At some point, those things stop being exciting and start feeling like repetition. That’s not your fault—it’s just that Scouting America program plan built for a wider age range, starting at 11, commonly ending about 15.

Venturing, on the other hand, starts at 14 and ends at 21. That’s a huge shift in mindset. In Venturing, you’re treated like a young adult. You plan your own adventures. You lead your peers. You make decisions that shape your crew’s identity. Nobody’s going to spoon-feed you a program. It’s yours to build. That’s empowering—and a lot more engaging than sitting through yet another knot-tying demo.

2. It’s Real Leadership, Not Just “Positions”

Let’s be honest: leadership in a lot of troops is more about wearing the patch than actually leading. In Venturing, leadership isn’t a title—it’s action. Your crew president actually runs meetings. The treasurer actually manages money. The VP of Program isn’t a figurehead—they’re in charge of making things happen.

And since crews are smaller and more peer-oriented, there’s less adult micromanagement and more real opportunity to step up. It’s a training ground for college, work, and life.

3. The Program Is Built Around Adventure and Exploration

Venturing isn’t about checking boxes for advancement—it’s about getting out there and doing things that challenge you. Want to go backpacking in the Rockies? Set it up. Want to learn SCUBA, go spelunking, or plan a trip to Europe? If your crew has the drive, there’s nothing stopping you.

That sense of freedom can be a game-changer for teens who feel boxed in by the structure of traditional Scouting. You’re not stuck in someone else’s program. You get to build your own.

4. You Can Still Earn Awards (If You Want To)

Venturing has its own advancement path, focused more on leadership, personal growth, and adventure than on badges. The Venturing Awards—Pathfinder, Discovery, and Summit—are respected and legitimate achievements all on high school age level changes, whereas the rank to Eagle is race to the finish. In fact, earning the Summit Award is on par with the Eagle Scout in terms of challenge and prestige.

Here’s the thing – you can still earn your Eagle – in a crew. Or if you don’t want to – enjoy the adventure – you don’t need to earn a single thing.

And here’s the kicker: you can stay in your troop long enough to finish Eagle if that’s your goal, and still be active in a crew at the same time. Dual registration is a thing. But once Eagle is done—or if you realize Eagle isn’t your thing—Venturing can take you in a whole new direction without missing a beat.

5. It’s Co-Ed, Social, and Connected

Let’s face it: high schoolers care about their social lives. If it ain’t cool, it ain’t worth the time. Scouting is still single-gender at the troop level. Venturing crews are co-ed, which means a more balanced, realistic social experience. Not only that, but the Girls generally kick the Boys Butt, at nearly everything. And it’s not easy.

That’s not just about dating—though let’s be real, it’s a factor—it’s about working with diverse teams, building real-world collaboration skills, and feeling like part of a group that reflects your actual social world. A Scouting America Troop either all Boys or all Girls, do not permit that interaction.

Yes Parents, there is no fraternization in the crew. We have a non Public Display of Affection for our youth and adults. We are here for the adventure, not for weekend dating trips away from the parents (or in the case of adults – our kids)

Plus, Venturing connects you with older, more experienced youth who might be preparing for college, jobs, the military or serious adventures. It’s a network of capable, ambitious people—and that’s the kind of peer group that can push you forward. We have connections, and community support, as well as a duty to be supportive in return. Citizenship is a reciprocal action, not just a few words.

6. You’re Not Just a Participant—You’re the Architect

In traditional Scouting, adults and long-standing traditions often dictate how things are done. In Venturing, crews write their own bylaws, design their own uniforms (within reason), plan their own activities, and even decide how to spend their money. You’re not just signing up for a program—you’re helping to build it.

That level of autonomy can be incredibly motivating. You’re not “in” a crew—you are the crew.

Don’t Let Nostalgia or Fear Hold You Back

There’s nothing wrong with Scouting America middle school programs. For many, it’s where the journey begins. But sometimes we outgrow our beginnings. Think of it as you in your 10 year old pants, and now you are 15 – you have outgrown them, and now have to slide into something that fits. High schoolers who are tired of troop life aren’t “burned out”—they’re just ready for something more.

The fear of not earning Eagle for your resume holds many back because of the middle school program bias of adults. You can have a program you create that helps you obtain the rank of Eagle.

Steve Harvey of Family Feud said it best, “To Be Successful, You Need to Jump” – and that is when you find out that grand canyon is only a three inch step. Don’t believe us? Well, here’s our list of Eagle Scouts earned through our Crew.

Click me

Venturing is that and much more. It’s the part of Scouting where you stop being led and start leading. Where you stop checking boxes and start chasing goals. Where you stop waiting for the adults to tell you what’s next—and start figuring it out for yourself. Our adults are there to encourage and push you to obtain success, we even play the game with you, versus giving you the rules.

So if you’re in high school and wondering whether you’ve outgrown traditional Scouting, take a good look at Venturing. You might just find it’s the program you’ve been waiting for all along.

Scouting is built on principles of leadership, personal growth, and hands-on learning. It’s supposed to be where kids gain confidence by trying new things, where teens take on real leadership roles, and where young people develop not just skills, but a sense of belonging and purpose.

So here’s the question: If that’s the goal, why are some Scouting troops growing into mega-units with 60, 80, even 100+ youth? And is that actually good for the Scouts?

Big Numbers, Small Impact

At first glance, a large troop might seem like a success story: lots of Scouts, lots of energy, lots of activity. But look a little closer, and the cracks start to show. When a unit gets too big, it can actually start to work against the very principles Scouting is supposed to promote.

Here’s why:

1. Fewer Chances to Lead

Leadership in Scouting is supposed to be real. That means making decisions, solving problems, running meetings, and sometimes learning from failure. But in a massive troop, leadership becomes more ceremonial than functional. A few youth lead, and everyone else follows—or blends into the background.

Venturing Crews create space for more youth to step up. With fewer people, leadership isn’t optional—it’s needed.

2. More Likely to Be Overlooked

In a crowd, it’s easy to disappear. Scouts who are quiet, unsure, new to the program, or just not part of the dominant social group often go unnoticed in a large troop.

They’re less likely to be invited into leadership. Less likely to get support. Less likely to feel seen. Over time, that can lead to disengagement—or dropping out altogether.

In a Venturing Crew, every youth is more visible. Leaders notice who needs a nudge, who’s ready for more, and who might be struggling. That’s how growth happens.

3. Higher Risk of Bullying and Cliques

Let’s not sugarcoat it—larger troops are more vulnerable to bullying and social exclusion. With more Scouts, it’s harder for adult leaders to monitor every dynamic, in fact, we have heard where adults are responsible for the bullying. Cliques form easily. Social hierarchies harden. And the Scouts most likely to be targeted—those who are different, quiet, or new—can get left behind.

In a Venturing Crew, unhealthy dynamics are easier to spot and shut down. Adults can focus more on culture than crowd control, and older youth are more likely to feel responsible for mentoring, not mocking.

4. Less Personal Attention

Scouting is also about mentorship. Adult leaders are there to guide, coach, and support—not just coordinate logistics. In a troop of 80 kids, how many Scouts are really getting one-on-one time with an adult who knows their strengths, weaknesses, and goals?

In Venturing Crews, leaders can actually mentor. They know who’s struggling with learning or confidence. They know who’s ready for a new challenge. They’re not just managing—they’re developing, Advisors challenge their members to go beyond and think outside the box.

5. Harder to Build Real Community

One of the quiet superpowers of Scouting is belonging. But that’s hard to foster when your troop is larger than a school class. Kids stick to their cliques. Patrols get too big to function. Events feel like school assemblies instead of tight-knit adventures.

Venturing Crews let friendships grow across ages. They create a stronger, safer culture. Everyone knows each other’s name—and more importantly, their story.

6. More Parents, More Politics

Let’s be honest: big troops often come with layers of adult drama. Committees get bloated. Policies pile up. The focus shifts from what’s best for the youth to what keeps the machine running smoothly.

In Venturing Crews, the mission stays clearer. It’s easier to say “yes” to good ideas and “no” to unnecessary distractions. The adults are there to serve the youth—not manage an empire.

But Don’t We Need Big Numbers to Survive?

Sometimes the push for large troops comes from fear—fear of folding, fear of being irrelevant, fear of not offering enough. But a sustainable unit isn’t about size. It’s about strength of culture and clarity of purpose.

And sometimes large units is just to allow boasting rights, commonly the ego is bigger than the program. “I have the biggest troop! Nanny Nanny Boo Boo.” Some will say that their unit is the better because they are large, but the overall advancement records show 1% a year actually show movement.

A troop of 15 active Scouts who all feel ownership, who are growing as leaders, and who are excited to recruit their friends—that’s gold. A troop of 130 where only a dozen feel engaged? That’s just noise.

What’s the Alternative? Go Small, Grow Deep

It’s time to stop measuring success by headcount and start asking better questions:

• Are Scouts leading or just attending?
• Are adults mentoring or managing?
• Is every kid known, challenged, and supported?
• Is the program flexible enough to evolve with its youth?
• Is the culture safe and inclusive, not just busy?

If the answer is no, maybe the troop is too big—or maybe the focus is too scattered. Perhaps a Venture Crew is the solution to the problem.

Venturing Crews mean more room to grow, not less. They create tighter teams, better leadership opportunities, and more meaningful experiences. And when done well, they still grow—because families talk, and people notice when a program is actually changing lives.

There is a ton of reasons why youth drop out of organizations including Scouting. But there is simply one answer to stay engaged. Let’s walk through the reasons, and then the solutions.

Top Complaints & Why Youth Drop Out of Scouting

“It’s too structured or rigid.”
A lot of youth feel boxed in by too many rules, uniforms, ceremonies, or adult-driven agendas that don’t leave room for their input.

“It’s boring.”
Some troops stick to the same old activities and don’t tap into what excites older youth: real adventure, leadership, and meaningful challenges.

“It’s not relevant anymore.”
Some youth feel like Scouting hasn’t kept up with modern interests, tech, or cultural shifts, especially for older teens.

“I aged out mentally before I aged out officially.”
Especially for teens who want more autonomy, traditional Scouting can feel too juvenile.

“No one my age is still doing it.”
Peer involvement is huge. If their friends leave, or it feels uncool, it’s hard to stick around.

Common Concerns from Parents or the Public

“Is it inclusive?”
✅ Yes. Venturing has always been co-ed, welcoming both young men and women ages 14–20 (or 13 and finished 8th grade). The program emphasizes diversity, respect, and belonging. All youth are welcome regardless of background, and crews are encouraged to create a positive, inclusive environment.

“Is it safe from abuse or bullying?”
✅ Safety is a top priority. Venturing follows the BSA’s nationally recognized Youth Protection Program. That includes:
Two-deep leadership (no one-on-one adult/youth interactions)
Background checks and training for all adult volunteers
Clear procedures for reporting and addressing concerns
Crews also focus on peer respect, and youth are taught how to build positive, supportive teams.
In addition, we train our Crew Members that there is safety in numbers, and we expect them to report anything that is out of the ordinary for immediate action.

The Crew Members still bestow nicknames on each other, which if done appropriately, helps with feeling included

“Is it worth the time investment?”
✅ Definitely. Venturing gives teens real-world experiences that help with:
Leadership
Outdoor survival and safety
Event planning and project management
Communication and teamwork
These aren’t just “fun and games”—they’re skills for college, careers, and life.

“Does it build useful life skills?”
✅ Absolutely. Venturers:
Lead trips and events
Manage crew budgets
Plan service projects
Solve real problems
They also learn time management, public speaking, critical thinking, and more. It’s hands-on, meaningful learning, not just theory.

“Does it actually keep teens engaged, or is it just for younger kids?”
✅ Venturing is made for teens. It’s not a continuation of Cub Scouts or even Scouts BSA—it’s its own thing.
Venturers choose their own adventures. That might mean:
Backpacking in the mountains
Planning a dive trip or a music video project
Organizing a community event
It’s exciting, teen-driven, and full of challenge. Youth who crave independence and fun with purpose stay engaged—because they’re the ones calling the shots.

How Venturing Answers These Concerns

1. Youth-Led, Not Adult-Run
   Venturing puts youth in the driver’s seat. They plan the activities, set goals, lead crews, and make decisions. It’s real leadership in action—not just following a checklist.
   
2. Flexible Advancement
   No pressure to hit every rank or deadline. Youth can work toward the Ranger Award, Summit Award, or just participate for the experience.
   
3. High Adventure Focus
   The program thrives on real, challenging experiences: backpacking, climbing, paddling, mountaineering, scuba, shooting sports, and more. It’s where “boring” goes to die.
   
4. Relevant for Teens
   It’s designed specifically for ages 14–20 (or 13 and completed 8th grade), so it’s developmentally aligned with older youth. It feels like something for them, not a holdover from childhood.
   
5. Strong Peer Culture
   Venturing attracts motivated, adventurous teens. When done right, crews become tight-knit communities—social, supportive, and driven.
   
6. Inclusive and Co-Ed
   Since day one, Venturing has welcomed all youth. It feels modern, forward-thinking, and built for everyone.
   
7. Leadership & Life Skills
   Venturers don’t just gain outdoor skills—they develop project planning, communication, group leadership, and goal-setting experience. That’s résumé material.
   
8. A Safe, Structured Framework
   Still under the BSA umbrella, Venturing benefits from strong youth protection policies and adult leader screening/training.

The dates are set, the theme is a mystery until arrival. But you will get to take a Water Bottle, you will be given 10′ of Paracord, and a Knife. There may or may not be food. You will have 80 items to complete – as both individual and a team will win. Why won’t we tell you what it is? Not Disneyland. Not Six Flags. The twist is that this one will be planned an executed by your adult leaders. More trip details (or not) to follow.

This is all we can show you. For Now.

Most people have heard of the Boy Scout’s Eagle Scout award, with its 21 required merit badges, increasingly difficult stepping stone rank advancement and leadership responsibilities, and the capstone project of designing, coordinating, and leading an Eagle Scout service project. It’s a tough award to earn, with only 4% of all Boy Scouts reaching Eagle Scout rank.  

Potentially even more demanding than the Eagle Scout award, and certainly rarer, is the Hornaday award. Just how difficult is the Hornaday award to earn? On average, only 12 Scouts per year earn the Hornaday award! To put that in perspective, the 4% of Scouts who rose to Eagle Scout last year translated into 56,841.

What is the Hornaday Award? 

Scarcely known outside the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), the Hornaday award was started in 1914 by William T. Hornaday, director of the New York Zoological Park and founder of the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Hornaday wanted to encourage people across America to focus on wildlife conservation and developed the award to recognize those who made a significant contribution to natural resource conservation.

No stranger to conservation and protecting the outdoors, the Scouts adopted the Hornaday award in the early 1970s. To earn a Hornaday award, Scouts must choose a project that goes above and beyond, and many even exceed the commitments required for Eagle Scout service projects. From working to slow erosion along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline, to mapping innumerable invasive plants in a sanctuary, Scouts who earn the Hornaday award take on projects that are often left to the professionals and require huge time commitments. Many Scouts put thousands of hours into their Hornaday project, which typically translates into 2-3 years, sometimes 4-5 years, before they reach their project goal. A huge accomplishment, especially considering that most are simlutaneously working their way towards Eagle.  

Check out more about the Hornaday award and the type of projects that earned such prestigious recognition on the BSA website.