Varsity Scouting - What the heck is it?

Varsity Scouting is very unique though at times very similar to Scouting.  Here is the best way to see the differences between Scouting, Varsity and Venturing.  Thanks to a fellow leader for this chart.  I hand this out to all new Varsity Coaches.

	Boy Scouts	Varsity Scouts	Venturing BSA
Aims, Goals	Aims of Scouting Character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness are the Aims of Scouting.	Themes of the Varsity program 1. Bring out Leadership 2. Participation is the primary focus, not advancement. 3. Responsibilities for each person 4. Fun! Base the program on what the boys want to do.	Goals of Venturing 1. Values - Learn to make ethical choices. 2. Group Activities - Experience a program that is fun and full of challenge and adventure. 3. Teaching Others skills and values. 4. Recognition & Advancement in High Adventure, Sports, Arts & Hobbies, and Religious Life.  Eagle Scout & Venturing Advancement. 5. Leadership Experience - Experience positive leadership from adult and youth leaders and be given opportunities to take on leadership roles. 6. Adult Association - While youth lead the crew, adults provide "shadow leadership" support.
Program Emphasis	Emphasis 1. Camping 2. Merit Badges 3. Advancement 4. Outdoor Skills 5. Fun	5 Fields of Emphasis (program manager over each) 1. Personal Development: Promotes growth through spirituality, leadership abilities, citizenship, social and cultural attributes, and physical fitness. 2. Service: Should become a constant ingredient in a Varsity Scout's daily experience. 3. Advancement: The same advancement program as Boy Scouts plus the Varsity Letter and Denali Award. 4. High Adventure and Sports: Supported by 27 program features. 5. Special Programs and Events: On district, council, regional, and national levels.	6 Areas – Program of Activities 1. Citizenship (& Career) 2. Leadership (Venturing Leadership Skills Course – VLSC) [Kodiak] 3. Service (& Religion) [Trust] 4. Social Activities 5. Fitness [Quest] 6. Outdoors [Ranger]
Structure	High structure, all working on rank advancement	Less structure, during each calendar quarter each of the 5 program managers (youth) will lead activities in their assigned area with help from the adult program advisors	Very flexible organization and structure.  The boys will select their area of focus based on the interest survey.  They can spend as much time as needed on each area selected.
Organization	Patrols & Senior Patrol Leader	Squads & Team Captain	Crew & Crew President
Uniform	Official BSA uniform	Choose own activity uniform, BSA uniform at Court of Honor	Choose own activity uniform, BSA uniform at Court of Honor
Awards	Eagle Scout	Varsity Letter & Denali Award	Bronze (Arts & Hobbies, Outdoor, Sea Scouting, Sports, Religious Life); Gold; Silver; Ranger Award (Outdoor), Quest Award (Fitness), Trust Award (Religious Life)
Oath	On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.	As a Varsity Scout, I will: Live by the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan; honor the dignity and worth of all persons; promote the cause of freedom; and do my best to be a good team member.	As a Venturer, I promise to do my duty to God and help strengthen America, to help others, and to seek truth, fairness, and adventure in our world.