Over a chilly weekend at Naperville, Illinois Von Oven Scout Reservation, 13 youth from four Crews with two youth traveling from out of Council participated in the Venturing Program VLSC training delivered by nine Venturing adult leaders. The 13 youth took part in numerous leadership skill development sessions and put their newly recognized skills to the test in a variety of leadership exercises. All 13 youth participants earned their VLSC Trained patch.

Positive feedback was overwhelming. In fact, many of the youth wanted to know when their next training would take place. This course was enlightening and a great learning experience for both the youth participants as well as the adult advisors.

Friday night proved to be a real treat in getting a visit from the 1977 Order of the Arrow NOAC Southern Fancy Dance Champion who provided our opening ceremony over a campfire that ignited from nowhere (really, it did). One Venturing youth, Eagle Scout Russ M. was honored by receiving his Gold Palm at our opening ceremony.

A big thank you goes out to the following Venturing Advisors, Brad Fresh, Doug Chalmers, Roger Schuma, Paul Chemler, Kimberly Sullivan, Julie Berkowicz, Dan Weisler, and Walter Berkowicz for helping me put on this great VLSC training for our youth.

Joe Harrington

Advisor Crew 2501