Advisors’ Corner

If an Advisor is doing their job right, it will appear from outside observer that they are just sitting back with their feet up, relaxed, and just along for the ride. The young adult membership does all the work. After all, Advisors advise. The grotto’s President and other Officers actually plan and carry out the grotto’s program. The “over 21 crowd” is just a resource for them to tap for information and some action items that they are not able to carry out.

I like to think of us Advisors as more of a “big brother or sister” to the members of the Crew. We set the stage and the example of how things will get done. Our actions, questions, and suggestions guide the direction of the program.

Adult Association is just one of the methods of Venturing. While not a higher priority that any of the other methods, I’d like to think of it as an import method not to be casually pursued. Advisors and Adult Committee will always be needed for many background jobs. Advisors are needed and we are looking for folks to fill these jobs. Being an experienced caver is not prerequisite for being an Advisor in the Crew. But bringing something constructive to the table to make this a positive program is. Enjoying and being comfortable outdoors is also important. Willing to learn about caving is important. Willing to learn about and enforce BSA safety and Youth Protection Policies are important. Being an advocate for the members of the Crew is important.

Dragon Breath Grotto is blessed with two very gifted and compitant Associate Advisors, Amos Mincin and Stev Gadd. Amos and Steve are not only registered Associate Advisors to Dragon Breath (Crew 9), but are active members of the National Speleological Society, Philadelphia Grotto, Central New Jersey Grotto, and a few other grottos and caving conservancies. Because of their knowledge of the caves, caving skills, and their abilities to pass this knowledge along to our youth members, they are the most valued members of our team. None of our trips would ever happen without them.

If you’d like to make a difference in the life of our youth, please feel free to contact me and let me know what you see yourself doing for the Dragon Breath Grotto Caving Crew.

Cave Softly, But Cave Often,

Allen Maddox, Advisor

Venturing Methods

Leadership. All Venturers are given opportunities to learn and apply proven leadership skills. A Venturing crew is led by elected crew officers. The Venturing Leadership Skills Course is designed for all Venturers and helps teach them in an active way to lead effectively.

Group Activities. Venturing activities are interdependent group experiences in which success is dependent on the cooperation of all. Learning by "doing" in a group setting provides opportunities for developing new skills.

Adult Association. The youth officers lead the crew. The officers and activity chairs work closely with adult Advisors and other adult leaders in a spirit of partnership. The adults serve in a "shadow" leader capacity.

Recognition. Recognition comes through the Venturing advancement program and through the acknowledgement of a youth's competence and ability by peers and adults.

The Ideals. Venturers are expected to know and live by the Venturing Oath and Code. They promise to be faithful in religious duties, treasure their American heritage, help others, and seek truth and fairness.

High Adventure. Venturing's emphasis on high adventure helps provide team-building opportunities, new meaningful experiences, practical leadership application, and lifelong memories to young adults.

Teaching Others. All of the Venturing awards require Venturers to teach what they have learned to others. When they teach others often, Venturers are better able to retain the skill or knowledge taught, they gain confidence in their ability to speak and relate to others, and they acquire skills that can benefit them for the rest of their lives as a hobby or occupation.