The dictionary says Rec-og-nize, defined as "to show awareness of, approve of, or appreciate."  Venturing is truly unique among the programs in Scouting, since there are no ranks, and without ranks, there is no advancement.  Instead, Venturing has recognition.  At the end of March 2010, there were three instances of distinct recognition for members of Crew 42.

Jake K was recognized with the Venturing Outdoor Bronze Award, his first Venturing program medal.  To qualify for the Outdoor Bronze, he completed an extensive list of requirements that are published here.   His Outdoor Bronze is the 5th awarded in the short history of our Crew.  Jake is also pursuing the Sports Bronze and the Quest Fitness and Sports Award.

At the Chief Seattle Council annual meeting, Mr Z was recognized as a 2010 winner of a Council Venturing Leadership Award.  As a Powerhorn graduate, long-time Wood Badge staffer, a Kodiak and Kodiak-X Course Director, and the American Legion's District III BSA Chairman, he's been known "to place opportunities in our path".  Seemingly never satisfied, he's arranged for our 2nd Philmont Expedition, and will spend a few weeks in Virginia this summer with the kayaking staff at the National Scout Jamboree.  Mr Z's VLA is the 4th awarded to folks from Crew 42...maybe we're doing something right?

Never known to discover a Scouting award he didn't want, Jeff just pushed the bar up a notch for everyone by completing the Crew's first Venturing Gold Award.  The race is now on for Jeff to complete the Venturing Silver Award and the Ranger Award before he leaves for UMontana in late August.  He was pleasantly surprised to receive a letter in the mail (no, it wasn't an April Fool's joke), congratulating him as the American Legion's winner as the Department of Washington 2010 Eagle Scout of the Year.  Eric O, who will be attending Pacific Lutheran University, was the first runner up in a very close competition judged by 12 Legion Scouting representatives across the state.  Jeff's nomination now moves on to National.  Eric O also picked up a hefty scholarship from PLU, too....way to go, Eric!