VenturingFest 2020

VenturingFest 2020 Cancelled Due to COVID-19

It is with deep sadness we inform you that VenturingFest 2020 has been cancelled due to local and state COVID-19 restrictions. Because so many VenturingFest activities are group-oriented, it will not be possible to hold or reschedule the event this year, and it will not be rescheduled for 2021 as the focus will be on Venturing attendance at the 2021 National Jamboree.

We are disappointed but not discouraged as we fully respect the guidance provided by local and state authorities in West Virginia, which have notified the Summit Bechtel Reserve that operations cannot resume until July 1, 2020.

The good news is that you can still attend the Summit this year since the Summit plans on serving units and contingents with reservations for Summer 2020 starting in July, supported by new health and safety guidelines that are being developed for the remainder of summer 2020 for all staff, participants and guests. 

Options available to you are:

Come to the Summit for a Summit Experience after July 1, 2020.
Call the Summit Registrar for date availability and pricing options. (No VenturingFest activities will be offered.)  Contact the Summit Bechtel Reserve Registrar. *Some additional fees may apply.

Request a fee refund.
Contact the Summit Bechtel Reserve Registrar

Any additional updates and communications will be posted through www.summitbsa.org/venturingfest, Venturing.org and Venturing BSA social media channels on Facebook and Instagram. 

While we may be unable to meet you at VenturingFest 2020, there are many more opportunities coming for us to be together, especially as many councils, areas and regions are planning to hold Venturing events as we look to the fall.

Stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you soon either at a virtual gathering, or at upcoming Venturing events!

Sincerely,
VenturingFest 2020 Planning Committee

Ryan Davis          Jim Lynch                    Owen McCulloch
        Co-chair                  Co-chair                 National Venturing Director


Cancellation FAQ

As of 05/07/20

What do I need to do if my crew still wants to come June 28-July 3, 2020?  (Original date for VenturingFest 2020.)
The State of West Virginia has informed The Summit Bechtel Reserve that operations cannot resume until, at least, July 1, 2020.

Will VenturingFest be scheduled for next year?
Keeping with our every-other-year schedule, the next VenturingFest will be held in 2022, exact date TBD.

What if I still want to attend the Summit this summer, but want to come on a different date than the original VenturingFest 2020 dates of June 28-July 3, 2020?
You will need to contact the Summit Bechtel Reserve registrar directly to check on availability for other dates.  No programs will be offered before July 1, 2020.  Keep in mind VenturingFest was scheduled as a six-day event, and most Summit adventures are scheduled to be seven-days so there may be additional fees.  Contact the Summit Bechtel Reserve Registrar: (304) 465-2800summit.program@scouting.org.  Some additional fees may apply.

What if I just want a full refund of our fees paid to date for VenturingFest?
Contact the Summit Bechtel Reserve registrar for refund of your fees paid to date.  Summit Registrar: (304) 465-2800summit.program@scouting.org

What if I was attending as an individual (provisional) attendee?  Can I still go as a single attendee to the Summit?
We are unable to accommodate provisional attendance during the original VenturingFest week of June 28-July 3, 2020.  However, the Summit Bechtel Reserve, Paul R Christen High Adventure programs does offer individual registrations (provisional registration) in the Summit Experience program the following week of July 5-11, 2020.  Contact the Summit Bechtel Reserve registrar to move your individual registration to this week.  Additional fees may apply.

I was registered to attend as VenturingFest 2020 staff.  Are there still opportunities for me to attend the Summit this summer?
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer you any opportunities at The Summit for this summer as a VenturingFest Staff member.  Your willingness to help staff this event is very appreciated, but we are only able to refund your fees paid to date.  Contact the Summit Bechtel Reserve Registrar: (304) 465-2800summit.program@scouting.org

Additional reference: https://dhhr.wv.gov/

VenturingFest update 3/16/2020

As always, your safety and the safety of all our members, volunteers, and employees is our top priority. We know there are questions and concerns about how COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus, could affect VenturingFest 2020.  Please know that we are monitoring developments regarding COVID-19 both with our National Service Center response team and through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Based upon current guidance we are planning on holding VenturingFest 2020 as planned and registration remains open (https://www.summitbsa.org/venturingfest/).  If recommendations change full refunds will be made for all fees paid to date.   As this is an evolving situation, this information is subject to change. We will continue to update you on relevant developments, and we appreciate your understanding of any necessary adjustments in the interest of health and safety.

We are continuing the planning for a tremendous VenturingFest at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, June 28-July 3, 2020, and continue to build events and activities that are exciting and engaging for Venturers and adult advisors/volunteers.  During uncertain times, be certain of one thing: VenturingFest 2020 will be an event you won’t want to miss!

Overview

VenturingFest 2020, the third national gathering of Venturers at the Summit Bechtel Reserve – a Scouting experience unlike any other before – is coming your way again from June 28 to July 3!

VenturingFest 2020 is a special Scouting event at SBR that’s open to registered Venturers, Scouts and adult leaders across the U.S. This six-day high-adventure festival invites participants to explore the best the SBR has to offer. We’re talking rock climbing, skateboarding, BMX biking, water sports, shooting sports, zip lines, challenge courses, and so much more!

As if the adrenaline-pumping activities weren’t enough, festival goers will also get to jam out to concerts and meet new friends in Venturing at the event. What more could a Venturer want?

(More Information to Be Announced).

For any questions or comments please email venturingfest@scouting.org.

Important Information for all Applicants:

  • Deposit is due at the time this form is completed.  Reservations that do not have a paid deposit will not be processed.  (Registration is a multiple step process.)
  • The participant cost is $525 per youth member and $425 per adult for reservations made prior to April 30, 2020.
  • Late participant reservations (after April 30, 2020) are $625 per youth member and $525 per adult.
  • Staff reservations are $275.
  • Final payment is due April 30, 2020.  Reservations made after April 30, 2020 require payment in full at time of reservation.
  • All paid fees are non-refundable.
  • All participants must be currently registered Venturers, Sea Scouts, or Scouts BSA.
  • The ages for the youth registrants 14+ or 13 having graduated the 8th grade.
  • Tents, cots and all program equipment are provided.
  • There are additional fees for whitewater rafting and Kodiak training.
  • Participant meals include dinner Sunday night through breakfast on Friday (departure day).  Lunch on arrival day is not provided.
  • Staff arrival day varies depending upon position.

Stay Tuned for 2022

The next Venturingfest is expected to happen in 2022.