Meet the 2025 recipients of the National Venturing Leadership Award

The National Venturing Leadership Award is given to youth and adults who have gone above and beyond in the Venturing program to make an impact nationally. It goes to Venturers and Venturing Advisors who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing while also exemplifying the Scout Oath and Law.

Venturing is Scouting America’s program for young men and women ages 14 to 21 (or 13 and completed the 8th grade). It’s operated through Venturing crews — units of youth and Advisors who meet on set schedules and plan activities and events.

Venturers and Advisors are nominated by their peers, and a selection committee of youth and adults reviews all nominations to make the final decisions.

You can watch this year’s honorees be recognized during the National Venturing Reception earlier this month at Philmont Scout Ranch:

There are Venturing Leadership Awards for the council and territory levels too. Visit this page to see how to nominate Venturers and Advisors for future awards. Here are this year’s national honorees:

Aidan Wells

Newport News, Va.

Colonial Virginia Council

• Currently serving as the National Venturing President. Previously served as the National Venturing Vice President of Territory Support for the Eastern Territories.
• Represented Scouting America at the 10th Interamerican Leadership Training in the Dominican Republic this past January.

Excerpt from nomination letter:

Aidan has a clear vision of what he believes Venturing should look like in the future. He believes that to be a truly effective leader, you must first be passionate about what you do. Aidan is a visionary, and he strives to bring his vision into reality. With Aidan’s leadership and dedication, his impact on the youth in the Venturing program aims to be positive and beneficial.

Alyssa Ross

Powell, Tenn.

Great Smoky Mountain Council

• Served as the National Venturing Vice President of Program.
• Finished a project that will provide Venturers a way to connect with other crews throughout the country via a pin map that will eventually be housed on the Venturing website.

Excerpt from nomination letter:

Alyssa’s passion for the Venturing program is undeniable. Her bright personality and love for Venturing wholeheartedly reminds us of one of the points of the Scout Law: “A Scout is Cheerful.” With her shining example in leadership and character, Alyssa has made a lifetime of impact on the countless youth in the Venturing program across the nation.

Helen Lockwood

Eagan, Minn.

​​Northern Star Council

• Served as the Council Service Territory 4 Venturing officers’ association Advisor, the Central Region Associate Advisor for Administration and the Area 1 Venturing officers’ association Advisor. Current member of the National Venturing Membership Subcommittee, serving as the committee secretary.
• Provided leadership to the National Venturing Committee survey to identify new membership trends and guided the Family Continuum of Scouting task force to develop best practices for successful Venturing Crew charter partners.

Excerpt from nomination letter:

Helen championed the ongoing Unit Charter Renewal Outreach project, which aims to identify and help Venturing crews at risk of not renewing their unit charter. This project has annually reviewed, renewed and updated project parameters to keep it viable as the membership subcommittee’s way to retain visibility on crew retention and increase Venturing program membership in all 14 council service territories.

Katie Chatow

Mountain View, Calif.

Pacific Skyline Council

• Served as the National VOA Vice President of Territory Support for the Western Territories.
• Worked on special projects, including an organized blueprint for Venturing officers’ associations, detailing officer functions and offering a framework for understanding roles, responsibilities and supporting council programs based on real-life scenarios.

Excerpt from nomination letter:

Katie is always willing to lend her time and expertise, offering guidance and support to help others succeed. She has made a positive impact on the Venturing program through her exceptional leadership, innovation and unwavering commitment to serving others.

Sarah Yeung

Davis, Calif.

Golden Empire Council

• Served as the National Venturing social media lead for the National Venturing Committee. She maintained areas of Venturing’s social media presence, including Instagram and Facebook.
• Aims to mentor the Council Service Territory 3 Venturing officers’ association officers.

Excerpt from nomination letter:

Her positive attitude and energy fueled her teams to do their best and be better, always striving for excellence. Sarah is a committed and hardworking team member and leader who continues to provide exemplary contributions to the Venturing program.

Marybeth Chaconas

Annandale, Va.

Blue Ridge Mountains Council

• Former member of the National Venturing Training Committee. Served as the Southern Region Area 7 Venturing officers’ association Advisor.
• Dedicated her time to the Venturing training committee with the Venturing program help task force.

Excerpt from nomination letter:

Whether the tasks were small or large, Marybeth always accepted the challenge with a smile. Her willingness to serve the youth made a lasting impact on their life. With her wealth of knowledge and understanding on what the program needs, the Venturing program helps were able to come to completion and will be pushed out in the near future.