2008 Woodie Awards
Venture Crew gets back to nature
Michael Golden
Issue date: 12/4/07 Section: Sports & Clubs
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Members in attendance participated in an hour-long walk and a picnic in the park. Five people attended the event. Graduate MBA student Josh Gautreau, Venture Crew co-founder, said that the low turn-out could be attributed to the timing of the event and the fact that Venture Crew is a new club.
According to Gautreau, the highlight of the morning came when the group almost stumbled upon a large, brown snake.
"Venturing" is an established Boy Scouts of America youth development program that promotes exploring the outdoors. The UST venture crew chapter was formed when Tim Caruthers, a UST alumnus, approached Gautreau. Gautreau then discussed the idea of forming a venturing group with senior theology major Meris Chaumont, and the three decided to start the club. At the time, Caruthers was working as a district executive for the Southwest Houston division of the Boy Scouts of America.
"I just figured this would be a great opportunity for students here-we're stuck here in the middle of downtown Houston-to get out of town and have some good outdoor activities," Caruthers said.
Caruthers is an Eagle Scout, and Gautreau said he has been involved with Boy Scouts for nearly 10 years. Chaumont was a Girl Scout but credits her interest in the outdoors to her family.
Gautreau said that on-campus interest in the club is high. Twelve people have registered as members and another 30 people have expressed interest in joining, Gautreau said.
The club is open to everyone, including alumni, faculty and staff. Members pay a $10 fee to join and are expected to help pay expenses incurred on outings. The group plans to have an on-campus meeting every two weeks. The first of these meetings was held Nov.13, when members gathered on Crooker patio to make s'mores.
"This time we learned how to tie certain types of knots," Gautreau said. "And maybe, one time, we'll do first aid, or fire safety-small camping or wilderness tips."
The group wants to make a trip to College Station before the end of the year for the "Christmas in the Park" celebration. Caruthers and Gautreau said that they also hope to go on a wilderness survival trip and canoeing trip next semester. With Chaumont and Gautreau graduating next year, another one of their goals is to establish Venture Crew as a permanent club on campus.
Students interested in joining Venture Crew should e-mail Gautreau at venturecrew@stthom.edu.