Greater Alabama Council Venturing

05/22/2026

The 2026 version of the Venturing Handbook is Available Now for Digital Download!

Click Here: scouting.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Venturing-Handbook-2026.pdf

This will also be made available as a physical copy for purchase soon. Stay tuned for announcements when this is ready!

05/22/2026

05/05/2026

The Greater Alabama Council, BSA VSSOA will be holding officer elections on May 17th! To declare your candidacy for either the President, Vice-President of Communications, or Vice-President of Program, fill out the Intent to Run form at: https://form.jotform.com/261050704609148

To learn more about these positions, email the VSSOA at [email protected]

03/26/2026

There are only 10 spots left for the FIRST Seabadge course ever held in Alabama! This advanced training helps leaders who work with older youth & is open to ALL registered leaders. To reserve your spot before the April 17th cut-off date, visit: https://1bsa.org/seabadge/

01/22/2026

Hey Venturers! The GAC's Venturing-Sea Scout Officers Association is hosting a combined Introduction to Leadership Skills for Crews and Introduction to Leadership Skills for Ships at University of Scouting! Register for this course at https://1bsa.org/university-of-scouting/

12/10/2025

Calling all Venturers! Take your skills to the next level! Register for NYLT today!

Registration for the 2026 NYLT Winter and Summer courses is open! This premier leadership training course for Scouts, Venturers, and Sea Scouts equips them with the tools they need to provide leadership to their units. To learn more, visit: https://1bsa.org/nylt/

12/02/2025

Know a Venturer who deserves to be recognized? Nominate them for the Venturing Leadership Award!

The Venturing Leadership Award is used to recognize Venturers and Venturing Advisors who have made exceptional contributions to Venturing and who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law. Nominees must be registered and involved as a Venturer or Venturing Advisor for at least one year. They must also hold a leadership position at the unit, district, or council level. Finally, they must show exceptional dedication and give outstanding leadership and service to Venturing and Venturers.

The nomination deadline is 5 pm on December 31st. Nominations can be made through the following Jotform:

https://form.jotform.com/253287167081158

11/29/2025

It is with heaviness of heart that we share the news of the passing of Oscar Roach, Caretaker at Camp Westmoreland and minister at Abundant Life Baptist Church in Florence. A long-time member of the Greater Alabama Council and Camp Westmoreland family, Oscar's cheerfulness and presence will be deeply missed. Visitation will be from 5pm-7pm on Monday, December 1st at Thompson and Son Funeral Home in Florence with Funeral Services on Tuesday at 11am on Tuesday, December 2nd at Abundant Life Baptist Church, with Thompson and Son Funeral Home directing.
https://ow.ly/SKqk50XzsFL

11/29/2025

Seabadge isn't just for Sea Scout Leaders! Seabadge is an excellent adult leader and older youth training course that will give YOU the tools you need to work with older youth and manage a vibrant and active youth-led program.

Are you a registered adult leader in Scouts BSA, Venturing, or Sea Scouting who works with older youth in your unit? If you are, you should register for Seabadge! This weekend-long course will help you build tools and resources to better support the youth in your unit. For details and registration, go to: https://1bsa.org/seabadge/

11/18/2025

The Executive Board of the Greater Alabama Council is pleased to announce the selection and hiring of Anthony Berger as the fifth Scout Executive\CEO of the Greater Alabama Council. Anthony’s tenure will begin on January 1, 2026.

Anthony began his Scouting career as a District Executive in the Southwest Florida Council, the same council he earned his Eagle Scout and received the Vigil honor as a youth. He moved on to become a Senior District Executive in the Central Florida Council, where he successfully served for several years in increasing areas of responsibilities, including Program Director, Field Director, and Director of Support Services. He was then selected to serve as the Scout Executive in the Chattahoochee Council in Columbus, Georgia. He served there successfully before being chosen to serve as the National Director of Cub Scouting. In this position, he led the Cub Scout program through significant transformations, including the incorporation of the Lion program into Cub Scouting, the welcoming of girls into Cub Scouting, and the 2024 program updates aimed at making Cub Scouting fun, simple, and easy.

To ensure a smooth leadership transition, the Greater Alabama Council established a CEO Selection Committee chaired by Alexia Borden and Ned Rand. This team lead the national search for the Scout Executive\CEO with great diligence and care. The Greater Alabama Council is grateful to this team for their dedication, focus, and commitment throughout the process. The selection team was comprised of Katy Anderson, Judge William A. Bell, Jr., Alexia Borden, Mark Brown, Ph.D., Mark Drew, Wes Gilchrist, Caldwell marks, Ned Rand, and Phillip M. Webb.

The Greater Alabama Council extends our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to retiring Scout Executive J.T. Dabbs, III. The Council wishes JT and his wife, Ginger, all the best as they prepare to embark on this new chapter in life.