05/02/2020
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: (304) 465-2800, [email protected]. Some additional fees may apply.
· Request a fee refund. Contact the Summit Bechtel Reserve Registrar: (304) 465-2800,[email protected].
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: Co-Chair
Jim Lynch: Co-Chair
Owen McCulloch: National Venturing & Sea Scouts Director
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What do I need to do if my crew still wants to come June 28-July 3, 2020? (Original date for VenturingFest 2020.)
Answer: The State of West Virginia has informed The Summit Bechtel Reserve that operations cannot resume until, at least, July 1, 2020.
Question: Will VenturingFest be scheduled for next year?
Answer: Keeping with our every-other-year schedule, the next VenturingFest will be held in 2022, exact date TBD.
Question: 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?
Answer: 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) 465-2800, [email protected]. Some additional fees may apply.
Question: What if I just want a full refund of our fees paid to date for VenturingFest?
Answer: Contact the Summit Bechtel Reserve registrar for refund of your fees paid to date. Summit Registrar: (304) 465-2800, [email protected].
Question: What if I was attending as an individual (provisional) attendee? Can I still go as a single attendee to the Summit?
Answer: 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.
Question: I was registered to attend as VenturingFest 2020 staff. Are there still opportunities for me to attend the Summit this summer?
Answer: 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) 465-2800,[email protected].
Additional reference: https://dhhr.wv.gov/
