The event is run by SCOUTS Aotearoa (or “The Scout Association of New Zealand”). Also known as the “Venture“, AdVenture’26 is a ten day camp which offers fun, challenging and adventurous activities to members of SCOUTS Aotearoa, kindred organisations and other WOSM members, for the 14-18 age bracket.
Every year Scouts Aotearoa help 12,000 young people in New Zealand enjoy new adventures; to experience the outdoors; interact with others, gain confidence and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Working alongside our youth members are thousands of adult volunteers, with a huge variety of roles and opportunities available.
The programmes that we offer cater to our young people’s development in the physical, emotional, spiritual and mental aspects of their lives in an appropriately safe environment where they are encouraged to be themselves, work together and thrive.
The National Office for SCOUTS Aotearoa is located at Level 1, 1 Kaiwharawhara Road, Kaiwharawhara, Wellington, New Zealand.
You can reach them at reception@scouts.org.nz or 0800 SCOUTS/ 0800 726 887
Being part of a movement that is so focused on providing adventurous opportunities for young people the Venture is also very focused on mitigating risks around those opportunities. We work within the guidelines, policies and legislation associated with outdoor education, privacy, child protection and health and safety in workplaces.
At Venture we have a team of professionals onsite who operate our very own medical centre – nurses, doctors, clinical psychologists and paramedics. Our Health & Welfare Manager, Anne, is available before the event to discuss any concerns you may have. We will do our best to accommodate any specific health or welfare requirements. We are also well supported with a local hospital 20 minutes away.
Generally, most participants make their own way to Venture, though Scout Groups with a number of their youth attending may arrange joint transport.
The event commences in Wellington on December 30th. Participants need to arrive after 9am and before 12 midday. If flying in, and making use of the Venture shuttles, you will need flights which arrive in Wellington before 12. There is a quick turnaround for a number of expeditions which will be leaving shortly after midday.
If coming for Phase 2 only, we will do an airport pick up from Wellington airport early afternoon on January 4th. Book flights or arrange to be at the airport by 12 midday. Alternatively, you can arrive at the main site between lunchtime and 5pm.
If returning to the Wellington Airport on January 9th, airport shuttles will be available. Book flights after 12 midday to be sure there is enough time allowed to meet your check in time.
Further details will be available closer to the event.
DADS rules are a fundamental part of Venturing in New Zealand and will apply throughout Venture’26. Part of completing the application forms requires all participants to agree to abide by the Scout Law and Promise and DADS rules.
These will be strictly enforced and a zero tolerance policy will apply. This may seem harsh but the issues covered by DADS rules are the ones of most concern to Venturer parents and our duty of care requires us to take these rules seriously.
All adults on site are expected to lead by example as it is impossible to enforce those rules if Leaders are not following them themselves.
A copy of DADS rules can be found on our Oh wow! Policies! page.
Privacy of information:
See our Privacy Policy on the Oh wow! Policies! page.
All registrations are completed online. Once a youth participant has submitted the form their nominated parent or guardian will receive an email requesting their consent. When parental consent has been granted, the Group Leaders for their Venturer Unit (or equivalent for other organisations) will receive an email seeking recommendation that the youth participant attend and verifying that they meet the eligibility requirements for the event.
When consent and approvals have been received and the deposit paid the registration will be processed.
Check out our policies on the ‘Oh wow! Policies!’ page.