Learning Through Adventure

Our Programs

Melanated Venture Scouts (MVS) is a youth development program that uses outdoor exploration, leadership training, and cultural connection to help young people grow in confidence and capability. Our programs are designed to be welcoming, beginner-friendly, and developmentally appropriate, ensuring every participant feels supported regardless of prior outdoor experience.

Scouts learn through experience. Each session combines hands-on outdoor skills, group collaboration, and guided reflection, creating space for young people to build practical knowledge while developing leadership, responsibility, and teamwork.

MVS intentionally centers black and brown youth in outdoor spaces, reinforcing representation, belonging, and access while maintaining a welcoming environment for all.

Growing With the Program

MVS serves youth ages 13–21 and groups participants in ways that support peer connection, confidence-building, and leadership development.

Youth ages 13–15 focus on foundational outdoor skills, safety awareness, and teamwork. This stage emphasizes curiosity, confidence, and learning the basics of navigating outdoor spaces in a supportive environment.

Youth ages 16–18 move into leadership development, building on their outdoor knowledge while learning communication, problem-solving, and peer leadership. Participants at this level may assist with group activities, mentor younger scouts, and participate in community service projects.

Young adults ages 19–21 may participate in mentorship and transition roles, supporting program facilitation, exploring leadership pathways, and preparing for future involvement in outdoor education, service, or community leadership.

How the Program Works

Programs meet bi-weekly and are facilitated by trained adult mentors. Each two-week cycle includes two connected sessions:

Week One: Informational Session (60 minutes)
Youth gather in our community space to learn new skills, review safety practices, and prepare for upcoming activities through hands-on instruction and group discussion.

Week Two: Adventure Session
Youth put those skills into action during a guided outdoor experience, such as hiking, camping skills, or nature exploration, designed to reinforce learning through real-world practice.

This structure balances learning and action, prioritizing small-group engagement, safety, and relationship-building. Youth progress at a comfortable pace while being encouraged to grow in confidence, teamwork, and leadership through experience.

What Scouts Learn

MVS programs integrate four core areas throughout all sessions.

Outdoor Skills & Nature Education introduces participants to camping fundamentals, hiking, navigation, outdoor safety, and environmental awareness.

Leadership & Team Building develops communication, accountability, collaboration, and decision-making skills through group challenges and shared responsibility.

Community Service & Environmental Stewardship connects youth to their communities through service projects such as park cleanups and conservation efforts, reinforcing responsibility and care for shared spaces.

Cultural Connection & Representation ensures youth feel seen and supported by weaving identity, storytelling, and shared experience into programming and affirming that outdoor spaces belong to everyone.

Care, Safety & Support

Care and safety are foundational to everything we do at Melanated Venture Scouts. Our programs are intentionally designed to be age-appropriate, beginner-friendly, and supportive, creating an environment where young people can explore, learn, and grow with confidence.

All activities are led by trained adult mentors who prioritize respect, inclusion, and emotional well-being. Adult leaders and volunteers undergo required background checks and screening processes before working with youth, and are held to clear standards of conduct and accountability.

Safety planning is built into every session. This includes risk awareness, location preparation, first-aid readiness, and established emergency procedures. Parents and guardians are informed of program logistics, locations, and expectations in advance, and communication remains open throughout the program.

MVS is committed to creating spaces where youth feel seen, protected, and supported—physically, emotionally, and socially.

Ready When You Are

Melanated Venture Scouts welcomes youth who are curious, open to learning, and ready to grow. No prior outdoor or camping experience is required.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to explore additional details and reach out with questions before enrolling.