ADVENTURE
IS THE
CURRICULUM
We're a fully youth-led crew for young men and women ages 14–21 who'd rather learn on a summit, a river, or a rock face than in a classroom. Backpacking, climbing, paddling, and a lot of trip-planning spreadsheets.
Run By Youth, Backed By Adults
Venturing is the Boy Scouts of America's program for older youth, built around high adventure, leadership, and a elected Crew government.
Crew 2140 was chartered by St. Lukes to give teens a program that puts them truly in charge. Every trip, budget line, and safety plan starts with youth man plans — our adult Advisors coach from the sideline and make sure nothing goes wrong.
We meet twice a month during the school year to plan logistics, train on outdoor skills, and vote on where we're headed next. Then we go do it — rain, shine, or occasional minor snow event.
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STRUCTUREYouth OfficersPresident, VP of Program, VP of Administration, VP Communications, Treasurer, and Guide, elected every 6 months by the crew.
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SUPPORTAdult AdvisorsCertified in Youth Protection Training and outdoor safety, present on every trip, quiet in every meeting. Adult Advisors are only present to ensure nobody gets injured, and we follow the Scouts BSA rules.
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STANDARDSafety FirstEvery high adventure trip follows BSA's Guide to Safe Scouting and Tour & Activity Plans, no exceptions.
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OPEN TOEveryone 14–21Co-ed, no Scouting background required — just a willingness to learn and adapt.
Trips We've Done Before
A sample of the program — the exact lineup shifts every year based on what the crew votes for.
U.P. Adventure
Our recent summer trek up to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Canoeing
Multi-day treks in various canoe areas, treks to push you to the limit while expanding your horizons.
Winter Camping
Cold-weather shelter building and layering clinics, capped by an overnight in a Quinzhee!
Bowling And Day Activities
Tired of school and need a break? We have smaller day activities for you to enjoy! Ranging from bowling to escape rooms, anything is possible.
Pacific Northwest Trek
Our upcoming flagship backpacking trip out to the rugged Pacific Northwest. Expect towering pines, alpine lakes, and some of the best trails in the country.
We are currently in the planning phases for our Summer 2027 high adventure trip. The crew has voted to tackle the Pacific Northwest. We will be finalizing dates, permits, and exact trailheads over the coming months as our Youth Leadership puts the trek together.
Detailed Itinerary
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DAY 1
JUL 15Departure 3:30 PM: Meet at Scout Garage.
4:15 PM: Drive to Columbus, WI.
5:55 PM: Train departs. -
DAY 2
JUL 16Transit On the Amtrak train. -
DAY 3
JUL 17Arrival & Basecamp 2:44 AM: Switch trains in Spokane.
11:29 AM: Arrive in Seattle. Pick up rental cars & REI supplies.
6:00 PM: Arrive at Graves Creek Campground. -
DAY 4
JUL 18Trail: Pyrites Camp 9.6 miles. Basically flat. -
DAY 5
JUL 19Trail: Camp Siberia 8.4 miles. Large ascent. -
DAY 6
JUL 20Trail: Marmot Lake Camp 11.3 miles. Descent and ascent. -
DAY 7
JUL 21Layover Day Rest and recover (yay). -
DAY 8
JUL 22Trail: Enchanted Valley 11.2 miles. Large descent. -
DAY 9
JUL 23Trail: Graves Creek 12.5 miles. Small descent to finish the loop. -
DAY 10
JUL 24Seattle & Departure 8:00 AM: Drive back to Seattle.
12:30 PM: Explore Pike’s Place Market.
4:55 PM: Board train to Middleton. -
DAY 11
JUL 25Transit On the Amtrak train. -
DAY 12
JUL 26Arrival Home 1:47 PM: Arrive in Columbus.
3:00 PM: Arrive at Scout Garage.
Backpacking Route
- Location: Olympic National Park, East Fork Quinault River Trail
- Dates: July 15th–26th
- Status: Preparing for info meeting
Transportation
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The Empire Builder
Columbus, WI → Seattle, WA
~46 hr journey · Fares $140–$200 -
Baggage Guidelines
- 1 personal item (25 lb) & 2 carry-ons (50 lb)
- 2 checked bags (50 lb, 75 linear in.) max
- Bags checking is free if within guidelines
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Strict Gear Rules
- NO CAMP FUEL ALLOWED on the train. We will buy gas at REI upon arrival.
- All blades, trekking poles, and tent stakes must be in your checked bag.
Coming Up
Sample schedule — connect your Google Calendar below to replace these automatically.
Crew Meeting — Trip Vote
Regular meeting at St. Luke's basement. We're voting on the fall backpacking route.
MEETINGFall Backpacking Trip
Three-day shakedown hike to test gear and crews ahead of the bigger autumn trek.
TRIPNew Member Night
Open house for anyone curious about Venturing — no commitment, just come hear how it works.
OPEN HOUSEWhitewater Day Trip
Guided river run with a local outfitter, swim check required the week before.
TRIPOfficer Elections
Crew votes in next term's President, VP of Program, VP of Administration, and Guide.
MEETINGHow To Join
It's super easy to go from a prospective member, to an excelling leader!
Reach out
Send us a message using the contact form or email below — tell us your age and what you're hoping to do outdoors.
Visit a meeting
Come to a regular meeting or a New Member Night as a guest, no paperwork or payment required for your first visit.
Complete the application
Fill out the BSA Youth Application and, if you're a parent joining as an Advisor, the Adult Application plus Youth Protection Training.
Apply on BeAScout.orgPay dues & gear up
Annual registration plus crew dues covers BSA membership and insurance. We'll walk you through what gear you actually need to start.
Eligibility
- Age 14 (and completed 8th grade) through 21 years old.
- Open to all genders — no prior Scouting experience needed.
- Parents and other adults 21+ are welcome and encouraged to register as Advisors.
Say Hello
Questions about joining, trips, or partnering with the crew — here's how to find us.
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Emailvpcoms140@gmail.com
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Crew Advisoreegrindle@gmail.com
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Meets AtSt. Luke's Lutheran Church, 7337 Hubbard Ave, Middleton, WI, 53562. Meeting days/times change per meeting.
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Chartering OrganizationSt. Luke's Lutheran Church
Crew Files
Bylaws, documentation, and other crew resources — all stored in our shared Google Drive.