Jim Cooley , Los Alamos Venture Crew 20 Advisor, talks to Kiwanis Club members about the organization. Courtesy photo

BY BROOKE DAVIS
Kiwanis Club

At the August 10 Kiwanis Club meeting, Los Alamos Venture Crew 20 Advisor Jim Cooley
gave a presentation and talked about the organization and their activities. Venture Crew 20 is a
co-ed, youth-led Scouting America high-adventure program based out of Los Alamos, NM,
serving youth ages 14 to 21 (or 13 who have completed 8th grade). It focuses on outdoor
exploration, leadership, and community service across northern New Mexico.

The Crew’s membership currently has 23 venture scouts, nearly double from the previous year.

The Advisors are committed to providing vibrant adventures to the youth of northern New Mexico. There are no costs to become a member and many of the activity costs are covered by
the organization. There is support for scouts in financial need and for adult advisor training. In 2026, they awarded scholarships to two graduating seniors and one to a scout returning from military service.

The Crew has a strong climbing program, including weekly skill building at the climbing wall at the YMCA and a spring break multi-day camping and rock-climbing adventure in southern New Mexico. Their water river adventures and pool training have been curtailed this year because of low water levels and pool closures. However, they enjoyed an epic scuba diving adventure at the Emerald Bay Scout Camp on Catalina Island. In February, they spent a weekend skiing at Wolf Creek and had great snow conditions.

The group is looking forward and hopes to add bike camping, backpacking, winter camping and kayak skill building for next year.