Program Facts
The Corps of Discovery is entirely unit-based, although it was written so it could be done by small or large groups as the program develops. But to start off, each and every Crew/Ship will work on their own.
A program was suggested that did not call for vast ceremonies with lots of costumes, but that could be done in costume if a group desired. That could be done just as well in any part of the country, with any racial mix, in units where everyone is male or female to units which are co-ed. A ceremony that could be performed by a truly diverse group was what was needed and called for.
It was also left open-ended, so different characters who may fit for each section could be added to personalize the ceremony for your area. Which could mean the exact ceremony would never be performed in two areas of the country exactly the same.
That induction ceremony is the only ceremony the program has.
The recognition should be small. The first units used a tooth, either worn hanging from the pocket button or pinned to a dress uniform to identify the members of the Corps. However, each Crew and Ship is encouraged to develop their own recognition. To remind them of the charge they accepted in taking membership, they receive a personalized copy of the charge, which it is hoped will be seen and recognized and perhaps even read from time to time to remind them that their work still is not done.
As an additional reminder, the induction into the Corps of Discovery is witnessed by the entire Crew, who also take a charge to help their friends complete the charge they have taken.
Members of the Corps are then allowed to develop into full members, just as the members of Lewis and Clark's party who made the entire trip came to call themselves "Members of the Permanent Party". To move to become a member of the Permanent Party a youth must locate a need in the community, develop a service project to help that community, and then hold the project working with the members of the unit. It is reviewed by the youth in a board appointed by the unit and those who complete the project become members of the Permanent Party.
And while the by-laws suggest ways this group could be part of the program at the district or council level, it is not required that such things occur. Therefore, it is up to the Venturing units to decide how to run the program in their area.
VENTURING CORPS OF DISCOVERY HOMEPAGE
INTRODUCTION
DETAILS ON THE CORPS
SUGGESTED BY-LAWS
ELECTION PROCEDURES
CEREMONY NOTES
RECOGNITION ITEMS
INDUCTION CEREMONY
ELECTION REPORT
PERMANENT PARTY APPLICATION
ORIGINATORS
MEMBERS OF THE CORPS