Bernie,
Ventures is a relatively new "branch" of BSA, it is a co-ed program for youth 14-20, from the bsa official site:
Venturing's purpose is to provide positive experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults.
Venturing is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth, adult leaders, and organizations in their communities. Local community organizations establish a Venturing crew by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of exciting and meaningful activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, grow, develop leadership skills, and become good citizens.
Exploring units are generally assoicated with an emergency services provider and are a supplement to the Boy Scout program, not a stand alone program such as Venturing....
...stepping off of my scouting box now...LOL....