What do we do?

---

Winter colour guard is a relatively new performance art form that combines elements of music, dance and military precision marching in a competitive arena.  Born out of the drum corps/marching band world, winter guard came into existence about twenty-five years ago.  It involves the manipulation (spins, tosses, flips) of equipment including rifles, flags and sabers while moving the body and moving around the performance space.  It can be compared to dance, figure skating, gymnastics and drama all combined into this unique performance sport. ​​

For the members, colour guard is a challenge and an opportunity for growth that develops both the athlete and the artist. The goal of the Ventures organization is to strive for excellence while developing teamwork and teaching sportsmanship in an entertaining avenue. Unlike sports teams, the entertainment factor makes this program unique. Educationally, the program offers far more than music, dance and choreography – the Ventures program provides a vehicle for pride, growth, leadership and friendship.

About Us:

The Ventures Non-Profit Organization began in the fall of 1972 originally operating a 5-time World Champion Drum & Bugle Corps from Kitchener-Waterloo. In 1994 The Ventures became a winter guard enterprise operating as many as 3 programs at a time.

Our Mission:

The Ventures Winter Guard is a youth activity committed to the personal societal and artistic education of each participant through the medium of a winter guard.
We Believe in excellence and
innovation in all that we do.

---

Description:

The Ventures Drum & Bugle Corps was formed in the fall of 1972 by the late Peter Vanderkolff after the chief of police asked him to establish a youth activity for young ladies in the Waterloo Region. The first uniform of The Ventures was a gold dress causing the corps to become affectionately know as "The Ladies in Gold". The nickname held a special meaning for each member who wore that uniform and a definition respected by all. It also became part of The Venture motto which remains part of today's organization.

Since the first season more than 3,000 young ladies have experienced the joys of belonging to our program. Although the uniform has changed many times over the years, the dedication, desire, spirit and pride remains the same. The Ventures are a unique performance company. Venture members traveled extensively over the years with stops in Washington, Miami, New York City and even Japan! The Ventures Drum & Bugle Corps operated as a competitive unit for 22 years achieving numerous awards including FIVE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS! The corps was heralded as a trend-setter and one of the most respected units of its time.
In 1981 a feeder or training unit for the corps began in the form of a baton corps. Within two years the baton unit evolved into a winter colour guard program for girls between the ages of 8 and 13, This "junior guard" program proved highly successful both competitively as well as graduating many members into the drum corps.
Change came about in January of 1995 with the heartbreaking decision to take The Ventures Drum & Bugle Corps out of competition but to continue the operation of the organization as a winter guard enterprise. A "senior" guard program for 14- 19 year old's was formed to compliment the existing junior guard.
Since that time, The Ventures Winter Colour guards have changed many times over. We have gradually progressed through the classes all they way into World Class. As membership changes, so do the programs. We encourage all ages to come out and work in this "sport of the arts" to encourage poise, practice and performance.