Exploring

The Exploring program is designed for older youth 14-20. The program is a vocational program and part of the BSA's Learning for Life corporation. Exploring units, called "Posts", usually have a focus on a single career field, such as police, fire/rescue, health, law, aviation, engineering, or the like, and may be sponsored by a government or business entity.

Information

Program

Exploring is part of the Learning for Life career education program for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) or 15 through 20 years old. Exploring’s purpose is to provide experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Explorers are ready to investigate the meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships and communities. Exploring is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their communities. Local community organizations initiate an Explorer post by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, grow, and develop.

Goals

• Young adults involved in Exploring will
• Gain practical knowledge of and experience in a career
• Engage in a program of activities centered on career opportunities, life skills, service learning, character education, and leadership experience to encourage the development of the whole person
• Experience positive leadership from adult and youth leaders and be given opportunities to take on leadership roles
• Have a chance to learn and grow in a supportive, caring, and enjoyable environment
• Methods

The methods of Exploring have been carefully chosen to meet the needs of young adults.

• Voluntary association between youth and adults. Because Exploring is voluntary, youth are receptive to new ideas, experiences, and relationships. For the Explorer, these relationships provide a connection to new ways of thinking and acting as well as a new identity as a responsible young adult.
• Ethical decision making. Exploring asks young people to be responsible for themselves, for a program of activities and experiences, and for other people, thereby providing numerous opportunities for youth to make effective and ethical decisions. These opportunities are enhanced by the influence of capable adults and structured activities.
• Group activities. Exploring activities are interdependent group experiences. Success depends on the cooperation of all.
• Recognition of achievement. Recognition might come through formal awards, but it also is achieved through the acknowledgment by peers and adults of a young person’s competence and abilities.
• Democratic process. Explorer posts provide exposure to democratic ideals and skills that are needed throughout life.
• Curiosity, exploration, and adventure. Curiosity is encouraged and a sense of exploration and adventure is developed through new experiences that provide opportunities for youth to acquire new skills and participate in action-oriented activities.

How Is Exploring Different?

Exploring’s purpose is to provide experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Explorers are ready to discover the meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships and in their communities. When we survey 15- and 16-year-olds, a variety of interests emerge. Therefore, to serve young adults of Explorer age (14 through 20), Learning for Life designed a program that is:

• Coed. Research indicates that young adults of Explorer age want to be in coed clubs and organizations. The participating organization determines whether its post is coed, all male, or all female. Most posts are coed, and coed posts tend to have larger participation and more successful programs than those that are not.
• Designed around what the adults in the participating organization are able and willing to provide. During the process of organizing a post, these adults are surveyed to determine which career programs they can share with Explorers. Thus, the program of each post is unique.
• Is shared by adults and youth. The post Advisor and the elected post officers plan the program and work as a leadership team.
• Helps young adults
• —Gain practical experience with and knowledge about a career.
• —Engage in a program of activities centered on career opportunities, life skills, service learning, character education, and leadership experience to encourage the development of the whole person.
• —Experience positive leadership from adult and youth leaders and be given opportunities to take on leadership roles.
• —Have a chance to learn and grow in a supportive, caring, and enjoyable environment.
• Treats Explorers as young adults. Many can drive, own cars, have jobs, and make their own decisions—and those older than 18 can vote. Therefore, the program must be adult-like. Explorers will want to be involved in leadership, decision making, and planning. They expect adult guidance, but not dictatorship. They must be treated as young adults or they will not join. And we must recognize that they are busy. School, homework, jobs, social life, clubs, sports, music, and other attractions affect their participation in Exploring.

Exploring can serve the needs of young adults at a time in their lives when they may experience nagging doubts; feelings of isolation; and pressure from peers, parents, and school. They also are searching for identity, independence, and religious and moral values. Participation in the Explorer program gives young adults the group acceptance they require. It helps to meet this need in an adult-like setting where honor and achievement are the accepted standards. Exploring represents a way to bridge the generation gap and meet the needs and desires of today’s young adults. It shows that we are interested in their problems and their conflicts—and their unlimited opportunities.

Leader Resources

Post Specialties

Every Explorer post specializes in a specific career program area. More than 100 different specialties have been organized, ranging from accounting to zoology. Some specialty programs, such as the following, have grown to include a national committee, activities, and staff support.

Medical and Health Careers. The American Medical Association and other national health organizations support the establishment of posts in hospitals, clinics, medical centers, schools, and other health-care organizations. These posts render valuable community service and give members an insight into a variety of career opportunities.

Law Enforcement. This specialty is endorsed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriff’s Association and is helped by other national law enforcement organizations and industries. Posts can provide assistance in crime prevention and traffic control.

Aviation. The aviation specialty encompasses a range of programs, including maintenance, operations, construction, flight attendants, airport management, and aerospace. The Federal Aviation Administration supports this growth, along with aviation organizations, unions, and industries.

Law and Government. The American Bar Association and other organizations support the high interest of many youth in law or government participation through Exploring. Law Day activities, mock trials, and other law-related activities provide firsthand experience in America’s legal and court system.

Engineering. Many national engineering societies endorse this specialty area of Exploring. Its goal is to promote post programs that open and expand Explorers’ understanding of the many opportunities in engineering and technology.

Skilled Trades. The Skilled Trades specialty area includes posts that are organized around interests in auto repair, cosmetology, electrical, carpentry, and construction, to name a few.

Business. Through the Business specialty area, young adults become prepared for many types of careers, from accounting to financial planning. Many posts organize their program around knowledge of business planning and practices in addition to career preparation.

Communications. This specialty is endorsed by the Broadcast Education Association, International Association of Business Communicators, National Association of Broadcasters, National Press Photographers Association Inc., Public Relations Society of America, and Women in Communications. The Exploring program can serve as an effective outreach program that exposes high school students to careers in communications and public relations.

Arts and Humanities. This area involves young adults who are interested in careers such as drama/theater, commercial art, fashion design/modeling, interior design/decorating, jewelry/watchmaking, movie directing/ producing, fine art, writing, dance, music, and photography.

Science. Science Exploring is for young men and women who are interested in careers in the various fields of science.
Social Services. General types of Explorer posts within the social services could include careers as adult or child care attendant, drug/alcohol counselor, exercise attendant, funeral director, home economist, librarian, museum curator/historian, school counselor/ guidance counselor, social/welfare worker, teacher/teacher aide, volunteer worker with the disabled or elderly, or youth organization volunteer.

Fire and Emergency Services, for young men and women who are interested in careers in the field of fire and emergency services.

FAQ

      Q: How do I know when the post meetings will be held?

      A: Each post sets their own meetings. Some meet weekly, some every other week, and some have other schedules.