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 part of the Learning for Lifecareer education program for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) or 15 through 20 years old.
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. Explorer posts can specialize in a variety of career skills. Exploring programs are based on five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, service learning, character education, and leadership experience.
Career Opportunities
Develop potential contacts that may broaden employment options
Boost self-confidence and experience success at school and work
Life Skills
Build physical and mental fitness
Experience positive social interaction
Service Learning
Encourage the skill and desire to help others
Gain a keen respect for the basic rights of others
Character Education
Help make ethical choices
Fulfill one's responsibility to society as a whole
Leadership Experience
Acquire leadership skills to fulfill one's responsibilities in society
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Goals of Exploring:
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 of Exploring:
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.
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 Law Enforcement Aviation Law and Government Engineering Skilled Trades Business Communications Others
In addition to the above, other popular Explorer post specialties include conservation, computers, firefighting, music, science, rescue, radio-TV, architecture, photography, and journalism
Ethics in Action:
An important goal of Exploring is to help young adults be responsible and caring people, both now and in the future. Exploring uses "character education activities" to help young adults develop the ability to make responsible choices that reflect their concern for what is at risk and for the people involved. Because a character education activity is a problem-solving situation, leaders expect young adults to use empathy, invention, and selection when they think through their position and work toward a solution.
Post Activities:
What an Explorer post does is limited only by the imagination and involvement of its leadersobuild a glider, make an electric car, produce a play, conduct a mock trial, or teach disabled people to swim. Posts across the country today are experiencing all these adventures and many more. All that is needed are concerned adults who are willing to share a little bit of themselves with today's youth-tomorrow's citizens.
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