Scouting America is known for a lot of things; service projects, camping, popcorn, badges, etc. Did you know Scouting America also offers career exploration for high school and college students? Explorer programs offer a way to introduce students to career paths and experience various roles and aspects of what it takes to do the job. Programs meet regularly offering students the opportunity to practice skills that will be important in the workplace; like time management, leadership, team building and more. 

Sangamon County is currently home to two Explorer programs: Sheriff Explorers and Fire Department Explorers. Both groups follow a set curriculum overseen by professionals working in the industry. They get to ride along with professionals and gain a first hand experience on what working in the industry is like. They practice critical skills and volunteer along side the department at community engagements. Students leave the program with a strong understanding of what working full time in that industry is like and, more importantly, a foundation in employment values like integrity, leadership, and determination, skills that transfer across professions. Check out the Sheriff Explorers or Fire Department Explorers Facebook pages to get a look at the types of activities students take part in. 

These two programs have been incredibly successful and impactful to student development. When I met Jeff Whitten, Scout Executive & CEO at the Abraham Lincoln Council branch of Scouting America, he shared that the demand for other explorer programs exists but they need additional community partners. Just about any industry can host an Explorers program; arts & humanities, communications, engineering, social services, etc. Jeff and his team can help facilitate getting a program up and running. You can find a general overview of what an employer's commitment looks like on Scouting America's website, but I also recommend you reach out to Jeff to learn more.