Exploring Information and Updates

There have been many Exploring workshops held throughout the Northeast Region this spring.  As a result questions have begun to arise.  I have included a few items that pertain to Exploring that will be of use to you and your staff as you make plans for the fall, this is an attempt to answer some of the frequent questions I receive here at the Regional office about Exploring:

 ·         To be completely honest, organizing Exploring Posts and recruiting Explorers is much more difficult if you do not have career interest surveys to draw data and invitations from.  There is now one type of survey available from the supply division; the old bubble form.  If you use this form to conduct your school surveys and do not have a resource to tabulate the data we, Learning for Life, will be happy to process them for you.  The only cost you will incur is shipping the forms to the Learning for Life office to the address below.  We will scan them and produce a CD in Access format for your local use.  The software you will need to read this disk is called Student Career Interest Survey Report Generator and can be found on MyBSA by following this path; Resources, Learning for Life, Marketing, Student Career Interest Survey, Software and then the Report generator link.  Please give us one week once received at Learning for Life for processing, once complete we will send you the CD using priority mail.

·         The International Association of Firefighters - Chiefs Association recently chose Exploring as there go to youth program over Junior Firefighters and Cadets.  This association supports the efforts of local volunteer fire companies across the USA.  One of the primary reasons they chose Exploring was due to the liability and accident insurance offerings through Learning for Life as chartered/registered members.  They will be releasing a memo regarding their support of Exploring in August 2009.  Take advantage of this opportunity.

·         The membership fee for Exploring is $10 (it will not increase when the traditional fee goes up to $15 in 2010).  There are youth and adult applications required to join Exploring as of January 1, 2009.  Please do not use the rosters anymore, they were discontinued for Exploring.

·         Consider using the Post 5 step organization process attached.  It will prove to be an effective tool for organization of new posts.

·         Explorer Basic Leader Training is available on line using the www.learningforlife.org website under “My Participation”, the LFL parallel to My Scouting.

·          Be sure to share the videos provided to your Council related to the various professions with your staff.  Also, be sure to take advantage of the free posters and pieces to promote Exploring available through BIN services.

Exploring is a great membership growth opportunity for your Council.  As the Northeast Region Exploring support mechanism any questions or assistance needed in your Council in the area of Exploring please contact us and we will be happy to assist your team.  

Learning for Life, 1325 West Walnut Hill Lane, PO Box 152225, Irving, TX 75015-2225

Phone: 972-580-2433 Debbie Williams or debbie.williams@scouting.org