WHAT IS EXPLORING?

Exploring is a worksite-based program. It is part of Learning for Life's career education program for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years old. 

Exploring's purpose is to provide experiences that 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 a specific 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.

Exploring programs are based on five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and leadership experience.

This page will aid you in finding an Explorer Post near your home. Posts have sponsoring organizations and meet at locations in local communities, and activities can vary from Post to Post.

Youth join the Exploring Program through the Exploring post of their choice.  Youth may join multiple posts and complete a youth application for each post, however a registration fee is paid once through the first post they join.

Upcoming Exploring activities include:

Law Enforcement

  • 2024 Duluth Law Enforcement Exploring Conference - Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College
  • 2024-25 Northern Star Law Enforcement Exploring Cluster Trainings - Various Locations
  • 2025 Law Enforcement Exploring Academy - HERO Center, Cottage Grove, MN
  • 2025 State Law Enforcement Exploring Conference - Rochester, MN

Aviation

  • Discovery Days – Various Locations near Flying Cloud Airport & Anoka County Airport
  • 2025 Aviation Exploring AirVenture - Oshkosh, WI

Fire/Rescue

  • 2024-25 MN-FEA Training events – Various Locations
  • 2024 Governor’s Fire Prevention Day - MN State Fair

Building Trades

  • Discovery Days – Various Locations

Medical

  • Discovery Days – Lakeview Hospital, Stillwater, MN

Medical Engineering

  • Discovery Days – Medtronic – Fridley, MN

Emergency Care/OEC

  • Camp Wapo – Amery, WI