The program of Explorer posts matches the interests of young adults with the resources and adult expertise of their participating organization. Your Explorer post leaders might use the following ideas when planning a well-balanced program around Exploring's five areas of program emphasis: career opportunities, leadership experience, life skills, citizenship, and character education.
1. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Programs that develop potential contacts that may broaden employment options. Activities that boost a youth's self-confidence and help him or her experience success at school and work.
SUGGESTED TOPICS: Investigate the total scope of aviation careers in industry, agriculture, military, government, research, and recreation. Visit a fixed base operator to see services provided, an airport terminal to see the many careers in action, an air ambulance operator, or a crop duster.
2. LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: Programs that help youth develop leadership skills to fulfill their responsibilities in society. Activities that provide exposure to different leadership traits.
SUGGESTED TOPICS: Put on a ground school. Review licensing procedures for various pilot ratings and individual aircraft. Learn and practice radio communications. Investigate the significance of aviation use in industry, agriculture, military, government, research, and recreation. Study the historical development of aviation. Visit an FAA center. Have a panel discussion on issues in aviation. Tour an air traffic control tower. Participate in the national aviation Explorer leadership conference.
3. LIFE SKILLS: Programs that help youth develop physical and mental fitness. Activities that provide opportunities for youth to experience positive social interaction.
SUGGESTED TOPICS: Visit a flight surgeon to find out about fitness requirements for various aviation careers. Develop a post physical fitness program. Visit an FAA center to see aviation research, both physiological and psychological. Plan programs on first aid and safety. Conduct programs on drug abuse and proper nutrition.
4. CITIZENSHIP: Programs that encourage youth to develop the skill and desire to help others. Activities that provide opportunities for youth to gain a keen respect for the basic rights of others.
SUGGESTED TOPICS: Park airplanes or automobiles at a local air show or provide some other needed service. Visit schools to provide a program on aviation and aviation careers. Assist one of your local aviation organizations in their project.
5. CHARACTER EDUCATION: Programs that help youth develop skills necessary for making ethical choices. Activities which provide opportunities for fulfilling one's responsibility to society as a whole.
SUGGESTED TOPICS: Visit an air show or aviation industry-related trade show. Have a family picnic and do aviation-related competitions or have a model rocket launching event. Have an annual post awards banquet. Conduct seminars on developing communication skills. Assist with projects to help retirees, dependents, the elderly, or disadvantaged people.
Download a post planning guide [Microsoft Word] from Aviation Post 107 in Bedminster, NJ.
Copyright © 2005 · Learning for Life