Post Program Ideas for Science Exploring

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 AVTIVITIES AND IDEAS:

Programs and activities that feature a better understanding and appreciation of America's economic, business, and governmental systems through insight and practical experiences in careers.
Review the variety of careers in public and private agencies.
Plan programs on careers in commodity market meteorology, aviation, air pollution control, law forensics, meteorology, science journalism, agriculture, maritime weather, biometeorological effects, research and teaching, atmospheric science, geology, mining, land use, production, mineralogy, energy, petroleum, conservation, solid waste disposal, environmental science, recreation recycling and research; science health and safety, information systems, marketing and sales, science law, history, technology, small business and government; commercial fishing, navigation, Navy, Coast Guard, marine geology, and aquaculture; game and fish management.
Discuss the education, skills, and training needed for these careers.

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 ACTIVITIES AND SOURCES OF INFORMATION:

Study the effects of science on the community, state, and nation. Study the history and development of weather forecasting, geology, conservation, chemistry, oceanography, wildlife management, and zoological parks and aquariums. Plan a program on the purposes and programs of the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service (NWS).
U.S. Geological Survey, Department of Energy, American Petroleum Institute, and local school earth science courses where feasible.
Local beautification and environmental organizations.
The Department of Energy.
American Chemical Society and the Chemical Manufacturers Association.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
National Wildlife Federation, Fish and Wildlife Service, The Wildlife Society, International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and Wildlife Management Institute.
The American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums.

3. LIFE SKILLS: Programs that help youth develop physical and mental fitness. Activities that provide opportunities for youth to experience positive social interaction.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES:

Develop physical and mental fitness programs.
Experience positive and social interaction through service projects for school, community, or charitable organizations.

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 ACTIVITIES:

Plan service projects for charities, churches, youth groups, and community organizations. Assist with projects and programs of the National Weather Service (NWS); develop and carry out conservation and energy-saving projects.
Work with the U.S. Geological Survey, Department of Energy, American Petroleum Institute, and local school earth science courses where feasible.
Work with Keep America Beautiful, Inc., including the Clean Community System and other public education efforts; develop and implement local projects relating to beautifying, recycling, and reusing materials; participate in the nationwide Keep America Beautiful Week observation each April; seek national recognition through the Keep America Beautiful awards program; conduct workshops to instruct community residents in simple, low-cost ways to conserve energy.
Assist with tutoring, language skills, school programs, and public service projects related to business and chemical careers; organize chemistry competitions such as chem-a-thons, calculator contests, or science fairs; plan tournaments in public speaking, writing, communication, or laboratory skills; assist with American Chemical Society local section projects and work with local section chemists where feasible; promote the positive aspects of the chemical industry
Work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Wildlife Federation, Fish and Wildlife Service, The Wildlife Society, International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and the Wildlife Management Institute; develop programs related to public relations, fund-raising, and conservation projects undertaken by zoological parks and aquariums.

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 ACTIVITIES:

Help make ethical choices in your home, Explorer post, and school.
Serve as a mentor or role model for someone younger than you.
Offer to assist a special-needs Learning for Life group.
Help as a staff member for your council's outdoor program for Learning for Life, if they have one.