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What is
Exploring is a program that connects youth ages 14-20 with
community businesses and professionals through career Exploring posts.
Our posts contain hands-on activities that authentically show what it is to be a part of a specific career. Our goal is to assist youth in determining if a career is right (or wrong) for them.
Our program is based on five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and leadership experience.
Special Event!
Register now!
Fall 2024 Posts
Complete the registration materials & send to sarah.dean@scouting.org
Starts Nov 7
New!
Financial careers offer a diverse range of opportunities for those interested in the ever evolving world of financial services. Whether you're drawn to banking, investment, financial planning, accounting, or corporate finance, each path presents unique challenges and rewards. Professionals in finance play a crucial role in managing money, analyzing markets, advising clients, and ensuring the financial health of individuals, businesses, and governments. With strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and a keen eye for detail, you can thrive in this field. Financial careers are not only lucrative but also provide the chance to make a significant impact on the economic stability and growth of your community. Explore the possibilities and find your niche in the dynamic finance industry!
New!
Fire careers encompass a diverse range of roles dedicated to the prevention, management, and extinguishment of fires, as well as emergency response services. These careers include firefighters, fire inspectors, fire investigators, and forest fire prevention specialists, each playing a crucial part in safeguarding lives and property. Firefighters respond to emergency calls, perform rescues, and provide medical care, while fire inspectors ensure compliance with safety regulations to prevent fires. Fire investigators determine the causes of fires and work with law enforcement to identify potential arson. Additionally, roles such as fire marshals and emergency services managers involve strategic planning and community education to enhance public safety and preparedness. A career in fire services demands physical fitness, bravery, and a commitment to continuous training and public service.
Starts Nov 12
Health care careers span a wide spectrum of roles focused on maintaining and improving individual and public health. These careers include doctors, nurses, medical assistants, pharmacists, and therapists, each contributing their expertise to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses and injuries. Doctors and surgeons provide comprehensive medical care and perform life-saving procedures, while nurses offer critical support through patient care and education. Pharmacists ensure the safe distribution of medications, and therapists, including physical, occupational, and mental health professionals, aid in patient rehabilitation and emotional well-being. Additionally, health care administrators and public health professionals work behind the scenes to manage health care facilities and
develop policies that promote community health. A career in health care
demands empathy, dedication, continuous education, and a commitment to
improving the quality of life for others.
New!
Starts Nov 7
Law careers span a wide array of roles dedicated to upholding justice, interpreting laws, and advocating for clients' rights. These careers include attorneys, judges, paralegals, legal analysts, and law clerks, each contributing to the legal system's functionality and integrity. Attorneys represent clients in civil and criminal cases, providing legal advice and courtroom representation. Judges oversee legal proceedings, ensuring fairness and adherence to the law. Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers by conducting research, drafting documents, and managing case files. Legal analysts interpret complex laws and regulations, often advising corporations and government agencies. Additionally, roles like mediators and arbitrators help resolve disputes outside the courtroom. A career in law requires analytical skills, attention to detail, ethical integrity, and a commitment to justice.
Starts in Sept
applications accepted throughout fall
Law enforcement careers involve a variety of roles dedicated to maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, and protecting communities. These careers include police officers, detectives, federal agents, sheriffs, and crime scene investigators, each playing a crucial role in upholding justice and order. Police officers patrol neighborhoods, respond to emergencies, and investigate crimes, while detectives gather evidence and solve complex cases. Federal agents, such as those in the FBI or DEA, handle specialized investigations related to national security, drug enforcement, and other federal crimes. Sheriffs manage law enforcement activities at the county level, often overseeing jails and providing courtroom security. Crime scene investigators collect and analyze forensic evidence to support criminal investigations. A career in law enforcement requires physical fitness, strong ethical standards,
attention to detail, a commitment to serving and protecting the public,
and a readiness to face challenging situations.
Starts Nov 12
Manufacturing careers encompass a wide range of roles focused on producing goods and products through processes and technologies. These careers include production workers, machinists, quality control inspectors, assembly line operators, and manufacturing engineers, each contributing to the efficient and high-quality output of manufactured items. Production workers and assembly line operators handle the day-to-day tasks of creating and assembling products, often working with advanced machinery. Machinists craft precision tools and components, while quality control inspectors ensure that products meet specified standards and regulations. Manufacturing engineers design and optimize production processes, incorporating innovative technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability. A career in manufacturing demands technical skills, attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to continuous improvement
and safety in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Renewable energy careers encompass a variety of roles dedicated to the development, implementation, and maintenance of sustainable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. These careers include solar panel installers, wind turbine technicians, engineers, project managers, and environmental consultants, each contributing to the transition from fossil fuels to greener alternatives. Solar panel installers and wind turbine technicians focus on the hands-on aspects of setting up and maintaining energy systems. Engineers design and improve technologies for harnessing natural energy sources. Project managers oversee the planning and execution of projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. Environmental consultants assess the impact of energy projects on the environment and help companies comply with regulations. These careers play a crucial role in combating climate change and
promoting environmental stewardship.
Starts Oct 28
This post allows youth to try careers in both HVAC and vehicle repair.
HVAC careers involve the installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. These professionals, including HVAC technicians and engineers, ensure climate control systems operate efficiently and safely. These professionals work on tasks ranging from troubleshooting and repairing malfunctioning units to designing and installing complex HVAC systems.
Vehicle repair careers involve diagnosing, maintaining, and repairing various types of vehicles. These professionals, such as automotive technicians and mechanics, use specialized tools and knowledge to ensure vehicles operate safely and efficiently. A career in vehicle repair requires strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to staying updated with evolving automotive technologies and repair techniques.
Coming Winter 2024
Coming Spring 2025
Keep watching! More will be posted as they are finalized!
I'm a student who is interested in a post experience. How do I get more information?
Complete our
This lets us know which posts and careers you are interested in, so we can contact you when a post is starting!
What if there is not a post for the career I want?
You should complete our
This lets us know which posts to add next & we can contact you when one is available!
I'm ready to sign up for a post. How do I do it?
To apply for a Career Exploring Post
Use the application that matches your age. Email completed application to sarah.dean@scouting.org or print it and bring it to 1191 Scout Dr, Sartell
I'm a parent with questions about the post experience. Who can I talk to?
Please contact Sarah Dean, Exploring Program Coordinator
for more information
sarah.dean@scouting.org / 320.452.0016
I'm a business/organization interested in developing a post. How do I get started?
Please contact Sarah Dean, Exploring Program Coordinator
sarah.dean@scouting.org / 320.452.0016
I would like to donate to the Exploring program. Can I use the button in the header at the top of the page?
No. Donations made by clicking the button at the top of the page will go into the general scouting fund. To make donations that will go to the EXPLORING program, please contact
Sarah Dean, Exploring Program Coordinator
sarah.dean@scouting.org / 320.452.0016
What schools are currently partnering with the Exploring program?
***Even if your school is not listed here, you can still participate in our posts!***
Apollo
High School
Pierz Healy
High School
Albany Area
High School
ROCORI
High School
Big Lake
High School
Cathedral
High School
McKinley-ALC
High School
Sartell-St Stephen
High School
Sauk Rapids-Rice
High School
Tech
High School
I would like to help with the Exploring Program. Are there any volunteer opportunities?
Our Council Exploring Committee meets monthly to plan, cultivate, and grow the Exploring program. We are always looking for new members and fresh ideas!
Please follow us on Social Media
To experience our program Nationwide, please visit our National EXPLORING website
Thank you to our community youth programming partners!
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