Merced Sheriff Explorer's

WHAT IS EXPLORING?

Exploring is Learning for Life's career education program for young men and women who are 14 (andhave completed the eighth grade) or 15 to 20 years old. Adults are selected by the participatingorganization for involvement in the program. Color, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicbackground, economic status, or citizenship is not criteria for participation.

Exploring's purpose is to provide experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them tobecome responsible and caring adults. Explores are ready to investigate the meaning ofinterdependence in their personal relationships and communities.

Exploring is based on a unique dynamic relationship between youth and the organization in theircommunities. Departments or agencies initiate an Explorer post by matching their people and programresources to the interests of young people in the community. The results is a program of activities thathelps youth pursue their special interests, grow, and develop.

Exploring will be one of the best opportunities you offer your department/agency, your employees, and the youth of your community.

Department /Agency Benefits 

• Impact on the education process of youth 
• Team- building attitude within the department /agency 
• Opportunity to interpret adult occupational roles for youth
• Preparing young adults for transition into the workforce
• Creating a "safe haven" for the healthy development of adolescents
• Developing future responsible and caring adults 
• Ensuring that young people see how your department/agency relates to the free-enterprise system.
• Helping young adults gain insight into the ethics and ideals of law enforcement 
• Visible commitment to the welfare of your community

Employee Benefits 

• Greater Job awareness 
• Developing leadership and problem-solving skills 
• Re-evaluating ethical and moral values 
• Opportunity for greater community involvement 
• Respect for youth and community 
• Identification as appropriate adult role models 
• Enhancing communication, planning, and program development skills 
• Greater commitment to service 
• Developing interpersonal skills used in the workplace and elsewhere   

Youth Benefits 

• Stimulated interest in continual education 
• Career information; insight into future vocation 
• Positive alternative to negative youth activities, such as drug abuse and involvement with gangs 
• Sense of acceptance and belonging to the "right" group 
• Safe environment for adult like activities 
• Opportunities to participate in practical, real, and meaningful hands-on experiences 
• New career and personal skills 
• Opportunities to try leadership roles and develop skills
•  Cooperative relationship between adults and youth 
• Service to others