The program of Exploring matches the interests of young adults with the resources and adult expertise of their participating organization. The following suggested ideas are specific elements that your Explorer post leaders might use when planning a well-balanced program around Exploring's five experience areas.
Programs that develop potential contacts that may broaden employment options. Activities that increase a youth's self-confidence and help him or her experience success at school and work are goals of Exploring.
Plan career programs for youth groups, schools, vocational groups, mental health centers, prisons, community service organizations and hospitals. Secure speakers on mental health, teachers and supervisors of education, city/state representatives for public services, and individuals on employment services. Discuss skills needed, how to begin, education and training. Earn the Career Achievement Award in Social Services.
Look into the work of several public services agencies. Is there overlapping of some services? How do the agencies relate to each other? Become knowledgeable about the ongoing reclassification of many of these careers, such as greater specialization, changes in entrance requirements, and the varying of educational needs.
Select one community service career, such as the social welfare assistance, and take an in-depth look at it. Follow the pattern suggested here for any of the services.
Delve into the fundamentals of child growth and development. Observe preschool and nursery school teachers as they deal with young children. Observe a child psychologist in action. Visit a playground to observe activities for toddlers and preschool children.
Visit a children's hospital or children's ward to observe how the pediatric nurse relates to her patients. Discuss the special health problems of preschool children with a physician specializing in pediatrics and other medical professionals.
Review with a manufacturer of child products, the way in which these products help the child develop physically, emotionally, and how they aid the learning process.
Discuss with a social worker or a public health nurse, the particular problems of young children related to broken homes, child abuse, drug abuse, alcoholism, malnutrition, inadequate housing, and other factors.
Visit a Head Start facility to learn how culturally deprived youngsters are stimulated toward learning readiness.
Programs that help youth develop leadership skills to fulfill their responsibilities in society. Advisors should encourage activities that provide exposure to different leadership styles.
Participate in Explorer Leadership training, Fast Start and Officers Workshop. Meet with members of a child advocacy organization to learn about child abuse cases, consumer products designed for children, and educational needs of preschool youngsters. Study the medical, dental, health, educational, and recreational services available to children in the community and undertake a program to inform parents of these services.
Visit a toy store or department store and review the consumer products available. Note how the products are specifically designed to provide for safety and note any discrepancies that might be observed. Call these to the attention of the appropriate consumer organization in the community. Inspect a playground, school, or other facility and review the safety features of playground equipment and craft supplies.
Programs that help youth develop physical and mental fitness. Explorer-aged youth needs activities that provide opportunities for them to experience positive social interaction.
Provide social work projects for community organizations. Assist with tutoring, coaching, disability therapy, schools and language skills. Read to or write for those who are unable to do so. Make recordings for the blind. Be a day camp counselor or a volunteer in a local hospital. Work with a community action group. Escort people to places where they need access social services, be a receptionist in a clinic. Participate in the Local Council Food Drive or conduct a Blood Drive etc.
Programs that encourage youth to develop the skill and desire to help others. Posts need to provide activities that provide opportunities for youth to gain and keep respect for the basic rights of others.
Plan a weekend campout for children with physical disabilities, a nature hike for underprivileged children, a trip to a local college for older youths, and assist with day camp activities for children with mental disabilities. Have a community arts and crafts show in a parking lot or park area.
Assist parks and recreation leaders in conducting outdoor games for young children. Learn about the physical development of young children and explore such facets as depth perception, coordination, dexterity, eye-hand coordination, and test these in simple but vigorous outdoor games. Assist in building simple, inexpensive playground equipment for a mini-park, people's park, or a volunteer childcare facility.
Schedule a weekend at the local councilšs COPE Course (rope course). Participate in the Life Choices interactive computer game on CD.
Programs that help youth develop skills necessary to making ethical choices. Strong programming will involve activities that provide opportunities for fulfilling one's responsibility to society.
Review television programs designed specifically for preschool youngsters. Observe how TV programs contribute to the child's learning and social adjustment. Do the same for television commercials directed toward young children. Monitor the amount of violence shown in children's programming. Know the importance of effective communications. Take a public speaking course.
Learn what it means to believe in the inherent dignity of the individual. Record the thoughts of post members and then talk to experts. Be aware of the difference between empathy and sympathy in a helping facility. Invite a specialist to brief you on race relations, social problems, child development psychology, and geriatrics.
Role-play someone in need of a helping service. Know the civil service examinations needed for certain social service positions. Participate in the Character Education Activities that is provided by LFL on CD.
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