The young adult division of the Boy Scouts of America

 

 

 

WHAT IS AVIATION EXPLORING?

It is an exciting aviation-based program for young men and women ages 14 through 20. Exploring is a division of the Boy Scouts of America that has as its purpose character building, leadership training, and fitness. It is built around aviation interest whether for a career or lifelong hobby.

Each year thousands of young people join either existing or newly-started Aviation Explorer posts belonging to flying clubs, FAA installations, EAA chapters, FBOs, airlines, CAP squadrons, or other organizations interested in having a positive affect on our youth.

 

WHAT DO AVIATION POSTS DO?

The program of an Aviation post is based on matching the interests of the youth members with the skills, equipment, and resources of the chartered organization. Most posts meet twice a month plus have an outside activity such as going on orientation flights, taking a trip to an airport, or building an airplane. Post meetings are informational, often hands on, and always FUN. Planning and preparation are done outside the post's regular meetings so that the meetings can be all program.

 

HOW DOES AN AVIATION POST WORK?

Leadership is an important aspect of Exploring. Research has shown that young people want a program that they can plan and run themselves while being advised by adults they respect. That 's exactly how Exploring works. Explorers themselves plan and run all meetings and activities, while adults act as advisors and resources. It is a workable and enjoyable relationship. When you ask an advisor what he or she enjoys most about Aviation Exploring, a typical response is, "I really enjoy working with the Explorers. They are so capable and fun to work with."

 

WHAT KIND OF SUPPORT CAN YOU EXPECT?

In addition to supplying the Aviation Exploring program, the Boy Scouts of America, through local councils, provides assistance in starting your new post, training volunteers, providing resource materials, providing an annual list of students who have indicated an interest in aviation on a school survey, and conducting council, state, and national Exploring activities. Additionally, liability insurance is provided for Explorers, leaders, and chartered organizations. Each local council has a staff of professionals and volunteers to assist in the organization and continued support of Aviation Explorer posts.

 

IS AVIATION EXPLORING FOR YOU?

The true impact of Aviation Exploring is probably immeasurable. In addition to impacting each young person personally through the influence of the Exploring program and the relationship with caring adults, Aviation Exploring can have a positive impact on the aviation industry as well. In an industry that has seen the average age of student pilots rise and the number of active pilots decline, a program that seeks out young people with an interest in aviation and teams them with caring adults will make a difference!

 

STEPS TO ORGANIZING AN AVIATION POST

  1. Make a commitment to organize a post. It's as simple as that. Set a target date for your organization process and appoint an organizing group.
  2. Have a planning meeting. A representative of the BSA will meet you to brief your organizing group, discuss details for your organizational night we call a "firstnighter," and discuss program ideas to get you started.
  3. Send letters of invitation. You will send an invitation to prospective post members from a list of interested students who respond to an annual career interest survey conducted in their high school.
  4. Conduct telephone followup.
  5. Hold the firstnighter.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AVIATION EXPLORING, PLEASE CONTACT:

 
Bill Evans
Associate Director of Exploring
Boy Scouts of America
P.O. Box 152079
Irving, TX 75015-2079
(214)580-2427
(214)580-7894 fax
 

 

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