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Exploring |
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Exploring is Learning for Life's career
education program for young men and women who are 14 (and have
completed the eighth grade) or 15 through 20 years old. Adults
are selected by the participating organization for involvement
in the program. Color, race, religion, gender, sexual
orientation, ethnic background, economic status, and citizenship
are not criteria for participation.
Exploring's purpose is to provide
experiences to help young people mature and to prepare them to
become responsible and caring adults. Explorers are ready to
investigate the meaning of interdependence in their personal
relationships and communities.
Exploring is based on a unique and
dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in
their communities. Local community organizations initiate an
Explorer post by matching their people and program resources to
the interests of young people in the community. The result is a
program of activities that helps youth pursue their special
interests, grow, and develop.
Explorer posts can specialize in a
variety of career skills. Exploring programs are based on five
areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills,
citizenship, character education, and leadership experience.
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- Career
Opportunities
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- Develop potential contacts that may
broaden employment options
- Boost self-confidence and
experience success at school and work
- Life
Skills
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- Build physical and mental fitness
- Experience positive social
interaction
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Citizenship
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- Encourage the skill and desire to
help others
- Gain a keen respect for the basic
rights of others
- Character
Education
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- Help make ethical choices
- Fulfill one's responsibility to
society as a whole
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Leadership Experience
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- Acquire leadership skills to
fulfill one's responsibilities in society
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Goals
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Young adults involved in Exploring will
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Gain practical knowledge of and
experience in a career
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Engage in a program of activities
centered on career opportunities, life skills, service
learning, character education, and leadership experience to
encourage the development of the whole person
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Experience positive leadership from
adult and youth leaders and be given opportunities to take
on leadership roles
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Have a chance to learn and grow in a
supportive, caring, and enjoyable environment
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Methods
The methods of Exploring have been
carefully chosen to meet the needs of young adults.
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Voluntary association between
youth and adults. Because Exploring is voluntary, youth
are receptive to new ideas, experiences, and relationships.
For the Explorer, these relationships provide a connection
to new ways of thinking and acting as well as a new identity
as a responsible young adult.
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Ethical decision making.
Exploring asks young people to be responsible for themselves,
for a program of activities and experiences, and for other
people, thereby providing numerous opportunities for youth
to make effective and ethical decisions. These opportunities
are enhanced by the influence of capable adults and
structured activities.
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Group activities. Exploring
activities are interdependent group experiences. Success
depends on the cooperation of all.
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Recognition of achievement.
Recognition might come through formal awards, but it also is
achieved through the acknowledgment by peers and adults of a
young person's competence and abilities.
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Democratic process. Explorer
posts provide exposure to democratic ideals and skills that
are needed throughout life.
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Curiosity, exploration, and
adventure. Curiosity is encouraged and a sense of
exploration and adventure is developed through new
experiences that provide opportunities for youth to acquire
new skills and participate in action-oriented activities.
Character Education
An important goal of
Exploring is to help young adults be responsible and caring
people, both now and in the future. Exploring uses "character
education activities" to help young adults develop the ability
to make responsible choices that reflect their concern for what
is at risk and for the people involved. Because a character
education activity is a problem-solving situation, leaders
expect young adults to use empathy, invention, and selection
when they think through their position and work toward a
solution.
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