Discover Your Future: What is Exploring?

Sep 28

2 min read

By Kristina Ganaway

Do you ever wish that you could test-drive a real career before spending years in school or guessing what you might like? That is exactly what Exploring is all about.

Exploring is a hands-on, career-discovery program for young men and women ages 10 to 20 (with Explorer Posts focusing on high school and young adult youth ages 14 to 20, or 13 and completed the 8th grade). Part of Scouting America, Exploring partners directly with local businesses, civic agencies, and community organizations to take learning far beyond the four walls of a classroom.

Instead of just reading about an industry in a textbook, Explorers get behind-the-scenes access to real working environments. Participants learn directly from active professionals, develop tangible leadership and technical skills, build professional networks, and get immersive, resume-worthy experience—all while discovering whether a field is the right fit for their future.

Exploring in Action: Law Enforcement Post 384

For youth curious about criminal justice, public safety, and law enforcement careers, Explorer Post 384 offers an authentic, front-row seat to the profession.

Chartered with the Lea County Sheriff’s Office, Post 384 trains youth using the foundational standards and discipline taught to academy recruits:

Cadet-Level Physical Conditioning: Weekly meetings begin with a rigorous hour of physical training (PT), building the endurance, stamina, strength, and mindset expected of real law enforcement officers.

Scenario-Based Tactical Training: Following PT, Explorers transition into hands-on tactical scenarios and direct instruction from active deputies. Training covers everyday traffic stops, high-risk felony stop dynamics, tactical suspect detainment, and decision-making under intense conditions, including specialized sensory deprivation exercises.

The Heartland Capital Challenge in Topeka: Post 384 takes their skills beyond local borders each year, traveling to Topeka, Kansas, to compete in the prestigious Capital Challenge. Representing Lea County, the post goes head-to-head against elite law enforcement Explorer posts from across the nation in judged tactical, legal, and crisis-response simulations.

Whether a student's ultimate goal is to become a deputy, police officer, federal agent, or simply build unwavering leadership and confidence under pressure, Post 384 offers an unmatched launchpad.