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Explorer Program



EXPLORER POST 109

The Menlo Park Fire District Explorer Post 109 is a program dedicated to educating young adults about a career in the fire service. The design of the explorer program allows the explorers to operate within post while being trained in firefighting skills by advisors employed by the fire department. 

Explorers gain hands-on knowledge of the fire service through organized training at bi-monthly meetings. The short-term goal of the training is to provide the explorers with a basic understanding of the skills necessary to operate safely at a fire scene. The long-term goal is to expose explorers to the different career paths available within the fire service. 

WHAT IS EXPLORING?

Exploring is a part of the Learning for Life organization, a section of the Boy Scouts of America. Fire Service Exploring is a worksite based program for young men and women who are between the ages of 14 and 21. In order to gain the maximum benefit from the program, being an Explorer takes a commitment from both the members and their parents. The training provides a valuable foundation, but like school, they will be tested in order to show proficiency. They must be able to attend all Explorer related events and have reliable transportation. They must be able to perform physical activities and be willing to work as a TEAM!!

PROGRAM OVERVIEW 

For young men and women who are interested in careers in the field of fire service, exploring offers experiential learning with lots of fun-filled, hands-on activities that promote the growth and development of adolescent youth. 

Fire Service Explorer post help youth gain insight into a variety of programs that offer experience, life skills, citizenship, and character educations. 

  • Programs that develop potential contact that may broaden employment options. Activities that boost a youth’s self-confidence and help him or her experience success at school and work
  • Programs that help youth develop leadership skills to fulfill their responsibilities in society. Actives that provide exposure to different leadership traits. 
  • Programs that help youth develop physical and mental fitness. Activities that provide opportunities for youth to experience positive social interactions. 
  • Programs that encourage youth to develop the skills and desire to help others. Activities that provide opportunities for youth to gain a keen respect for the basic rights of others 
  • Programs that help youth develop skills necessary for making ethical choices. Activities which provide opportunities for fulfilling one’s responsibility to society as a whole. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE

The Explorers participate in many functions for the benefit of the community and fire service. This is done in a number of ways: events they are invited to attend, service that they perform as a group and individual community service. 

A few of their volunteer events include: 

  • Burgess Park Easter Egg Hunt 
  • Menlo Fire 5K 
  • Menlo Park Connoisseurs Market 
  • Menlo Fire Pancake Breakfast
  • St. Anthony’s Toy Drive 
  • Sunset Festival 
  • Victims for US&R Training Events 

BASIC REQUIREMENTS 

Applicants must meet the following basic requirements: 

  • Be between the ages of 14 and 21
  • Fill out an application and have it signed by a parent or legal guardian 
  • Be in good physical condition (with exceptions) 
  • Be currently enrolled in school, and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA with no failing grades 
  • Applicants should not have a criminal record 



For more information please contact Eric Mijangos at explorer109@menlofire.org