Boy Scouts is expanding Exploring Club

Local youth will soon have the chance to learn about possible careers through the Boy Scouts’ Caddo Area Council Explorer Program.

“We are calling it the exploring explosion. We have nine exploring posts in the works right now,” said Caddo Area Council Learning for Life & Exploring Director Linda Willis.

Five years ago the Exploring Program was expanded to middle-school youth and called Exploring Clubs.

The council is also now part of a pilot program called Exploring Club Expansion for third-, fourth- and fifth-graders.

“We have been holding open houses and students and their parents can come in and learn about the program,” Willis said.

The national Boy Scout Office, under the direction of Texarkana’s own Fred Markham, chairman of the National Executive Board, has initiated Exploring Explosion 2017. Through the Texas Pioneer Foundation, Markham offered $1,000 to 75 councils around the country to host Exploring Impact Luncheons. The Caddo Area Council held their lunch in April, Willis said. It was host-

ed by Texarkana, Texas, Police Department.

Different posts include amateur radio club communications, aviation, leadership and nonprofit management, education and law enforcement.

“We have several different police departments involved in law enforcement. It’s our most popular program,” Willis said.

The posts are designed to be hands on. “You don’t just sit in class,” Willis said.

Exploring posts are open to boys and girls ages 14 to 20. Exploring Clubs are open to boys and girls ages 10 to 14.

For more information, contact Willis at 903-793-2179.