Exploring is a worksite-based program of Learning for Life, a subsidiary of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), for young men and women who are 14 through 21 years old. Exploring units, called “posts”, usually have a focus on a single career field, such as police, fire/rescue, health, law, aviation, engineering, or the like, and may be sponsored by a government or business entity. There are approximately 50 Fire Explorer Posts in California.
When someone becomes a Fire Explorer (also known as a Cadet), they have the opportunity to take part in a process that very closely mirrors that of a career Firefighter, from the application and testing, through all the training, and finally – running emergency calls. Many Explorer posts will have their candidates take part in many other activities as well by helping out with department functions or training.
To become a Fire Explorer you’ll need to contact the program nearest you to find out when they are testing – it is not typical for a department to have an open recruiting process. If you choose to physically visit a station for information, make sure to be dressed in slacks, a tucked in collared shirt and nice shoes. You should have a clean shave, and either minimal or no jewelry on. Bring a notepad and pen or pencil, and if you interact with the on-duty crew, be prepared to ask a few questions about the department. Remember, you are basically applying for the job the minute you walk up to the front door, and will be evaluated accordingly.
Uniforms$3OO.OO
Materials$1OO.OO
Annual Explorer Academy$225.OO
Miscellaneous (local dues, etc)$6O.OO
