Fire Service Exploring

Learn more about Fire Service Exploring

2010 National Fire Exploring Conference

Fire Service Exploring is a worksite-based program for young men and women who have completed the eighth grade and are 14 years of age, or 15 years of age but have not yet reached their 21st birthday.

Fire Service Explorer posts help youth gain insight into a variety of programs that offer hands-on career activities. 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.

Suggested Program Ideas for Fire and Emergency Service Explorer posts
Benefits Unique to Fire and Emergency Services Exploring
Career Achievement Award for Fire and Emergency Service Explorers
Exploring Adult Leader Guide [PDF]
Exploring Youth Leader Guide [PDF]

Policy Statements

There are some issues specific to Fire Service Explorer programs that must be considered when operating a post. These issues are fairly unique when compared with other types of Explorer posts:

Safety Issues for Fire Service Explorers
Policy Statement on Bloodborne Pathogens
Insurance Information for Learning for Life Volunteers
Safety First Learning for Life Guidelines

Program Resources for Fire Service Explorers

National Junior Firefighter Program Grant Application [PF]: Ten $5,000 grants will be awarded to departments nationwide whose junior firefighter or Explorer Post programs demonstrate exceptional innovation, creativity, and community impact.

Scholarships

Fire/Emergency Services Exploring Proficiency Awards: The Fire/Emergency Services Exploring Proficiency Awards program provides an opportunity for posts and their Explorers to earn a series of recognition items that acknowledge their Fire & Emergency Services Exploring experience.
IAFCF Scholarship (Fire Service, $500): The International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation coordinates a yearly $500 scholarship program to assist Explorers in pursuing a career in the fire sciences.

Advance Your Career With Help From the IAFC Foundation (Fire Service, $500 to $5,000): Any first responder who is an active member with a minimum of 3 years Volunteer or 2 years Paid or a combination of paid and volunteer of 3 years with a state, county, provincial, municipal, community, industrial, or federal fire department and who has demonstrated proficiency is eligible to apply for a scholarship to a recognized institution of higher education. Fire Explorers are also eligible. Click here for application.

For More Information

For more information about Exploring programs, contact the Learning for Life office in your area: