Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Michael Simkins on February 17, 2011 at 8:56am

Here's the link for the "Learning For Life" web site. Exploring used to be a direct branch of BSA, but in recent years it has been somewhat cut out as a distict program.
http://exploring.learningforlife.org/

Permalink Reply by E.J. on February 17, 2011 at 9:12am

Thanks. I found that link but was confused since I didn't see any BSA info. Guess it doesn't exactly fit very well with the Guide to Safe Scouting?!

Permalink Reply by Michael Simkins on February 17, 2011 at 9:30am

Under the "resources" tab, you'll find the "Safety First Guidelines". If you compare them to the "Guide to Safe Scouting" document, you'll find they are nearly identical, though edited so they are more applicable to the LFL program.

One of the first statements notes that programs must adhere to applicalbe rules, regulations, etc.. That usually covers quite a bit as far as who can participate and how.

Here's another link that provides some history of the organization and it's evolution:
http://www.seniorscoutinghistory.org/seniorscoutsite/overview.html

Permalink Reply by E.J. on February 17, 2011 at 9:34am

Thanks again

Permalink Reply by David Elson on February 17, 2011 at 6:05pm

Think the first thing to do is contact the local council. If nothing or minimal info contact National in Arlington, TX at 972-580-2233. Explorer posts are a great way for young men and women to experience various careers and get a "behind the scenes" look at what actually goes on including alot of the training. I had an Air Explorer post and several of the members went through the training to get their private pilots license. Good luck.

Permalink Reply by David Elson on February 18, 2011 at 7:20pm

If you're in the Florida area you might want to check this out. It's about an hour west of Orlando right off I-4.
Fantasy of Flight Announces Third Annual Boy Scout Aviation Camporee
Hundreds of Boy Scouts Will Gather To Share In Love Of Aviation, Earn Merit Badges
Scouts of all ages are making plans to gather at Central Florida's Fantasy of Flight for the attraction's Third Annual Boy Scout Aviation Camporee.


Eau Gallie, FL Troop 300

The March 18-20 event will allow troops to earn their aviation merit badges with the help of skilled aviation experts and interactive activities and experiences with some of the attraction's more than 40 rare and vintage aircraft. Fantasy of Flight has hosted more than 400 boy scouts in total during the two previous annual camporees, where troops have come on a mission to earn their merit badges and have enjoyed the added benefit of bonding over their fascination with aviation with their fellow boy scouts.

"The Fantasy of Flight Boy Scout Aviation Camporee is always a favorite with our troop," says Tom Rogers, assistant scoutmaster for Eau Gallie, Fla.-based Troop 300. "Our younger scouts have the opportunity to earn their Aviation Merit badges in one weekend, learning from knowledgeable and experienced staff, while our older Scouts continue to learn about the history of military aviation, the men involved and the craftsmanship of restoring various aircraft. It's a great campout that's different from the standard Scoutcraft agenda."



Scouts can practice their primitive camping skills while participating in a variety of educational and immersive aviation-themed activities. Not only will Camporee-goers tour Fantasy of Flight and visit real working aircraft maintenance and restoration areas, but they also will have the chance to talk with aviation mechanics, restoration specialists and pilots as they participate in a variety of special merit badge stations. This year, Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park will present a special hang-gliding demonstration as part of the weekend festivities.

As a former Boy Scout, Fantasy of Flight creator and founder Kermit Weeks is proud to provide a unique educational venue for scouts to immerse themselves in the captivating world of aviation. "Fantasy of Flight's hands-on, interactive learning experience will inspire and fascinate scouts of all ages," said Weeks, who began a successful construction of an aircraft at the young age of seventeen.

FMI: www.fantasyofflight.com