Exploring is a worksite-based program. It is part of Learning for Life's career education program for young men and women who are 14 (and have completed the eighth grade) through 20 years old.

Exploring's purpose is to provide experiences that help young people mature and to prepare them to become responsible and caring adults. Explorers are ready to investigate the meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships and communities.

Exploring is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their communities. Local community organizations initiate a specific Explorer post by matching their people and program resources to the interests of young people in the community. The result is a program of activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, grow, and develop.

Exploring programs are based on five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and leadership experience.

Career Opportunities

• Develop potential contacts that may broaden employment options
• Boost self-confidence and experience success at school and work

 Life Skills

• Develop physical and mental fitness
• Experience positive social interaction

 Citizenship

• Encourage the skill and desire to help others
• Gain a keen respect for the basic rights of others

 Character Education

• Help make ethical choices
• Fulfill one's responsibilities to society as a whole

 Leadership Experience

• Acquire leadership skills necessary to fulfill one's responsibilities in society
• Develop a variety of leadership traits

 Young adults involved in Exploring will

• Gain practical knowledge of and experience in a career
• Engage in a program of activities centered on career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character development, and leadership experience to encourage the development of the whole person
• Have opportunities to take on leadership roles
• Have a chance to learn and grow in a supportive, caring, and enjoyable environment

If you would like more information about how you can become an Explorer with the Dayton Fire Department,  contact Lt. Jeffrey Susong at DFD-Recruiting@DaytonOhio.Gov.

• Exhibit good personal hygiene
• Fire Department approved t-shirt
• Blue or black pants with belt
• Gym shoes or work boots
• No sagging pants
• No hats or head gear of any type except for accessories used to secure hair
• No jewelry
• Explorers are not permitted to deviate from this uniform.

• Arrive promptly and not be late
• Follow the orders of the supervisor to which they are assigned for the day
• Perform those duties assigned to them
• Adhere to Code of Conduct

• Use of tobacco products is prohibited
• Cell phone use during ride-a-along is prohibited (includes texting & photography)
• Use of Ipods/ MP3 players/Hand held game systems is prohibited
• Use of department radios or computers is prohibited
• Driving or operating any fire department vehicle or apparatus is prohibited
• Use of motorized power equipment (mower, trimmer etc) is prohibited
• Horseplay/Fighting is prohibited
• Insubordination is prohibited
• Explorers may not be substituted for trained personnel.
• Explorers must be equipped with personal protective equipment that is appropriate for the activity being done.
• Explorers who ride on apparatus or other department vehicles must be seated and must wear a seat belt.
• Explorers may not climb aerial ladders.
• Explorers may not climb ground ladders that exceed 35 feet in length, or not supported against a structure.
• Explorers may not enter or perform ventilation procedures on a burning structure.
• Explorers may not use any tools or gloves on energized electrical equipment.
• Explorers may not operate cutting torches
• Explorers may not operate hydraulic rescue tools or equipment.
• Exceptions: Using an official training facility, the use of aerial ladders with the appropriate safety equipment, and entering a controlled burn building is approved