Again, good call, Jim. Its possible there was an Explorer Post or two
in attendance, but if so, their presence wasn't obvious.

Are you talking as, "Its possible there was an Explorer Post or two
in attendance," in refering to at OSH Airventure?



They are not obvious. It is not only "possible" that there were a couple
posts there, but there *WERE* a dozen or so posts there, *positively.*

Learning for Life programs, which Explorers are one of, wear no uniforms,
memorize no oaths or promises. The only way you could tell that they were
there is by asking anyone wearing an orange or green vest in the homebuilt
area if they are part of the Explorer group. There have been over 100 boys
and girls there for the last 7 years that I know of, and for more years than
that, as recorded- but not seen by me.

What *was*
obvious was a group of youth in bright red t-shirts and BDU pants;
when my son and his buddy saw them, they both said, "Wow, look at
those Commando Scouts!".

Needless to say, I was a bit perturbed to think that a group of Scouts
would show up in military clothing, but it turned out the group was
actually the Civil Air Patrol and they were providing crowd control
assistance on the flight line.

I think at one time years ago, there was a division of Explorers
called "Air Scouts". I don't know what became of them, but I think
aviation posts are all that remain, at least here in the US. I
understand the UK still has Air Scouts.

Aviation Explorers can be a pivotal way to increase our youth's
interest in aviation. In our post, we have had several youth take
aviation as a career path, when that was not the likely way they
were headed.

How would you compare your aviation post to Civil Air Patrol? I was
in CAP for a very short time in middle school, but dropped out to play
football. I regret that decision, because I dropped out of Scouts,
also.


I know nothing of Civil Air Patrol youth, so am unqualified to speak to
that.

We have gone to at least two air shows per year (not counting the
big one (OSH)) gone skiing, rafting, to scuba certifying classes,
directed parking and aircraft at our area air show, helped with
our local EAA fly-ins, and the list goes on.

The event that started this thread was actually an EAA Fly-In; for the
last three years, the organizers have invited Boy Scouts to come out
and complete their aviation MB. My son and I both expressed our
gratitude that these men & women took time to give back to kids by
hosting the event, and giving the kids free rides (the two gear-up
landings, notwithstanding).

Yes, it is a great thing, to fly the boys, which we try to get done at least
once a year. It is done with the EAA program (which I can't remember the
name, right now. Young Eagles; is that it?)

I appreciate your efforts to stimulate interest in avaiation careers
in the youth in your area via your Explorer Post. I wish more adults
with your passion could find a way to give back to youth.

Thanks. I am no longer active, but was for about 7 or more years.

The Aviation Explorers have a base on the airport grounds, down
next to the North airplane camping area, next to the Civil Air
Patrol base camp.

Do you find any crossover between your Aviation Post and the local
CAP?

None that I am aware of.

I can't emphasize how good of an experience Aviation Explorers
can be for you, and for our youth. For those people who really
want to make a difference in keeping G.A. alive, and even growing,
IMHO, there is NO better way to make it happen.

Seriously, think of getting some buddies together and start a
post. It is not hard, and very rewarding. I can point you to a
person who is far more qualified than me, to give you the
specifics of how to make this all happen.

Your local Boy Scout Council can also help, but I think new posts are
a low priority for them, because the youth in a post are not
considered "traditional" members, and so don't help the local DE meet
his annual membership quota.

Correct. The connection to Boy Scouts is very distant, and not a factor in
recruiting members.

Read some of the links that I and another provided back a few posts, if you
want to understand the organizational connections better.
--
Jim in NC