explorers

Who are the YMVFD Explorers?

History

In 1996 it appeared that our community needed more youth programs. It was also clear these programs needed to allow youth to grow in leadership, pride, community services and knowledge of possible career paths. It also appeared that local emergency services were in greater need of future members. It was also the opinion that any cadet programs were far too costly due to insurance issues. Over the years the youth of Mason Valley had expressed their interest in the emergency services, but their needs were not answered.

In May of 1997, after research, a proposal was made to the Mason Valley Fire Protection District Board. The proposed program combine the forces of the following groups; Mason Valley Fire Protection District, Yerington Fire Department, the City of Yerington, and the Learning for Life section of the Boy Scouts of America. The proposal included an agreement in which BSA would charter the program and post leadership training, program Ideas, literature, professional guidance for volunteer leaders and liability insurance protection. The Fire District, Volunteer Fire Department, and the City of Yerington would provide safe meeting locations and adult leadership. In addition, adhere to the principals and policies of Learning for Life. The Volunteer Fire Department would establish a post committee, post advisors, and support a quality program.

QuaIity unmatched

Over the years the Explorer Program has grown and given the youth in Yerington an excellent program to learn values of community service, hard work, education, and many other elements. The program composed of youth fourteen to eighteen years of age has attracted much attention. Over the past few years Emergency Service Agencies from Nevada and California have modeled the program. The program has had as many as twenty-four youth involved. This number has changes yearly. The Explorers have been viewed on local News stations and have been given yearly BSA quality program awards.

The rules of the game.

To stay Explorers youth must maintain a 2.5 GPA, maintain a high standard at activities, and maintain that standard in school. Youth also must be active in the program and provide a voice on direction.

What do they do?
Our Explorers learn Emergency Medical skills, and Fire Service skills. They plan the curriculum to fit their needs. Over the years they have leaned how to: apply for a job, extinguish fires, become better leaders, understand ICS, and save lives. Many Explorers have completed state Emergency Medical Technician Courses, Hazardous Material Response courses, Emergency Medical care courses, and obtained numerous certifications. They also learn there are numerous elements to our community from guest speakers, and exploring other job fields. Team work is another element of the program. Throughout the year many team building sessions are taken part in by the group.

The Explorers also help the community. Over time they have raised funds for many organizations like the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and the Arthritis Foundation. Educating other youth has been a target of the Explorers as well. From Fire Prevention activities at Yerlngton Schools to their "Stay Out, Stay Alive" float in the Lyon County parade educating on abandoned mine safety, the Explorers have impacted their community. The City of Yenngton even has benefitted from graffiti removal by the explorers. Another key to the program is the Explorers constantly reflect on and evaluate the program. Some of this is done by Learning for Life requirements. The main priority of the program is that the Explorers make all dedsions. They run the program.

Over the years our program has produced many outstanding youth. Past Explorers have gone into the Emergency Services as volunteers and career personnel. More Important, the program has provided youth with values to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetimes in achieving their full potential.