BELFAST — The Belfast Police Department is holding an open house for it’s new explorer program Feb. 28, which will take place at Belfast Area High School at 6 p.m., according to a media release from Chief Robert Cormier. 

The event is being held in cooperation with RSU 71, with a goal of meeting with interested students and their parents to explain the benefits of the explorer post. Sergeant Rick Smith and other officers will be at the event to answer any questions. 

The Belfast Police Explorer Program will be modeled after other explorer programs, which take place nationwide. The explorer programs are part of a larger national program “Exploring for Learning,” which is offered by the Scouts of America.

The program, which is “designed to teach important life and career skills” is open for youths aged 16-20.

RSU #71 Superintendent Mary Alice McLean has reportedly offered a staff member to serve as a volunteer liaison between the program and Belfast Area High School. 

According to Exploring.org, “Exploring exists to teach important life and career skills to young people from all backgrounds through immersive career experiences and mentorship provided by community and business leaders like you. Together, we equip young people with character, leadership and life skills that can be used both today and in their future careers.

“Exploring is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their communities. Businesses and community organizations initiate a career-specific Exploring post or club by matching their people and organizational resources to the career interests of youth in the community. The result is a program of interactive activities that helps youth pursue their special interests, grow, and develop.

“We work with thousands of local, regional, and national businesses and organizations to deliver the Exploring programs representing hundreds of different career fields.”

Anyone with questions can contact Sergeant Smith, who can be reached at 207-338-5255, or by email at R.Smith@Belfastmepd.org.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com