Commitment 
The community relies on our explorers for lots of the city's events, and upon application and joining this program it is important that those interested be aware of the commitment we require of our explorers. The meetings held twice a month are required for all explorers, with the exception that you talk to your sergeant ahead of time or have an emergency. Once you join, you are expected to be present at all possible events, some are even required (including holidays) like Maple Valley Days and the 4th of July. In your application be honest about your availability and possible transportation issues to or from meetings/events.

Explorers visiting local neighborhoods on National Night Out.

Events

Most of our events involve providing security or assisting with traffic control within the community. We also are able to work with commissioned law enforcement for many important events, such as Shop with a Cop. During the holiday season a number of low income families are selected from within the community, each family is partnered with a explorer or law enforcement officer and child in the family gets $50 to spend on holiday gifts for themselves and/or family. On the first Tuesday of August every year is National Night Out. During this time neighborhoods come together to celebrate a Night Out Against Crime. We travel around to different neighborhoods so the citizens are able to meet the first responders and learn about the protection they provide. As well as doing hands on learning with a variety of equipment used in different branches within law enforcement.

Academies

Academies are held twice a year, typically at the military training center in Yakima. You will be randomly placed into a platoon with other explorers from across the state. For one week your platoon will work on teamwork and cooperation as well as build your understanding of law enforcement. Most of the academy time is spent in classrooms with guest speakers, covering a variety of topics related to different avenues in law enforcement. Outside of the classroom, you will participate in many teamwork building activities including intense physical trainings. You end your week with mock scenarios you must work your way through, target practice at the gun range, academy dance and graduation ceremony.

Explorers practicing physical exercise at summer academy.

Explorers at the closing ceremony at the 2016 Explorer National Competition in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Trainings/Competitions

We participate in a variety of trainings across the state, working as both actors and participants to help officers and other explorers practice the skills needed for their career.
There are many local and national explorer competitions that occur throughout the year. We send teams of 2 or 4 to these competitions where our explorers work together in a series of mock scenarios, using the knowledge they're taught in meetings and academies to work their way through the scene and solve the case as if they were a commissioned officer.