They are the ten young adults of the U.S. Customs Service Detroit Law Enforcement Explorer Post 306 who were honored at the Boy Scouts of America Detroit Area Council Exploring Division Annual Awards dinner. Customs Explorer Post 306 has taken top honors this year, winning in the Outstanding Law Enforcement Program, Diamond Award Adult Volunteer, and Outstanding Explorer Award categories.

Customs Inspector Nyree Iverson received the Diamond Award for Adult Volunteer in recognition of her countless volunteer hours and support to the exploring program as post treasurer. Customs Law Enforcement Explorer Jamal King received the Outstanding Explorer Award for his faithful participation, enthusiasm, and testimony regarding the positive impact exploring has had on his life.

Under the auspices of the Learning for Life, Explorer Post 306 offers Detroit-area students, between the ages of 14 and 21, the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the Customs Service. During the year, Explorers develop skills in leadership, fitness, social interaction, community service, and self-confidence.

"This past year has been a magnificent one for us in that we accomplished so much in each individual skill area," says Tinesha Caldwell, Post 306 Head Advisor. "Our program gets the youth focused on something positive, builds new skills, and hopefully keeps them out of trouble. I feel our Explorer program is what tomorrow's leaders are doing today."

What is a Customs Law Enforcement Explorer Post and who can participate? U.S. Customs Law Enforcement Explorer Posts introduces young adults between the ages of 14-21 to the field of law enforcement while helping to develop strong character, good citizenship, personal fitness, and a respect for the law. Through this training, Customs hopes to identify potential law enforcement career candidates. The Exploring Program is part of the Learning-for-Life career education program through the Boy Scouts of America. Its purpose is to provide experiences to help young people mature and become responsible and caring adults. Explorers are ready to explore the meaning of interdependence in their personal relationships. Exploring is based on a unique and dynamic relationship between youth and the organizations in their communities, which results in a program of activities that assists young adults in their pursuit of excellence. Exploring programs are based upon five areas of emphasis: career opportunities, life skills, service learning, character education, and leadership experience. The Customs Law Enforcement Explorer program was founded in 1984. Presently, the Customs Service has established over 49 Explorer posts in 17 states around the country, but there's still room for many more posts to be started! How to start a Customs Law Enforcement Explorer Post The successful organization of a Law Enforcement Post relies on the joint cooperation of the local Customs office and the Learning-for-Life Exploring Executive. There are 10 steps to organizing a post: You volunteer to start an Explorer Post. Customs agrees to have an Explorer Post at your location. Key leadership of the local Customs office meet and individuals are identified as Advisors for the Post. Advisors are recruited by the Customs Service and trained by the Learning-for-Life Exploring Executive. Post's program capability inventory is conducted to identify what type of resources you have to run your Post. The program for the year is planned. The Learning-for-Life Exploring Executive gives you mailing labels of interested students. You then send out invitation letters to attend an informational meeting (called First Nighter). Remember that you can also recruit prospective Explorers at local high schools and colleges! After the first few meetings, Post Explorer Officers are elected, then trained. Learning-for-Life charters your Post. BSA has a charter presentation ceremony. To contact your Learning-for-Life Exploring Executive, visit the Learning-for-Life Web site for the Boy Scouts of America Office nearest you. For more information on Customs Law Enforcement Explorer Posts, visit the Customs Web site.