Membership Information
Requirements
We welcome all boys and girls who are at least 14 years old and have finished the eighth grade. He or she can remain an Explorer until their 21st birthday.
At age 21, they can become one of the Post's adult advisors, passing on their knowledge and enthusiam to the younger members. Currently about half-a-dozen of our adult leadership has come up through the Post 9's ranks.
Meetings
We meet at 7:30 pm on the first and third Monday of the month between September and June. Because we spend the last week of July at the EAA Airventure in Oshkosh, we only meet the first Monday in July and the third Monday in August. The meetings are usually completed by 9:00 pm sharp.
Meetings are held in a room provided by our sponsor, Windy City Flyers, at 1098 S. Milwaukee, Suite 301.
Fees and Dues
High-school age members are expected to participate is all the Post activities and are considered "Active Explorers." They pay and annual registration fee of $15 which takes care of BSA enrollment and insurance. The monthly dues of $35 covers most Post activities including field trips and 3-4 flights per year. Some additional activities, such as soaring, have an additional fee to offset the cost.
"Senior Explorers" are those who have graduated high school, but are not yet 21. Since they are often away at college or working a full-time job, they are not expected to participate in all the Post activities. Instead, they are welcome to participate as frequently as they are able on a pay-as-you-go basis. Senior Explorers pay an annual fee of $35 and no monthly dues. However, they pay a fee for any field trip, flights, or other activities they participate in.
Uniforms
Although we're part of the Scouting organization, we don't go in for fancy uniforms with lots of patches and badges. Instead, we simply have a red shirt and baseball hap, each embroidered with the Post logo. They cost about $20 each. The Explorer is expected to wear this uniform to all meetings and activities.
Fund Raising
Like most youth organizations, we need more money to operate than we collect in dues, which means that we need to raise additional funds. But unlike most other groups, we DON'T sell any popcorn, cookies, candy, or anything else. Instead, we wash airplanes and have tons of fun while we do.
Once a year, on Columbus Day, we get together at the airport and wash some of Windy City Flyer's airplanes. In exchange, they provide us a credit that we use for our flights throughout the year. Since this event is a primary source of funds for the Post, all members are expected to participate.
Further Information
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Michael Haupt at mhaupt@aviationexplorer9.org or 847-297-2020.
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