"They really liked it," said Shanna Bessendorf, the local post's adviser. "It was intense when they were doing it, but they were all excited and did really well."

Down the road from the Provo Police Department, members of another Exploring post were clad in blue scrubs as they learned about the medical profession at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center.

They explored the radiology department, looking at X-rays of broken bones. They got a hands-on introduction to the labor and delivery area by touching a placenta and observing an ultrasound machine. They practiced putting casts on each other and learned how to stitch up a cut by sewing pigskin.

If young adults are thinking about a medical profession, the program helps them know whether they can handle certain situations, said Janet Frank, spokeswoman for the Provo hospital.

Chantelle Rowe, 28, was part of the Utah Valley Regional Exploring program as a teenager. Now, Rowe is going to nursing school at the University of Utah. The Exploring experience, she said, helped her plan her future.

"It's a really strong foundation and introduction to the possibilities available in the medical profession," Rowe said.

The interest level in the program has gone up steadily over the years, said Shirlee Silversmith, Learning for Life director in Utah. Silversmith is looking into opening up several more posts across the state, but she needs more organizations to volunteer as sponsors.

The program motivates youths to get better grades and helps them become better leaders, Silversmith said.

"The kids that are involved come out geared up and excited about a career, excited about giving back to the community and are more inclined to be a volunteer and help others," she said.

For more information about Exploring, visit www.learningforlife.org.

To get involved in Utah, contact Silversmith at ssilvers@lfl.org or 801-437-4477.

E-MAIL: slenz@desnews.com