The Taylorville Kiwanis Club heard from the new Taylorville Police Explorers chapter, during the weekly meeting at the Taylorville Moose Lodge on Tuesday.

Taylorville Police Officer Jody Grove, along with Officer Nickolas Todd and Dispatcher Kayleigh Boston, shared with Kiwanis members about the new Taylorville Police Explorers chapter, which is the law enforcement equivalent of Scouts, that teaches life skills to youth age 14 to 21.  5 members of the newly-formed chapter also shared why they’re a member of the new Explorers chapter, which is the only chapter in Central Illinois.

The 3 T-P-D representatives said the new Explorers chapter teaches law enforcement tactics to youth, allowing the youth to be mentored and shadow officers and support staff in real life experiences.  

Officer Grove told Kiwanis members the chapter helps youth learn career opportunities.

Dispatcher Boston said this group of youth are very motivated to serve.

The new Taylorville Explorers chapter also does a lot of commnity service events in the city, and serves youth from all socio-economic backgrounds.  They rely strictly on donations to keep their chapter going, with monies going to buying uniforms and scenario equipment.  

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.  Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Moose Lodge.  For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.