Exploring in Mecklenburg County Council

11/13/2025

It's almost time for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department 51st Explorers Christmas Toy Drive!!

Since 1974, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the CMPD Police Explorers have partnered with the community to provide a Christmas for less fortunate families in Charlotte. When this project started, the Police Department helped 15 families by providing them with gifts for their children. Today, the project is much larger and provides gifts to thousands of children across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.

A program of this size is well beyond the reach of what the CMPD and the Explorer Post can do alone. It is only through the generous giving of others that we can meet the needs of our community.

General 2025 Toy Drive Schedule:
Drop-off Period: Mid-November 2025 – December 19, 2025
What to donate: New, unwrapped toys for ages 0-14
Where to donate:
Any CMPD Division Office
Any Charlotte Fire Station
E.R. Services in Mint Hill (11345 Allen Station Dr)

10/08/2025

Our Hendrick Automotive Group Explorers are getting an inside look at the car-buying journey at Hendrick BMW Northlake — from the excitement of choosing the right vehicle to understanding how financing works on both the business and personal sides.

Through hands-on learning and real-world insights from our BMW team, they’re gaining valuable knowledge about what goes into making smart automotive and financial decision decisions!

09/06/2025

This morning, Charlotte Fire welcomed 33 new explorers!!!

08/14/2025

We had an incredible night welcoming our new Explorers to the 2025 Medic Explorers program!

This amazing program accepts just 20 students each year, giving them hands-on exposure to the fast-paced and rewarding career of being an EMT or Paramedic.

Tonight, our Explorers toured an ambulance and the ambulance bay, took part in a PPE (personal protective equipment) competition, and even reviewed real 911 calls! 🚑📟

We’re excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to see all they accomplish!

08/05/2025

🚨🚔 SAVE THE DATE: CMPD EXPLORERS OPEN HOUSE! 🚔🚨
Are you (or someone you know) a teen who’s curious about a career in law enforcement? Want to learn what it’s really like behind the badge?

Join us for the 2025 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Explorers Open House on Wednesday, September 4th at 6 PM at the Police & Fire Training Academy (1770 Shopton Rd)!

RSVP Here: https://www.mccscouting.org/CMPDExplorers

👮‍♂️ Meet real officers
🚓 Check out patrol cars & gear
🔥 Tour the training facility
💥 Hands-on demos & activities
📣 Learn how to join CMPD Explorers — our premier youth program for teens 14–20 who want to lead, serve, and make a difference in Charlotte!

Whether you’re dreaming of a future in public safety or just want to explore something new, this FREE event is the perfect way to take the first step.

📆 Mark your calendar. Bring a friend. Your journey starts here.

08/04/2025

You're Invited to the Hendrick Automotive Group Explorers Open House!!
RSVP Here: https://www.mccscouting.org/Autos
Discover your future in the fast lane! Join us for an Open House on Wednesday, September 3rd from 3–6 PM at the Hendrick Independence Center (6030 E. Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28212) and learn about the exciting Hendrick Automotive Group Explorers Program — a hands-on career exploration experience designed just for high school students.
This dynamic program offers an inside look into all aspects of the automotive industry, including sales, service, collision repair, finance, and more. Meet industry professionals, explore real-world career paths, and get inspired to drive your future forward.
🗓 Program Dates: September 24 – November 12
🕓 Time: Every Wednesday, 4–6 PM
🍱 Perk: Boxed dinner included!
📍 Locations: Various Hendrick sites across the Greater Charlotte area
Come see what’s under the hood of your future career — we can’t wait to meet you!

07/23/2025

01/31/2025

We had a fantastic open house with our Little Interior Design Explorers!

Are you interested in joining us? Our next meeting is February 13th at 6pm at the Little Offices at 615 S College!

01/23/2025

Dear Future Interior Designer,

Are you a high school student with a passion for creativity and design? This is your chance to step into the exciting world of interior design and learn from the professionals at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting!

Join us for our Interior Design Explorers Open House and discover how you can:
• Learn the art of interior design.
• Create a standout portfolio piece.
• Collaborate with REAL interior designers at Little Diversified Architectural Consulting.

Open House Details:
📅 Date: Thursday, January 30th
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: 615 S College, Floor 14 (This is the Regions Bank Building)
📅 Regular Meetings: Every other Thursday.

Parking Information: Please note, Little Engineering does not validate parking.
• Light Rail: If you're using the light rail, you can easily access the building from the Brooklyn Village stop.
• Whole Foods Parking: A popular option is to park at Whole Foods located at 400 E Brooklyn Village. From there, head left on Brooklyn Village, then left on College. Whole Foods will validate parking with any purchase under two hours. Little Engineering does not validate parking.

There’s no fee to attend the Open House, but space in the program is limited to the first 20 paid participants. The registration fee can be completed here: 2025 Interior Design Explorers.

This is your moment to turn your passion for design into reality! Unleash your creativity, gain hands-on experience, and take the first exciting step toward an incredible career in interior design. As an Explorer, you’ll collaborate with a client to create a standout portfolio piece, while uncovering the educational pathways and insider knowledge that lead to success in the world of interior design!

We’d love to see you there! Let us know if you have any questions or need additional information.

12/19/2024

🎄🚨 It’s DELIVERY DAY! 🚨🎄

We’re so excited to be helping spread holiday cheer with the CMPD Explorers 50th Annual Christmas Toy Drive! While today's deliveries are underway, YOU can still be a part of the magic and support this incredible cause until the end of the year. 🎁✨

Donate toys, make a difference, and help bring joy to children in need this holiday season! 🎅🏼💙

Thursday, Dec. 19, is Delivery Day for the CMPD Employer’s Toy Drive.

12/05/2024

50th CMPD EXPLORERS CHRISTMAS PROJECT

Since 1974, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the CMPD Police Explorers have partnered with the community to provide a Christmas for less fortunate families in Charlotte. When this project started, the Police Department helped 15 families by providing them with gifts for their children. Today, the project is much larger and provides gifts to thousands of children across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.

We are asking our Charlotte Community to donate two or more toys this year. One will be given to a local child in need, and the other will be placed on the Heroes Toy Convoy. Local First Responders from across Mecklenburg County will deliver these toys to bring some joy to the children of First Responders and the community in Western North Carolina during these difficult times. It is important to remember the First Responders in Western North Carolina who have continued serving their community daily during this natural disaster. They answered the calls, and now we are asking you to step up to answer the call to “Be a Hero for the Holidays.”


The CMPD Police Officers and Charlotte Firefighters who respond to emergency crises during the holidays can refer the families. On Thursday, December 19th, First Responders from across Charlotte-Mecklenburg will deliver gifts to these families.

A program of this size is well beyond the reach of what the CMPD and the Explorer Post can do alone. It is only through the generous giving of others that we can meet the needs of our community.

For ways to help, please visit:

Sponsor a Toy Drive

Donate Toys Through Amazon

Donate Toys

If you would like to donate toys, you can drop them off at any Charlotte Fire Station, CMPD Division Office, or Christmas Project toy drive event.

CMPD Website (Christmas Project Tab)

https://www.charlottenc.gov/cmpd/Community-Involvement/Community-Programs

Queen City News Website

https://www.qcnews.com/cmpd-explorers-christmas-project-collecting-items-for-annual-toy-drive/