# Visit an Exploration Organization

Part of the Exploration Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/exploration/guide/index.md)

*5. Places That Support Discovery*

> **5a.** With your parent or guardian's permission and counselor's approval, visit either in person or via the internet an exploration sponsoring organization (such as The Explorers Club, National Geographic Society, Smithsonian Institution, American Alpine Club, World Wildlife Fund, or similar organization). Find out what type(s) of exploration the organization supports.

This requirement is about the support system behind exploration. Expeditions and research projects rarely happen because one person decides to go. They happen because organizations provide funding, training, equipment, experts, publications, networks, and public attention.

## What to Look For

When you visit an organization website or location, do not just skim the homepage. Try to answer these questions:

- What kinds of exploration does the organization support?
- Does it fund field expeditions, lab work, education, conservation, or public outreach?
- Who benefits from its work: scientists, students, explorers, the public, or wildlife?
- How does it share discoveries with other people?

## Official Resources

[The Explorers Club (website)](https://www.explorers.org/): Shows how a long-running organization supports expeditions, honors explorers, and connects people doing discovery work around the world.

[National Geographic Society (website)](https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/): Explains how grants, storytelling, science, and education work together to support exploration and conservation.

[Smithsonian Institution (website)](https://www.si.edu/): Highlights museums, research centers, and collections that support exploration across history, science, culture, and nature.

[World Wildlife Federation (website)](https://www.worldwildlife.org/): Shows how conservation organizations support fieldwork, habitat protection, and science-based understanding of ecosystems.

## Ways Organizations Support Exploration

Different groups help in different ways:

- **Funding**: grants and fellowships help teams travel, buy equipment, and analyze results.
- **Training**: workshops, publications, and networks help explorers learn methods and safety practices.
- **Public communication**: articles, exhibits, films, and talks turn discoveries into shared knowledge.
- **Conservation and policy**: some organizations use discoveries to protect places and species.

**Good Notes to Take During Your Visit** — These details will help your counselor discussion

- [ ] **Name of the organization**
- [ ] **Main mission**
- [ ] **Types of exploration supported**
- [ ] **One project or expedition that stood out to you**
- [ ] **How the organization helps explorers succeed**
- [ ] **Why this organization matters**

> **Tip**
>
> If the organization supports many different projects, choose one example to explain in detail. A single clear example is better than a long list of programs with no explanation.

## Share What You Learned

When you report back, try this format:

1. name the organization
2. explain its mission
3. describe the kinds of exploration it supports
4. give one memorable example
5. explain why that support matters

That structure will help your counselor see that you understand not only what the organization does, but why exploration often depends on institutions working behind the scenes.

If you want a closer look at the day-to-day place where research happens, the next page shows how to approach a lab or observatory visit.

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- Previous: [Choose a Place to Learn](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/exploration/guide/req5/index.md)
- Next: [Visit a Research Facility](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/exploration/guide/req5b/index.md)