We’re pleased you’re considering our camp as your child’s summer destination.

Our overarching goal at Boston Explorers is to help kids be in the world. We do this everyday through engaging hands on activities, exciting explorations and by providing opportunities for children to be autonomous, develop mastery and develop meaningful social relationships with adults and their peers.

So much of a child’s free time is managed and directed by in-school and extracurricular activities. At Boston Explorers, children make their own choices and have time to play and use their imaginations. If a child has an abiding interest s/he will have the opportunity to pursue that interest multiple times a day and over the course of the two weeks that they are with us.

The day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 5:00 p.m. We start and end the day at our Base Camp.

We explore Boston everyday, whether it be a full-day or an afternoon excursion. When children are not exploring, they participate in a variety of hands-on and elective activities at our base camp.  Children have a hand in preparing and serving two snacks, plus lunch, daily. The day ends with a closing circle back at the base camp, where children debrief and share highlights of the day.

TUITION IS A SLIDING SCALE BASED ON INCOME

No child will be turned away because of inability to pay.

Tuition includes lunch and two snacks every day, ferry tickets, admission fees and passage on the T, and Boston Explorers t-shirt.

How Financial Aid is determined: Once a child is accepted into the program, they are eligible for financial aid based on need. No child will be turned away because of family resources. As a non-profit organization, Boston Explorers is committed to providing opportunity to all children. We will be happy to consult with you regarding our sliding scale plan. In order to be considered for financial aid, families must complete the financial aid section of the application. Upon receipt, families will be notified within two weeks on the status of their application and financial aid eligibility.

Sliding Scale Rates

The number one responsibility of Boston Explorer counselors is to develop strong, positive relationships with children. Our counselors are young adults who help plan and lead the activities and excursions, teach skills and serve as role models. With one counselor for every six kids, campers get personal attention.

Counselors go through a rigorous interviewing and screening process. They are selected on the basis of experience working with children, positive attitude, interest in the urban outdoors, friendliness and character. We look for a diverse group of counselors who have a strong work ethic, demonstrate leadership and maturity and who truly enjoy the company of children.

Prior to the program sessions, counselors are required to participate in a week-long orientation and First Aid training program. All Boston Explorers staff and volunteers are checked for Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sexual Offender Record Information (SORI).

At any time during the application process or during a child's enrollment, parents may request copies of staff background checks, healthcare and discipline policies and procedures for filing grievances.

Families are responsible for transporting children to and from the program. Base camp is always T accessible.

Water bottle

Backpack

Comfortable clothes that may get dirty or wet

Sweatshirt, fleece or jacket

Sneakers (No open toed shoes)

Bathing suit

Towel

Flip flops, sandals, water shoes, etc (to be worn only at the beach, pool, or during water activities)

Sunscreen

Rain jacket (We go out even when it’s drizzling or raining.)

Safety is always a priority. Explorations are highly supervised and are planned in advance so parents will be well informed. Children will use a variety of small hand tools (hammer, screwdriver, clamps, etc.) and tools with blades and points (saws, drills, knives). With one adult for every six children we make sure there is always an adult close by to provide instruction, supervision and assistance. We use safety goggles and other protective wear. Rowing is under the supervision of fully trained and certified instructors. All swimming activities are under the supervision of certified lifeguards. In cases of extreme weather (thunder, windstorm, extreme temperatures, etc.), we will not bring children outdoors. Boston Explorers is licensed by the City of Boston Board of Health and complies with all regulations and safety standards for MA Recreational Camps for Children.

All of our counselors are trained in first aid and carry a complete first aid kit and emergency contact information on all trips. We have a licensed MA physician available at all times for consultation and for review of all camp health related policies and procedures. Additionally, our camp medical consultant is authorized to administer standing medical orders to select camp staff. Read our Information to Guardians(s) Regarding Health Care, Administration of Medication and Access to Boston Explorers Policies & Proceduresfor further information. Please also refer to Meningococcal Disease and Camp Attendees: Commonly Asked Questions provided by the Boston Board of Health.

All campers will be required to submit physical and immunization records when registering for camp.