Our Evolution: From The Handwork Studio to Dean Adventure Camps

DEAN Adventure Camps began with a simple idea at a kitchen table and blossomed into a beacon of experiential learning. Founded by Laura Kelly, a marketer turned educational visionary, and later joined by her husband John Kelly, this unique camp has transformed the way children engage with the world around them. 

From fiber arts to action-packed outdoor adventures, our camps offer a diverse range of hands-on activities designed to foster creativity, learning, and growth in young minds. 

Join us as we delve into the evolution of DEAN Adventure Camps, where every step of our journey reflects our commitment to nurturing the next generation of learners and explorers.

The Beginning: A Kitchen Table Idea

At DEAN Adventure Camps, our journey began at a humble kitchen table, where our CEO, Laura Kelly, and her children, along with their neighborhood friends, delved into fiber arts, a skill they had learned at school. Recognizing the potential in this family-oriented activity, Laura, with her background in marketing, envisioned its appeal to other families. This simple yet profound idea marked the beginning of our two-decade-long venture into experiential learning.

Growth and Expansion

Initially known as The Handwork Studio, we quickly transitioned to a dedicated space in Narberth, Pennsylvania. It was here that we introduced machine sewing, adapting to the evolving skills and interests of our young learners. Our focus on specialized, hands-on skills in fiber arts and machine sewing garnered the attention of independent schools across Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, Florida, and Maine, leading to significant growth over the years.

Adapting to the Pandemic

The onset of the pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, compelling us to shift to online platforms and offer our programs via Zoom. This period of adaptation broadened our curriculum and helped us realize that our expertise extended beyond fiber arts and machine sewing. We discovered our true strength in working with kids, characterized by patience and nurturing, leading us to introduce diverse programs like fashion illustration, robotics, and architecture.

Post-Pandemic Evolution

In the post-pandemic landscape, we made a strategic decision to deepen our engagement in four states rather than expand geographically. This phase helped us further understand our core competency in experiential learning, emphasizing making, doing, and playing. Retaining the diverse programs added during the pandemic, we embraced a broader definition of ‘hands-on learning’.

Introducing Velocity Adventure Camp

2023 marked a milestone with the introduction of Velocity Adventure Camp, founded by John Kelly, Laura’s husband, who transitioned from his career in commercial real estate. Inspired by his passion for outdoor activities, Velocity Adventure Camp focuses on skateboarding, biking, and other outdoor adventures, offering children dynamic and active outdoor learning experiences. The camp blends John's outdoor expertise with Laura’s extensive experience in educational and experiential learning, further diversifying and enriching our learning opportunities for children.

Dean Adventure Camps: A Culmination of Experiences

DEAN Adventure Camps stands as the synergy of The Handwork Studio ‘learn by making’ ethos, Velocity Adventure Camps’ ‘learn by doing’ approach, and the innovative Playful Explorers’ ‘learn by playing’ concept for four and five year olds. We are committed to creating continuous opportunities for children to engage in exciting, adventurous, and educational experiences.

A Continued Journey of Learning and Adventure

At DEAN Adventure Camps, we are more than an educational establishment; we are a testament to the transformative power of adaptive learning, the delight of hands-on experiences, and the crucial role of fostering creativity in children. Year after year, we are dedicated to introducing new, adventurous ways for children to learn and explore the world around them, reinforcing our commitment to comprehensive, engaging, and enriching childhood education.