DEAN DISCOVERERS

(RISING PREK–K)

GET EARLY ACCESS

CURIOSITY
BECOMES
CONFIDENCE


We know this may be your child's first camp experience, and as parents ourselves, we understand how much thought goes into this decision. At DEAN Adventure Camps, our Trailblazer Discoverers program is specifically designed for preschool and kindergarten-aged children (Rising PreK-K). Our counselors are trained to meet your child exactly where they are, providing the support, encouragement, and guidance that help young campers build confidence and thrive. We understand the unique energy, imagination, and developmental needs of 4-6 year olds. Through play-based activities, hands-on exploration, and safe spaces for self-expression, we create a joyful summer camp experience where curiosity sparks learning and confidence grows naturally.

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A DAY DESIGNED FOR GROWTH AND FUN


DEAN Discoverers is a joyful, play-based introduction to learning, friendships, and confidence where children feel safe to explore and grow. Every day includes a balance of structured activities and child-led exploration:

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Circle Time

for connection and community. Builds social skills and belonging
.

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Instructor-Led Activities

tied to the week’s theme. Hands-on learning and skill-building.

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Stations

offering multisensory games, crafts, and challenges. Exploration through play and discovery.

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Self-Directed ActivitIES

where campers revisit favorite experiences and make their own choices. Growing independence and confidence

DEAN Discoverers is a place to feel safe, explore freely, and build trust with adults and peers. Learning happens primarily through play, sensory experiences, and guided exploration.

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WHAT YOUR CHILD WILL
EXPERIENCE AT DISCOVERERS CAMP

Our play-based summer program supports the whole child by helping preschool and kindergarten campers grow cognitively through play, socially through collaboration, and emotionally through safe exploration.

Building Confidence Through Safe Exploration

Your child will willingly explore new materials and activities with caring adult support, learning that camp is a safe place to try new things. Whether it's working with wood, mixing ingredients, or creating art, every activity is designed to encourage curiosity without pressure.

Developing Emotional Awareness

Campers practice naming feelings, taking turns, and seeking help when needed—essential social-emotional skills for young learners. Our counselors model empathy, patience, and problem-solving, helping children navigate friendships and emotions with support.

Learning Through Play

From sensory activities to imaginative games, every experience is designed around how 4-6 year olds learn best: through hands-on play and discovery. We don't sit still for long—children learn by doing, making, building, and exploring.

Expressing Ideas in Many Ways

Your child will communicate through words, gestures, art, and movement—building confidence in multiple forms of self-expression. We celebrate every child's unique way of sharing their ideas, whether through drawing, storytelling, building, or dramatic play.

Growing Independence Within Routines

With consistent schedules and caring guidance, campers develop confidence following routines and managing transitions. Children learn to manage materials, participate in cleanup, and navigate the camp day with increasing independence.
DEAN Discoverers Camp
DEAN Discoverers Camp
DEAN Discoverers Camp

HOW WE SUPPORT PREK–K CAMPERS

We know that choosing a summer camp for your preschooler or kindergartener is a big decision. Here's how we create the right environment for your young child:

Each moment is an opportunity to explore, imagine, and connect with new friends.

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Safe, nurturing environment

where campers feel safe and supported by caring adults and predictable routines

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Play-based learning

through sensory-rich activities, hands-on exploration, and discovery. Examples: sensory bins, water play, building blocks, art stations, outdoor exploration

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Using words, art, movement, and play

to communicate and express ideas and emotions

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Growing confidence

through encouragement to try new things at their own pace. Counselors celebrate effort, normalize mistakes, and guide children through challenges

IS YOUR CHILD READY FOR DISCOVERERS?

We know that choosing your child's first camp experience is a big decision, and as parents ourselves, we understand the care that goes into it. At DEAN, we're committed to creating a wonderful, nurturing environment where every child can thrive and our counselors are trained to meet campers where they are and help them build confidence throughout the summer.

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Physical Readiness

  • At least 4 years old by their first day of camp
  • Fully toilet trained (can recognize when they need to go, manage clothing, clean themselves, and wash hands)
  • Can handle a full, active day with outdoor play (note: we don't offer nap time, though there are opportunities to rest and reset)
  • Able to manage belongings like backpack, water bottle, and lunch
  • Comfortable getting a little messy, wet, or sweaty during play
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Social & Emotional Readiness

  • Can separate from parents for the camp day (with gentle reassurance if needed)
  • Has spent time in group settings like preschool or other activities
  • Can communicate basic needs ("I'm hungry," "I need help," "I don't feel well")
  • Generally able to follow group directions and play cooperatively
  • Shows curiosity or excitement about camp, even if they have some worries

Unsure if your camper is ready?


Reach out to us! We're happy to discuss your child's unique personality, needs, and readiness. Remember, readiness exists on a spectrum, and we're partners with you in this journey.

BY THE END OF SUMMER, YOUR
CHILD WILL:


✓ Feel confident participating in group activities
✓ Be curious and excited to explore new experiences
✓ Feel connected to their camp community and new friends
✓ Be comfortable expressing needs and emotions
✓ Have developed independence within predictable routines

And they'll be ready to continue growing with DEAN's Explorers program next summer.

WHY FAMILIES LOVE DEAN DISCOVERERS


Parents of preschool and kindergarten campers appreciate our inclusive model with extended days, breakfast, lunch, snack, and supplies provided and trust that their child is in a safe, enriching space that honors early childhood development and loves the learning space their child is in.




“She came home excited every day with stories about her cardboard city and the 'rules of the road' she helped invent!” — 2025 Haverford Discoverer Parent

2026 DISCOVERERS
PROGRAMS

(RISING PREK–K)

ENROLL AT HAVERFORD ENROLL AT LAWRENCEVILLE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

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DEAN Adventure Camps operate in Haverford, PA and Lawrenceville, NJ, as well as in partner site locations in DC, MD, and VA. Our programs help children build confidence and explore new interests in a creative, structured, and fun environment, through specialty camps in art, robotics, culinary, sewing, leadership, and more. Looking to make an impact? DEAN Camps offers opportunities to enrich the lives of kids ages Pre-K - 8th grade.