DEAN EXPLORERS

(RISING 1-ST-2ND)

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EXPLORATION
BECOMES
PASSION


At DEAN Adventure Camps, our Explorers program is designed for curious, energetic 1st-2nd graders who are ready to stretch their wings. Children at this age are naturally inquisitive. They want to know how things work, why things happen, and what they can create when given the right tools and encouragement. While knowing their counselors are nearby for curious, encourage, and guide them as they try new challenges. At DEAN, we design every day to give children room to ask questions, test ideas, take risks, and discover just how capable they are.

DEAN EXPLORERS
DEAN EXPLORERS
DEAN EXPLORERS

WHAT MAKES EXPLORERS PROGRAMS UNIQUE


Explorers programs build confidence, cooperation, and curiosity by encouraging children to try new strategies, ask questions, and grow as learners and teammates. Every day includes:


DEAN Explorers Programs

Clear Communication

Learning to share thinking with peers and adults.
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DEAN Explorers Programs

Cooperative Learning

Using words to solve small conflicts and build positive relationships
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DEAN Explorers Programs

Risk-Taking

Learning that effort leads to growth with supportive guidance
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DEAN Explorers Programs

Growing Responsibility

 Following group norms and building independence within clear routines
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Explorers learn through hands-on activities with structured choices. They're encouraged to explain what they're doing and why, while counselors scaffold learning by asking "how" and "why" questions, and by guiding exploration of challenges.

DEAN Explorers

WHAT YOUR CHILD WILL
EXPERIENCE AT EXPLORERS CAMP

Our hands-on summer program supports the whole child—helping 1st and 2nd grade campers grow cognitively through exploration, socially through collaboration, and emotionally through risk-taking and resilience.

Building Confidence Through Trying New Things

Your child will be encouraged to try new strategies, ask questions, and accept that learning takes effort. Whether experimenting with a new tool in woodworking, testing a recipe variation in culinary, or troubleshooting a design in the innovation lab, counselors support risk-taking and celebrate the learning process not just the outcome.

Developing Cooperative Skills

Campers practice working with peers, sharing ideas, and using words to solve small conflicts. Our counselors model effective communication and guide children through peer interactions, helping them build positive relationships and understand the value of teamwork.

Learning Through Curiosity-Driven Questions

From "How does this work?" to "Why did that happen?" Explorers are natural questioners. Every activity is designed to invite inquiry, encourage predictions, and help children notice patterns in the world around them. Counselors respond with curiosity, asking questions that deepen thinking rather than simply providing answers.

Expressing Ideas Through Explanation

Your child will learn to describe their actions, share their thinking, and explain their choices. Whether presenting a project to peers, talking through a problem-solving process, or articulating what they learned, communication becomes a tool for understanding and connection.

Growing Independence Within Routines

With consistent schedules and clear expectations, campers develop confidence managing materials, following group norms, and navigating the camp day with less prompting. Counselors gradually release responsibility, helping children recognize their own growing capability.
DEAN Explorers Camp
DEAN Explorers Camp
DEAN Explorers Camp

HOW WE SUPPORT 1ST-2ND GRADERS

Learning at this highly experiential, but campers are encouraged to explain what they are doing and why. 

Counselors scaffold learning by asking questions, guiding exploration, and celebrating effort as much as outcomes.

DEAN Explorers Programs

CREATING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT WHERE RISK-TAKING IS ENCOURAGED

We normalize mistakes and celebrate effort. Children learn that trying something new is how growth happens. Counselors model curiosity and encourage children to experiment.
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DEAN Explorers Programs

BUILDING TEAMWORK BY SUPPORTING PEERS, TRYING NEW STRATEGIES

Through group projects and collaborative challenges, campers learn to listen to others' ideas, contribute their own thinking, and work toward shared goals. Counselors facilitate cooperation and help children navigate group dynamics.

DEAN Explorers Programs

GUIDING THEIR VOICE THROUGH ASKING "HOW" AND "WHY"

We ask open-ended questions that invite deeper thinking: "What do you notice?" "Why do you think that happened?" "How could you try that differently?" This helps children develop reasoning skills and confidence in their own ideas.
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DEAN Explorers Programs

ENCOURAGING RESPONSIBILITY AND CARE

Campers are expected to manage their belongings, clean up after activities, and contribute to the camp community. Counselors provide gentle reminders and positive reinforcement, helping children build habits of responsibility and care for shared spaces.
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BY THE END OF SUMMER, YOUR
CHILD WILL:



✓ Feel confident trying new activities and approaches
 ✓ Work cooperatively with peers and solve small conflicts using words
 ✓ Ask thoughtful "how" and "why" questions
 ✓ Follow routines and manage materials with growing independence
 ✓ Feel a strong sense of belonging within their group
And they'll be ready to continue growing with DEAN's Achievers program next summer.

WHY FAMILIES LOVE DEAN EXPLORERS


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.




“My kids are already ready and plotting for next year! They loved every minute and were so excited and tired every day!” — 2025 Haverford Explorer Parent

2026 EXPLORERS
PROGRAMS

(RISING 1ST-2ND)

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.