EXPLORE PROGRAMS

Classroom Workshop Program

During the months of May and June, Explore instructors travel to local and rural schools to present physical, human, urban and social geographic workshops to classes in grades Kindergarten to eight. This year the program will also be offering workshop programs for High schools as well. These workshops aim to stimulate interest in the human-made and natural world and the systems inherent therein. During the workshops, instructors will promote the summer day camp program to elementary school students and our assistant counselor program to highschool students. To see an outline of available workshops, please see the “Workshop Package” link.

Examples of Workshops offered in 2011 (Explore 2012 Workshops Coming Soon)

Explore Summer Day Camp Program

Summer is just around the corner and here at Explore, we are actively preparing for your camper’s arrival!

What can you expect at Explore?

At Explore you will find an enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff who are looking forward to filling your camper’s summer off with a ton of excitement, creativity and fun! At Explore, children entering grades SK-8 will have the chance to see the world around them like never before! They will engage in innovative experiments, travel all over the world to learn about different cultures and people, meet new friends, play games, do arts and crafts and most importantly have an extraordinary summer camp experience!

Each instructor group will maintain a ratio of 7:1 (campers: instructor) and will participate in a wide variety of activities, games, songs and field work. Given the considerable cultural, historical, social and urban resources of the Kingston community, Explore offers campers the opportunity to learn more about the local environment and their community in a global context. Field trips will compliment the curriculum as well as the use of on-campus facilities such as labs, art galleries, theatres etc. Sites which may be visited throughout the summer include Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area, Lemoine Point, Big Sandy Bay Conservation Area on Wolfe Island, Fort Henry and City Hall.

For Parents/Guardians:
Explore is based on the Ontario Curriculum which means that while it is a lot of crazy fun, it is also educational (who knew learning and fun could be so compatible!!) and will hopefully give your camper(s) a new perspective on social studies!

What is Explore Jr?

Explore Juniors have the chance to see the world like never before! Each week there will be a unique program where we explore different themes ranging from pollution to wildlife to the wonders of the world! Our learning sessions at camp are based on the Ontario Curriculum so campers will be learning while having fun! Each day will be an adventure as campers can expect to be outdoors playing games and participating in camp activities. Inside, where it is air conditioned, campers get to create amazing artwork and crafts, and participate in awesome experiments and fantastic team challenges! Each week we will also be going on a field trip! This interactive, hands-on camp is an adventure you don’t want to miss!

What is Explore Sr?

Explore Senior is awesome for campers who want to be outdoors, doing exciting experiments, meeting new friends and participating in our own version of “The Amazing Race!” Campers will have the chance to use GPS units, explore local habitats, go on amazing field trips and discover so much more about the world we live in! With team-oriented activities and challenges, everyday is an adventure! Each day teams will participate in different games, and challenges, all the while learning about geography and the diverse world we live in!

Assistant Counselor Program

If you or someone you know is an enthusiastic, energetic high school student who loves kids and the outdoors, Explore wants you!! The Assistant Counselor Program is aimed to provide leadership opportunities for students entering grades 9-12. Through the AC Program, students can complete their 40 hours of community service required under the Ontario High School Curriculum, plan programs, and learn teaching strategies and other leadership skills. Assistant Counselors are expected to commit to one complete session (1 week) with the age group of their choice, but are more than welcome to volunteer for as many weeks as they like. Don’t worry, its not all serious!––AC’s will participate in all aspects of the camp: do experiments, play games, get messy, and have a great summer experience while helping campers do the same! For more information please email Jennifer Parker at explore.geography@queensu.ca.

Special Needs Program

Explore is accessible to all children and youth regardless of ability or experience. Should your camper require additional care or assistance in the camp environment this summer we will have a one-on-one instructor who will be available (upon request) to work with any camper with special needs. If you’d like any information about our Special Needs Program, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Bursary Program

We want all children to have the chance to participate in our program, regardless of circumstances, so Explore offers financial assistance towards the cost of camp for families who cannot afford to pay all or part of camp fees. If you would like an application for an Explore bursary or any information please don’t hesitate to call or email us—every child should have the chance to participate, let us help make that happen.

Download your registration form here.