Camping Trips

Each season, we offer optional weekend camping trips to all enrolled Explorers. These trips are a nice extension of the after-school program, promise a memorable time and are a perfect trial for those who have not had much "sleep away" experience. Each trip has been a huge hit - previous participants continually rave about them. Among the included activities (weather permitting) are canoeing, fishing, sledding, hiking and evening flashlight games. We also have our annual "SCHOOL's OUT!!!" 4-day trip in June, in which we have a few adventures away from the campground and spend a night sleeping in tents, in addition to the things listed above.

• We generally travel about 2 hours outside of the city to Stony Acres in Marshalls Creek, PA (fall and spring) or the Fresh Air Fund, Sharpe Reservation in Fishkill, New York (winter).
• We sleep in rustic cabins, which are heated in winter.
• Participants learn handy wilderness tips and tricks, including how to build a campfire (though we cannot guarantee a magic fire like this one!).
• We definitely roast marshmallows and enjoy s'mores!
• These trips are for boys and girls, ages 6-11, and are limited to currently enrolled Explorers only.
• There are always two instructors, regardless of enrollment (the staff-to-child ratio is at least 1:6).
• Depending on enrollment, our usual method of transportation is via van or bus.
• We depart on Fridays by 5:30 p.m. and return at 2:00 p.m. on Sundays.

We have a wealth of weekend trip experience involving kids within this age range and you can rest assured knowing we are proficient in managing occasional bouts of homesickness. The Explorers usually have so much fun that the jitters, if any, are gone once we set up and get into our routine. However, if a child needs to speak to a parent, he or she will be able to. Please click any of the links below for the enrollment form, more information about Stony Acres, to keep tabs on the weather in Marshalls Creek, PA in the days leading up to the trip and a complete list of what to pack.

  |     |  

As with anything, please contact Mike with any questions, comments or concerns.

Space is limited, so before registering, please be sure your child is ready for a weekend away from home and that the dates definitely work for you. We will issue a full refund for cancellations up to seven days before any trip. After that, the enrollment fee is non-refundable with less than seven days notice, regardless of the reason for withdrawal.