Where the Bright Explore

 

 

EXPLO Junior Program
Rising Grades 4-7

Call Us:  781.762.7400

Curiosity Drives Discovery

Extraordinary summer enrichment where kids joyfully chase their curiosity.

EXPLO Junior Program | Entering grades 4-7 | Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts | Day and residential options

Explore a new kind of summer. EXPLO combines the fun of summer camp with the excitement of learning new things that surprise you! Here you can choose your own adventure:

From building medieval battle contraptions to hovercrafts big enough to ride.

From improv theater to fantasy writing.

From veterinary science to robotics.

Plus archery, swimming, tennis, soccer and more. EXPLO Junior’s 360° summer enrichment program lets you write the story!

A 3-week multi-course day and residential program

  • EXPLO-at-Wheaton-Pg4-TrebuchetReplace-2_1200x800-1

    "The very warm and welcoming staff made us realize right away that we had made the right choice and he was in good hands.  He had attended several day camps, but none can be compared to EXPLO.  We already see the positive effects of EXPLO in just three weeks."

  • blog-hero-Wheaton5-1_1200x800-1

    "EXPLO is a program that creates space for kids to be their best, true selves. It is also a place where kids are emboldened to be brave."

Sample different interests

Choose 3 courses + 3 electives among 50+ options

Dozens of afternoon activities

Unique evening events

Session 1: June 26 - July 13
Session 2: July 17 - August 3
  • 20170726ecEXPLO_WHEATON_D2_579_1200x800-1

    "I made many friends from different parts of the world, everyone was so nice. For me EXPLO was a life-changing experience. We were a family."

  • Fine_Arts_Center_-_Regis_College_-_Weston,_Massachusetts_-_DSC09522-1

    "The teachers were the greatest I've ever had and I learned in a fun way."

  • 7-23CandyCooking_-_1_1200x800-1

    "I attended EXPLO over 20 years ago, and I am thrilled to see how the program has evolved. And my daughter just loved it - this year even more than last."

  • regis-college-massachusetts_hero-1

    "Everyone was nice, I was amazed that everyone was so friendly. When I first came to EXPLO I was very nervous with a frown on my face. When I left I had a frown on my face too, but I had a frown the second time because I was leaving the best friends and camp experience of my life!"

For almost 50 years, we’ve been thoughtfully designing summer academic enrichment programs that provide endless opportunities for exploration. EXPLO has been part of 88,000 students’ journeys as they find their strengths, discover new interests, make lifelong friendships with peers from around the globe — and have plenty of fun every step of the way.

At EXPLO, we want young people to take charge of their own learning: to chart a course that allows them to do more than simply “succeed” in life, but to actually thrive. We challenge students to live a life of exploration — to act on their curiosity, pursue their passions, and to make a life of meaning for themselves in collaboration with others. This is a life of daring. A life of courage. A life of purpose.

Freedom to Choose
Over 80+ options for classes, electives, activities, and evening eventsSession1Parachute_-_12

  • Choice of six different workshops
  • Extra-curricular and social activities
  • Hot lunch, salad, sandwich, and snack options rotating daily (no soda!) 
Top-Notch Facilities
  • Use of labs, studios, classrooms, and student centers
  • Indoor swimming pool
  • Gymnasium, fields, track, and wooded trails 
Industry-Leading Care
  • Exclusive on-campus health center with nursing staff available 24/7
  • Student Life Office devoted to student wellbeing, belonging, and thriving
  • Student Staff Ratio 1:4
Day GroupsNuma_and_Quad_time_-_11_of_28
Every day student is part of a group with an advisor who ensures each day student is known and thriving at the program.
 
Early arrival
Students can arrive at the program as early as 7:30am. There is a $50 a week charge for early arrival.
 
Extended Day
Every night at EXPLO we have robust programming – from activities to main events – and staying into the evening means students have the opportunity to try even more activities, watch and join in on performances, talent shows, games, and adventures. With EXPLO’s extended day program, day students can experience EXPLO from 8:30 AM to 8:45 PM each weekday. Dinner included! Families can add the extended day option in advance or during the summer for $135 /week or $360 /session.
First Time Away From Home
EXPLO is an excellent place for students to have their first overnight experience and thousands of students ranging from 9 year olds to 17 year olds have had their first overnight experience at EXPLO. We have almost fifty years of experience that we tap into each summer on how to ensure that first timers thrive.
 
Weekend Trips
Weekend trips are a chance for residential students to experience different cultural, culinary, and recreational adventures in Boston and around New England. Not everyone has to go on the same trip — there are more than 10 options to choose from each weekend. Students sign up for trips once they’re at the program and can take four trips each session, so there’s a chance for them to do something they know they love to do and to try something new! Past trips have included Faneuil Hall, amusement + water parks, The New England Aquarium, an MLB game at Fenway Park, indoor skydiving, and more.

Application Process
Step One: Complete the Online Application
The online application process takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Once finished, you’ll be asked to submit a tuition deposit to reserve your space in the program.

Step Two: Teacher Recommendation
While our team works to place you in the program you selected, we want to understand what our incoming students will bring to the EXPLO Community.

The purpose of the teacher recommendation is to get to know the student applicant from someone who knows them well. In doing so, we’re able to create a better experience for them during the summer.

After submitting your application you will be asked to complete a form indicating the name and contact information of the teacher/guidance counselor/coach that will be completing the Teacher Recommendation Form on your child's behalf.

Tuition Details
Day Program

Tuition Fee: $3,570 /session

Optional Additions:

  • Early Arrival: $50 /week

  • Extended Day: $135 /week | $360 /session

Residential Program

Tuition Fee: $7,350

Daily ScheduleThree weeks at EXPLO, a lifetime of memories

  • 7:30 AM — Day Student Early Arrival
  • 8:00 AM — Breakfast 
  • 8:30 AM — Day Student Arrival
  • 9:15 AM — Morning Greeting
  • 9:20 AM — Electives
  • 10:45 AM — Activities
Students attend one elective period in the morning. Our electives are designed for students to take charge of their learning, fan the flames of their curiosity, and ignite a passion for a range of subjects as they explore their strengths and interests. Students take three courses and three electives over the course of the session. 
  • 11:45 AM — Lunch + Quad Time
  • 1:00 PM — Community Meeting
  • 1:45 PM — Courses
  • 4:05 PM — Quad Time
  • 4:15 PM — Day Student Dismissal
  • 4:30 PM — Floor Time
  • 5:15 PM — Dinner
  • 6:20 PM — Late Day Departure 

Hands-on courses immerse students in topics that interest them. From Hovercraft Physics and Medieval Battle Contraptions to Treehouse Architecture and Commercial Illustration — there is so much to explore! Community Meeting brings the whole EXPLO Junior program together to share a joke of the day, student performances, the EXPLO favorite Minute to Win It competition, and so much more.

  • 6:30 PM — Evening Activities
  • 7:30 PM — Evening Event
  • 8:30 PM — Winding Down Time
  • 8:45 PM — Floor Check-In + Extended Day Dismissal

Lights out:

  • 9:30 PM — Grades 4+5
  • 10:00 PM — Grades 6+7

Before winding down for the day, our students can grab a spot for movie night, catch a magic show, laugh out loud at the stylings of an improv comedy troupe, or take to the stage themselves — the possibilities are endless. Events EXPLO has hosted in summers past include Carnival Night, EXPLO’s Got Talent, Pool Parties, Camp-Out Movie, Game Show Night, and more!

  • 8:00 AM — Breakfast
  • 9:00 AM — Weekend Programming
  • 5:00 PM — Dinner
  • 6:15 PM — Evening Assembly
  • 6:30 PM — Evening Activity
  • 7:30 PM — Evening Event or Advisor Group Activities
  • 8:30 PM — Snack
  • 9:00 PM — Floor Check-In

 Lights out:

  • 9:30 PM — 4th + 5th graders
  • 10:00 PM — 6th graders
  • 10:15 PM — 7th graders
  • WheatonSessionOneArrivalDay_-_29_1200x800-1

    "I liked that there was always something that we could do. There was NEVER a time when I was bored or I didn't have anything to work on. I was always busy so that kept the class interesting."

  • blog-hero-Wheaton1-1

    "The positive attitude of the EXPLO Staff is one of the things that makes the program great. It is clear from the moment you pull around the drop off circle that the staff are glad to be there — and working with our children. Their smiles and waves go a long way."

sarah law

The grown ups around me didn't work in fields I gravitated towards, so it was hard to understand how my interests could become a career. That is part of what made EXPLO so special, the chance to see how much is out there.

Sarah Law, EXPLO Junior Alum
Founder, KARA
Forbes 30 Under 30 - Art & Style

  • 7-23CandyCooking_-_1_1200x800-1

    "I attended EXPLO over 20 years ago, and I am thrilled to see how the program has evolved. And my daughter just loved it - this year even more than last."

  • regis-college-massachusetts_hero-1

    "Everyone was nice, I was amazed that everyone was so friendly. When I first came to EXPLO I was very nervous with a frown on my face. When I left I had a frown on my face too, but I had a frown the second time because I was leaving the best friends and camp experience of my life!"

  • EXPLO-Wheaton-ComputerProgramming_1200x800-1

    "My son LOVED his three weeks at EXPLO. He told me at the end of the program that "it was only three weeks, but I felt like I belonged there." It was a terrific experience."

  • EXPLO-at-Wheaton-Pg4-TrebuchetReplace-2_1200x800-1

    "The very warm and welcoming staff made us realize right away that we had made the right choice and he was in good hands.  He had attended several day camps, but none can be compared to EXPLO.  We already see the positive effects of EXPLO in just three weeks."

  • blog-hero-Wheaton5-1_1200x800-1

    "EXPLO is a program that creates space for kids to be their best, true selves. It is also a place where kids are emboldened to be brave."

  • 20170726ecEXPLO_WHEATON_D2_579_1200x800-1

    "I made many friends from different parts of the world, everyone was so nice. For me EXPLO was a life-changing experience. We were a family."

  • WheatonSessionOneArrivalDay_-_29_1200x800-1

    "I liked that there was always something that we could do. There was NEVER a time when I was bored or I didn't have anything to work on. I was always busy so that kept the class interesting."

  • Fine_Arts_Center_-_Regis_College_-_Weston,_Massachusetts_-_DSC09522-1

    "The teachers were the greatest I've ever had and I learned in a fun way."

  • blog-hero-Wheaton1-1

    "The positive attitude of the EXPLO Staff is one of the things that makes the program great. It is clear from the moment you pull around the drop off circle that the staff are glad to be there — and working with our children. Their smiles and waves go a long way."

Our Campus

Nestled between the Highland Forest and the Weston Reservoir is Regis College, a 90-acre wooded campus just 12 miles from Boston. With air-conditioned classrooms, labs, studios, meeting spaces, and dining facilities, it’s a perfect home for Junior Program students to explore the world of people and ideas, together. EXPLO students take advantage of light filled residence halls, tennis courts, gym, pool, playing fields, track, and plenty of outdoor space. It’s an extraordinary place to learn and play and nearby our EXPLO Pre-College Program at Wellesley College.