Explorers (8-13 Years)

Explorers Camp offers a one-of-a-kind experience filled with hands-on, engaging activities that spark curiosity and creativity. Each week features multiple themed options, allowing campers to choose the adventures that excite them most—so every day feels fresh, fun, and full of discovery.

Who is it for?
Children ages 8 to 13
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When does it run?
Camp runs in one-week sessions. Attend one week, several weeks, or all seven weeks.

Cost
$500.00/week (with the exception of FitBit Frenzy, which is $550 and includes a fitness tracker for all campers)

Includes all field trips, activities, supplies, hot lunch daily (NEW THIS YEAR!) and snacks. ​
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Payment plans are available.
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​*Cancelations must be made by March 2, 2026 to receive a full refund, minus the $100 deposit.

Schedule and Sessions Offered

Week 1: June 22- June 26 

Worldwide Sports
Worldwide Sports takes campers on a globe-trotting athletic adventure! Campers will explore sports played around the world—from familiar favorites like soccer and lacrosse to exciting games they may have never seen before. Each day brings a new country, a new sport, and a chance to learn skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship while having a blast.

Wilderness Camp: Allegany Adventure 
On Monday and Tuesday, campers train like true EFS Wilderness Explorers, mastering core survival skills such as fire-building, outdoor cooking, shelter construction, and map-and-compass navigation. Midweek, the adventure goes full immersion! From Wednesday through Friday, campers head to Allegany State Park for a two-night camping experience, applying their new skills in the great outdoors—building confidence, teamwork, and independence along the way. (Please note: there is no overnight stay at EFS before departure.)

Week 2: June 29- July 3 

Backyard Games
Remember the best days of summer—running, laughing, and playing until you didn’t want to come inside? Backyard Games brings that feeling to life! Campers will enjoy a rotating lineup of classic backyard favorites, from kickball and tag to team challenges and camp-style competitions. Simple games, big fun, endless energy.

Game Design
What makes a game fun, fair, and impossible to put down? Campers will become game designers and strategists as they explore how games are created—from board games and playground classics to video games and games of chance. Highlights include building a giant, life-sized board game, uncovering the math behind poker, and collaborating on shared worlds in Minecraft. Every challenge builds teamwork, creativity, and confidence.

Textile Arts
If it can be stitched, woven, or dyed, we’re making it! In Sew it, Weave it, Dye it!, campers become fiber artists- creating plush creatures, custom jump ropes, bandanas, camp flags, and more. Along the way, they’ll experiment with shibori, tie-dye, block printing, fabric marbling, weaving, and sewing, turning simple materials into bold, one-of-a-kind creations.

 Week 3: July 6- July 10 

Court Sports
From serves to shots to slap shots, Court Sports keeps campers moving! Campers will learn and play a different court sport each day, including volleyball, badminton, basketball, pickleball, and floor hockey. Whether trying something new or sharpening familiar skills, campers will build confidence, teamwork, and game sense.

Master Chef:Farm to Table
Discover the journey of food from the garden to your plate! Kids will explore fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs while learning to make simple, healthy, and delicious meals. Campers will practice hands-on cooking skills, kitchen safety, and creative recipes, all while understanding where food comes from and how to make nutritious choices. Every day is a fun, educational adventure that turns fresh ingredients into tasty dishes!

Week 4: July 13- July 17

Water Sports
​Sun out, water on! In Water Sports, campers dive into classic water games or grab a paddle for kayaking and fishing adventures. From splashy group games to calm moments on the water, there’s something for every kind of summer explorer.

Pixel Perfect
Are you a budding photographer? In this session, campers will explore the art and technique behind great photography—from framing and lighting to perspective and storytelling. Each day brings a new photography challenge, giving campers the chance to shoot, edit, critique, and showcase their work while building confidence, creativity, and an eye for detail.

Wilderness Camp: Letchworth Adventure
The journey begins on campus as campers train to become EFS Wilderness Explorers! During the first two days (Monday–Tuesday), campers will learn essential outdoor survival skills, including fire-building, outdoor cooking, shelter construction, and navigation using a map and compass. From Wednesday through Friday, campers take their skills into the wild during a two-night camping adventure at Letchworth State Park—highlighted by an unforgettable white water rafting excursion on the second day of the trip. Campers will build confidence, independence, and teamwork while putting their skills to the test in a real wilderness setting. (Please note: there is no overnight stay at EFS prior to departure.)

Master Chef:
Tour of Italy
Join us for a delicious adventure through Italy! Kids will explore the flavors, foods, and fun of Italian cooking, from tossing fresh pasta to creating tasty pizzas and sweet treats. Along the way, campers will learn basic cooking skills, kitchen safety, and fun facts about Italian culture and traditions. Each day is a hands-on experience, where little chefs get to mix, measure, and taste their own creations—making every meal a memorable journey through Italy!

​Week 5: July 20- July 24

FitBit Frenzy
Get ready to move, compete, and level up! Each camper will receive a brand-new Fitness Tracker (included in the camp price) to power daily challenges and track their progress all week long. Campers will form teams, tackle fitness challenges monitored by their trackers, and climb the leaderboards together. Every day brings a new challenge—and success depends on teamwork, strategy, and motivation. Camp fee: $550 (Early Bird discount does not apply.)


Week 6: July 27- July 31

Olympic Sports
Train like an Olympian! Each day introduces campers to a new sport—from volleyball and badminton to basketball, handball, and floor hockey—bringing the excitement of the Summer Olympics to camp. With teamwork, movement, and friendly competition, every day feels like game day.

Master Chef:
Feast in the East
Take your taste buds on a delicious journey across the Middle East and Asia! Kids will get hands-on experience making flavorful dishes like hummus, partha, khichdi and sweet treats from both regions. Along the way, campers will explore unique spices, ingredients, and cultural traditions, while learning basic cooking skills, kitchen safety, and the joy of creating meals from scratch. Every day is a fun, hands-on adventure that turns the kitchen into a global playground!


Week 7: August 3- August 7

Obscure Sports
Think you’ve played every sport? Think again! In Obscure Sports, campers dive into weird, wonderful, and wildly fun games you won’t find on the usual sports field. Each day brings a new challenge, new rules, and new ways to move, laugh, and compete—no experience required, just curiosity and energy.

Master Chef:
Comfort Foods Made Easy
Learn to make all your favorite cozy dishes in a fun, hands-on kitchen adventure! Kids will create simple, delicious meals and treats like mac & cheese, quesadillas, soups, cookies and more, while practicing basic cooking skills, kitchen safety, and teamwork. Each day is full of tasty recipes, creativity, and the joy of making comfort food that’s both fun to cook and delicious to eat!


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