exploration || junior program

Junior Program Site
The main Junior Program website features a complete overview of the Program.

Junior Program Summer Site
The Senior Program summer site features photos from last summer.

Student Roundtable (Pioneer)
Student Roundtable (Voyager)
Roundtable conversations with students about their Junior Program experience.

Junior Program Course Listings
Junior Program Workshop Listings
A listing and description of courses and workshops offered last summer.

It had been seven years since she had been at EXPLO, but when Cara Yoder was interviewing for a position as a college counselor, she says she found herself preparing by channeling her "EXPLO self."

"I reminded myself to be confident, competent, enthusiastic, and engaging," says Yoder, a graduate of Williams College and Harvard's School of Education. "It was the way I felt when working at EXPLO."

The interview went well, Yoder got the job, and now, she says, "I love my job!" Just the way she did at EXPLO.

"EXPLO was probably the most inspiring place to work," Yoder recalls. "Surrounded by such bright, creative, energetic, caring people, how can you not become your best? I felt empowered as an employee, my suggestions were well-received, and everyone aimed to do their best for the kids. Plus it was just a ton of fun."

Click Here For More Faculty Profiles

Students at the Junior Program are between 9 and 12 years old. Because of the varying maturity levels of these ages, we have divided the Junior Program into two groups: "Pioneers" (entering grades 4 and 5) and "Voyagers" (entering grades 6 and 7).

>> Click Here To See A Typical Day At the Junior Program

Children at the Junior Program are bright, motivated, and curious. Most have chosen to attend Exploration and take academically-oriented courses rather than attend a traditional camp. Junior Program students are excited about learning and are eager to please the adults they respect. In addition to their passion for learning, the children at these age levels are very physically active, playful, and, we have found, enthusiastic about all aspects of EXPLO life.

Learning for this age group is best when it is very "hands-on". Our Curriculum Advisors work closely with Instructors to design courses that will be full of educational exercises, debates, discussions, games, models, experiments, and role-plays. Lecture-style courses are inappropriate for students at the Junior Program.

In addition to courses, most faculty members at the Junior Program (including Program Assistants) plan and teach a workshop, which meets for two hours each Wednesday for a total of 6 hours of instruction per session.

The willingness to be somewhat silly at the Junior Program is very helpful. This could mean dressing up on Harry Potter Day, Alien Invasion Day, or Super Hero Day. It may mean play-acting during assembly or letting your students paint on your face. A sense of fun is extremely important at the Junior Program.

The RA role is particularly demanding at the Junior Program. Residential students of this age need to be reminded to shower (with soap!), brush their teeth (with toothpaste!), hang up their wet towels (not on their pillows!), etc. Many are away from home for the first time and they all need considerable guidance, support, structure, and close supervision.

The Junior Program is also looking for many Instructors and Program Assistants (PAs) who are certified lifeguards or who are willing to become certified (at our expense). Lifeguard certification can literally make the difference when choosing between two excellent candidates.