Ryan. Explo is a unique place. it's kind of like walking into Narnia, going through the wardrobe and being in a completely different world. You get to be someone here that you don't normally get to be, and I think tapping into that is exciting and inspiring, and I'm back here this summer to do the same.

Jessica. I had two reasons I wanted to come back. One, all the professional development you get here, especially as a teacher. That really helped me as a teacher, so that when I began teaching in the fall, I felt ready for it. The other thing is, it just feels like summer. I was out with my mom before the summer and she was like, "Why are you so giddy?" and I was like, "Because I get to go back to Explo!"

Cora. The thing for me is that I'm just so happy being here. It's not the campus or the buildings. It's just Explo -- the community -- makes me happy. We talk a lot about how this is a place where students can be themselves, where students can express themselves, and they can explore things. It's the same for me; I get to do things here that I can't anywhere else.

Michael. One thing that Cora said was, "Explo lets you be yourself" -- and that's definitely how I feel about it. I don't know any other place in the world like it. At school, kids may be cast into a certain stereotype, but when they get here, they're allowed to be themselves and they can try new things, from basket-weaving to curbball. Explo is an environment of openness, and I think that fosters in students trust and honesty towards others as well as within themselves.

Cora. Supportive is the word I would use. That was one of my biggest reasons for wanting to come back. Whatever your position is, there's a support system built in.

Jessica. It's very, very diverse, but we all have the one similarity that we want to be here and that we're willing to be here helping each other. That goes for everyone -- staff and students. Everyone's willing to put in the extra effort and help out, that's just the culture of the place. Last year was my first year and it just felt so welcoming. I was never afraid to ask for help, and I'd always receive that back.

Paul. Jess was saying that everyone's similar but different. I think the common denominator is that everyone here is just a big kid. We all still have our wonder, we all still have our curiosity, and I think that sometimes that dies in people. But those people don't work at Explo.

Ryan. Try new things. Go with your gut reactions. Do what you want to do when you want to do it. If you have this hankering to try something, anything, dive into it.

Jessica. One thing I'd say is that this is a really safe place, and they're not going to be judged if they do something silly -- like Cucumber Super Hero Adventure. No one's going to call you corny or lame, so do what you want to do.

Michael. I think it changes your perspective. Students are introduced to these new concepts, new activities, new people, new everything, and at this age, they're starting to meld what they believe in, what they feel is right and wrong. And through Explo, they're able to see new viewpoints and angles. It's a chance for students to branch out and find out who they really are -- away from the pressure of school and parents and peers.

Paul. Explo is like a small world. You have different countries, different languages, different people, different activities, and I hope that students see it as a reflection of the larger picture. I hope that the values they get out of their three-week session, they're able to apply them to the rest of their year. I want students to see Explo as an example of what their real life can be like. I want them to say, "I can go to school and I can have fun. I can respect others who are different." I think it's a reflection of what their life can be.

Ryan. I agree, I think Explo is a reflection of the real world, but I also feel like there are streaks of fantasy and streaks of imagination that are a part of this Program. I hope they take that with them too.

Cora. Everything.

Ryan. It really is.

Cora. Jess touched on this. Everyone is just really excited. It's so great to be in a community where everyone is so happy to be here . . .

Jessica. . . . and motivated to be here.

Ryan. I think the most fun aspect of Explo is just being constantly inspired. Not only by my fellow staff but also by the kids. I feel like I'm being mentored, pushed, and pulled in so many different, fantastic ways by so many different people. When I get here, I'm just inspired because so many people are doing such great things.

Michael. I agree. I remember I was doing room checks last year as an RA [Residential Advisor], and I stopped and talked to two of my students who were talking about life and what motivates them, and I ended up staying and talking for a good hour-and-a-half. And I was really inspired by what my kids were saying -- you know, like, "Live life in the moment and take advantage of all these chances." I think as far as a staff member, it's not only learning from each other, but it's also learning from the students. They might be young, but their minds are bouncing off a new idea every second. It's inspiring. It's like, "Yeah, we can talk about life . . . right after we talk about football." It's a chance for everyone to grow and change.