EXPLORERS CAMP
Boys & Girls Ages 6-9
5:1 Ratio
Offered Weeks 1-10
$425/week
In 2002, Calleva created a camp for younger kids. Initially we called it our Junior Camp, and mimicked our Activity Camps minus the overnight. New staff and new ideas, created many new ways to empower our youngsters. In 2005, Calleva purchased Outerquest and with the new purchase, expanded, improved and diversified many of its programs. Probably the biggest program to be affected was our Junior Camp. We changed the name to Explorers, gave them a beautiful home on the banks of the Potomac, and never looked back again. Calleva feels strongly about continuing to evolve, and as the seasons changed so did our curriculum. The Explorers Camp focuses on some of the core Calleva Activities, but broadens the appeal with some more traditional camping experiences. The Explorers Camp calls its home Riley's Lock. Here, campers have the option of field sports, hiking, fishing, tubing, kayaking, canoeing, climbing, and base camp activities such as arts and crafts. Nestled perfectly at the confluence of the Potomac River and Seneca Creek, campers can walk to a variety of activities within eyesight of the Calleva office. Our backyard is the C&O Canal, a vast resource to learn about and roam, creating a huge expanse of land to EXPLORE!
Explorers Core Activities: Horseback Riding, Kayaking, Canoeing, and Climbing
Horseback Riding takes place 1.5 miles up the road at our Seneca Rd Riding Barn. During the school year this is home to our Riding Birthday Parties and Saturday Club and a great environment for horse introduction. The facility includes a beginner trail ride, dressage arena and stables w/ covered craft room and classroom. Under great supervision, Explorers will be introduced to the wonderful world of horses and have the opportunity to ride and familiarize themselves with the sport. We feel very strongly about the benefits of introducing children to animals and getting them comfortable with the care and handling of these large animals. The week is set up so Explorers come back for a second day of riding. The benefit to this approach is so the lessons can go beyond the initial introduction, and a deeper connection can be made.
Kayaking takes place right outside our office, in the calm waters of Seneca Creek. Explorers are given the basic concepts and opportunity to fall in love with the sport, as we did at very early ages. Calleva directors remember very specifically becoming familiar with kayaking from younger ages then our Explorers, and we have reaped the benefits for a healthy understanding with water and appreciation for such a primitive experience. The small girth of the creek and enclosed borders, offer up a perfect environment to get in a kayak for the first time and get it to move where you want it to. We create challenges that slowly increase development and confidence. This activity is revisited during the week for a more comprehensive understanding. Explorers are wearing flotation vests and swimming skills are not required, but a willingness to get into the water is crucial.
Canoeing happens in one full day of adventure. Explorers paddle from the banks near our office to the top of the island. From here they hike down trail to our island and participate in treasure hunt style activities. Campers also cook a snack on a fire and try their luck on our rope swing. The day is spent with age appropriate activities on the island until the return for afternoon council forces them back to civilization!
Climbing, believe it or not -it happens here! When the cliffs are far off, we bring them here with Calleva's Portable Climbing Wall. 1 of our 2 portable walls is readily available on the fields around our office and stands the tallest portable wall in the United States!!!
Special Considerations: Due to Activity Camp overnights, Thursday afternoon and Friday morning transportation is reduced to alternative Bus Routes. Please refer to Camp Bus Routes for locations and times, and be sure to select your alternative stop in addition to your regular stop on your Registration.
-- 2008 Summer schedule coming soon --