Explorer Camp Palo Alto - K to 1st - Day Camp

Five- and six-year-olds are natural adventurers. Every day they’re breaking new ground—exploring different ideas, investigating new corners of their worlds, and developing their own identities.

Our Explorer Day Camp which has a comfortable camper to staff ratio of 5:1 is built for these young pioneers, from the most cautious to the most adventurous. It’s a place where K – 1st graders can feel comfortable trying a variety of exciting outdoor adventures—kayaking, hiking, biking, and stand up paddleboarding in beautiful local spots—balanced by creative activities like yoga, art and music. Our Explorer program also features a two-day biking curriculum designed to increase kids’ skills and comfort with pedal biking.

Under the guidance of our experienced instructors, campers harness their hardwired curiosity as they start to explore the world of outdoor adventuring, discovering what they love to do and growing confidently into who they are.

PRICING

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Camp Pricing Single 2-Fer 3-Peat 4-Pack
Number of Camps 1 2 3 4
Price Per Camp $614 $589 $581 $564
YOU SAVE! - $50 $100 $200
View Available Camps

* Why your kid should do multiple weeks of Avid.

* Why we charge what we do.

* We are committed to inclusivity for all. Are finances a barrier for you? Apply For Financial Assistance or Check Out Payment Plans.

* Multi-week discount applies to individual camper only.

ADD-ON PRICES Price
Optional:  
Early Drop Off $30
After Care $85
Lunch Option $25

Camp Details

GRADES

Entering K - 1st
(must be 5 by the start of camp)

Hours

9am - 3pm
Extended Care: 8am - 6pm. Click for After Care Info

Dates

See Camp Dates Below

Location

June 8 - July 24: Palo Alto High School, 50 Embarcadero Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94301


July 27 - Aug 7: TBD

Policies

Information on Cancellations, Date Changes, and Annual Registration Fee.

THE WEEK’S ADVENTURES

Kayaking

Biking

Exploring

Art, Music & Yoga

Stand Up Paddleboarding

Places We Go: Port of Redwood City

Explorers take to the water for carefully controlled flat-water instruction, getting familiar with their equipment and environment, practicing paddling techniques and water safety and gaining confidence stroke by stroke.

Places We Go: On-site, Rancho San Antonio

Whether they’ve never been on a bike before or have plenty of experience on two wheels, we get kids comfortable with biking technique, safety, and equipment. The first day is spent on our on-site course and the second is out on the trail to put their skills to the test. Bring your own bike or use one from our fleet, which can accommodate kids of any size.

Places We Go: Bedwell-Bayfront Park

Age appropriate and eye opening, our hikes teach campers about the flora and fauna around them and Leave-No-Trace principles as they start building awareness of their surroundings and respect for the natural world.

For half of the day, to balance out their daily adventures, kids also explore more introspective activities. They will be learning about breathing and balance in storytime yoga, practicing self-expression and artistic techniques in art and engaging their bodies and voices through music.

Places We Go: Shoreline Park

Explorers take to local bodies of water to learn the basics of stand up paddleboarding, building core strength and balance and getting confident on the water.

Sample Schedule

We've put together a pretty awesome day camp schedule for your kids! Here's a sample:

Monday
AM: Kayaking
PM: Yoga
Tuesday
AM: Art
PM: Biking (on site)
Wednesday
AM: Biking
PM: Yoga
Thursday
AM: Music
PM: SUP
Friday
AM: Hiking
PM: Art

Why Sign Up For Multiple Weeks?

Do you remember that old TV show Blue’s Clues? It was the most successful kids’ show of all time. Do you remember that book that your child insisted on reading over and over again? How could you forget it? Why was Blue’s Clues so successful and why did your child NEED to re-read that book? Because repetition promotes learning, growth, and empowerment.

Based on our experience (and a bunch of brain science), we know that multiple weeks of Avid camp will benefit your child – it will result in greater skill development, increased self-confidence, higher levels of risk assessment/environmental awareness, and an improved ability to connect socially with others.

WE TAKE SAFETY SERIOUSLY

While no outdoor adventure is totally risk-free, we work hard to keep your kids safe. Every activity starts with a discussion about the risks involved -- what they are, how to prevent them, how to respond if something goes wrong -- so kids learn how to approach challenges with intelligence and skill.

OUR APPROACH TO SAFETY