2025 master Explorer Camps
Super Hero Training (Ages 6 - 11)
June 9 - 13 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
In this action-packed camp, future heroes will embark on an adventure to discover their unique superpowers and train like real superheroes. Campers will create their own superhero identities, design capes and masks, and complete exciting challenges to test their strength, agility, and teamwork. They'll develop their heroic skills while learning about bravery, kindness, and standing up for others. Are you ready to unleash your inner hero?
*Stay all day...Combine Super Hero Training and Arts and Eats. Pack a lunch and we'll provide supervised lunch and recreation.
Explore Maker City (Ages 8+)
June 9 - 13 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Campers will step into the world of making and unleash their creativity in this immersive experience. Designed for both beginners and experienced makers, the program offers opportunities to explore 3D printing, woodworking, laser cutting, sewing, and more. Throughout the week, they will gain hands-on experience with tools, technology, and techniques that bring ideas to life. Each day includes exciting projects that build skills and confidence, helping young makers become more independent. Whether discovering a new passion or refining their expertise, everyone will leave ready to turn imagination into reality.
*Stay all day...Combine Explore Maker City and Arts and Eats. Pack a lunch and we'll provide supervised lunch and recreation.
Arts and Eats (Ages 8+)
June 9 - 13 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Kick off a week of creativity, flavor and fun in this camp where we’ll make art you can eat! Inspired by first creating traditional art projects like painting and sculpture, campers will explore the delicious connection between food and art as they whip up gorgeous edible masterpieces. From colorful fruit mosaics to edible stained glass, they’ll learn how to make food that’s as tasty as it is beautiful! Please note: Recipes may include wheat, dairy, and eggs.
*Stay all day...Combine Super Hero Training or Explore Maker City with Arts and Eats. Pack a lunch and we'll provide supervised lunch and recreation.
Pokémon STEAM (Ages 6 - 11)
June 16 - 20 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Calling all young Pokémon Trainers! Get ready for a week of learning and adventure inspired by the world of Pokémon. Each day, campers will explore different areas of STEAM through hands-on activities, from designing their own character cards to building unique Pokémon habitats. Through creativity, problem-solving, and imagination, they’ll discover the science and magic behind their favorite Pokémon universe!
*Stay all day...Combine Pokémon and Lego Adventures. Pack a lunch and we'll provide supervised lunch and recreation.
Fashion Forward (Ages 8+)
June 16 - 20 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Calling all future designers and trendsetters! In Fashion Forward, campers will bring their creativity to life through hands-on design challenges—from upcycling t-shirts into chic new pieces to crafting their own DIY jewelry and accessories. They will also explore the world of costume creation, experimenting with fabrics, textures, and bold designs to express their unique style. Whether reinventing old clothes or designing runway-worthy looks, this camp is perfect for young makers who love fashion.
*Stay all day...Combine Fashion Forward and Lego Adventures. Pack a lunch and we'll provide supervised lunch and recreation.
Lego adventures (ages 6 - 11)
June 16 - 20 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM
What kind of vehicle would you need to explore the Arctic? How could you keep animals at bay during a rainforest expedition? LEGO enthusiasts will tackle these challenges and more as they build and program innovative creations using LEGO Spike Essentials. Each day, campers will embark on a new adventure, learning fundamental engineering principles and basic coding skills while bringing their ideas to life. Get ready for a week of creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on exploration!
*Stay all day...Combine Pokémon or Fashion Forward with Lego Adventures. Pack a lunch and we'll provide supervised lunch and recreation.
Rocket Lab: Blast Off! (ages 8+)
June 23 - 27 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Get ready for high-flying fun in Rocket Lab camp! Young engineers will explore the forces of flight, learning how gravity, weight, and aerodynamics affect motion. Campers will design and build rockets using paper, recyclable materials, and model rocket kits, while practicing essential woodworking skills like sanding, measuring, and gluing. On the last day, campers will launch their creations and see them soar! The final class will meet at Hillandale Park—parents must drop off and pick up their child from this location.
Camp Millionaire (Ages 6 - 11)
June 23 - 27 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Dreaming of becoming a millionaire? This fun-filled camp will set young entrepreneurs on the path to financial success! Throughout the week, campers will dive into the museum’s Mini-Economy, where they’ll apply for jobs, earn and save money, and even run their own businesses. Through hands-on activities, they’ll develop essential financial literacy skills in a playful and engaging way. The week culminates in an exciting Market Day, where friends and family can use Museum Bucks to shop at each camper’s storefront. This camp is offered in partnership with YES (Your Economic Success)!
Youtube Science (Ages 8+)
July 7 - 11 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Science and fun collide in this exciting camp inspired by YouTube’s most popular science creators, including former NASA engineer Mark Rober! Each day, campers will bring viral experiments and high-tech gadgets to life as they recreate hands-on projects from top YouTube science channels. Plus, they’ll take on the ultimate challenge—designing their own week-long STEM project or experiment, which will be filmed and posted on Explore More’s private YouTube channel, giving them a chance to share their discoveries like real science influencers!
*Stay all day...Combine YouTube Science and Art Adventures. Pack a lunch and we'll provide supervised lunch and recreation.
Build by design (Ages 6 - 11)
july 7 - 11 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Campers will unleash their creativity in Build By Design, where they become architects, engineers, and inventors! Throughout the week, they will explore essential design techniques and apply them to a variety of hands-on projects. From sketching blueprints to constructing prototypes and bringing imaginative ideas to life, campers will develop problem-solving skills and a designer’s mindset.
*Stay all day...Combine Build By Design and Art Adventures. Pack a lunch and we'll provide supervised lunch and recreation.
ARt Adventures (Ages 6 - 11)
July 7 - 11 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Dive into a vibrant week of artistic adventures! From the bold sculptures of Alexander Calder to the pop art of Andy Warhol, and the ancient craftsmanship of textile and ceramic makers, campers will journey through the world of art. Each day, they’ll explore different styles, techniques, and cultures, using their inspiration to create masterpieces of their own. Get ready to paint, sculpt, design, and discover the artist within!
*Stay all day...Combine YouTube Science or Build By Design with Art Adventures. Pack a lunch and we'll provide supervised lunch and recreation.
Inventors’ Lab: Create, code, innovate! (ages 8+)
July 14 - 18 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Why do humans invent? In this hands-on camp, young innovators will explore the power of invention by identifying real-world problems and designing creative solutions. Campers will brainstorm challenges they want to solve, then dive into circuitry, coding, Arduinos, and motors to bring their ideas to life. Through experimentation and prototyping, they’ll develop working inventions that address everyday problems. Join us for a week of curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving—the future of innovation starts here!
Twisted Tales Theater (Ages 6 - 11)
july 14 - 18 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Get ready to flip the script in Twisted Tales, a fun and imaginative theater camp where classic stories take unexpected turns! This playful camp invites young performers to explore acting, storytelling, and creativity through games and improvisation. Throughout the week, campers will put their own spin on familiar tales, working together to create a unique mini-production. The week culminates in a small, informal show for family and friends.
Lego Robotics (Ages 8+)
july 21 - 25 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Using LEGO Mindstorms EV3 software, older LEGO enthusiasts will dive into the exciting world of robotics! Through hands-on, engaging activities, campers will develop essential problem-solving skills, teamwork, and a strong foundation in coding, engineering, and computer science. As they build and program their own robots, they’ll tackle fun challenges that bring STEM concepts to life in an interactive and creative way!
*Stay all day...Combine Lego Robotics and Curious Cooks. Pack a lunch and we'll provide supervised lunch and recreation.
magic tree house adventures (Ages 6 - 11)
july 21 - 25 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Step into the pages of the Magic Tree House and journey through time and space with Jack and Annie! This camp blends art, music, science, and imagination as campers explore thrilling destinations. They’ll time travel back to the last days of Pompeii in Vacation Under the Volcano, journey through the rainforest in Afternoon on the Amazon, set sail on a high-seas adventure in Pirates Past Noon, explore the Galapagos Islands in Time of the Turtle King and trek across Antarctica in Eve of the Emperor Penguin. Throughout the week, each camper will also design and build their very own model treehouse, bringing their adventures to life.
*Stay all day...Combine Magic Tree House Adventures and Curious Cooks. Pack a lunch and we'll provide supervised lunch and recreation.
Curious Cooks (Ages 6 - 11)
July 21 - 25 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Calling all young food explorers! In this class, campers will whip up delicious recipes, delve into the science behind cooking, and stretch their palates with new flavors and ingredients. Through hands-on kitchen adventures, they’ll discover how simple ingredients transform into amazing dishes while learning essential cooking skills along the way. Whether mixing, measuring, or tasting something new, this camp is perfect for kids who love to experiment, create, and, of course, eat!
*Stay all day...Combine Lego Robotics or Magic Tree House Adventures and Curious Cooks. Pack a lunch and we'll provide supervised lunch and recreation.
Pop Up Bake Shop (Ages 6 - 11)
July 28 - August 1 | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Calling all aspiring bakers and entrepreneurs—Explore More is opening a bakery… for one week only! Step into our 3rd-floor kitchen, where campers will whip up delicious treats while learning the ins and outs of running a business. From mixing and measuring to marketing and money management, they'll get a taste of what it takes to be both a baker and a business owner. The grand finale? A special Friday bake sale where campers will sell their creations to benefit the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank! Get ready to bake, create, and give back!
Game Masters (Ages 8+)
July 28 - August 1 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Roll the dice and unleash creativity! Campers will play some of their favorite board, card, and strategy games while discovering what makes them fun and engaging. Then, they’ll become game designers, inventing their own original games from scratch. From creating rules and designing game boards to testing and refining their ideas, campers will develop unique games to share. The week will end with a Game Expo, where they’ll showcase and play each other’s creations.
Museum Mash-Up (Ages 6 - 11)
August 4 - 8| 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
For the kid who wants to do it all, Museum Mash-up is the ultimate adventure! This STEAM-based camp offers a little bit of everything—cooking, engineering challenges, hands-on science experiments, creative art projects, and plenty of time enjoying favorite museum activities. Campers will dive into exciting new experiences, whether they’re building, experimenting, or creating. They’ll have the chance to explore different areas of interest, developing new skills and sparking their imaginations along the way.
I Spy CSI (Ages 6 - 11)
August 11 - 15| 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Go undercover, crack codes, and uncover secrets in this action-packed mystery camp! Young investigators will step into the world of espionage as they engineer high-tech spy gadgets, master the art of disguise, and use real forensic science to solve thrilling mysteries. From fingerprint analysis to secret message decryption, campers will explore the same techniques used by real CSI investigators to crack cases every day. Get ready for some top-secret fun!
Dissection Lab (Ages 6 - 11)
August 18 - 22| 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Great Homeschool Option! This is the perfect camp for kids who are fascinated by the animal world and eager to take a closer look at what makes creatures thrive. Through engaging activities, campers will discover animal classifications, adaptations, and unique characteristics. They’ll also explore different body systems, including the brain and nervous system, respiratory system, and circulatory system, uncovering how these systems work together to support life. Each day features an exciting hands-on dissection, giving campers a rare opportunity to observe anatomy up close.