Sleepaway Program Explo Junior

Airport

We know that one of the big concerns about traveling far from home is transportation. Our staff—easily identifiable in their bright orange EXPLO t-shirts—meet students at the airport, escort them to campus, and help students settle in. On arrival day, staff members remain at the airport until we know that the last student has been picked up.

At the end of the session, we take students back to the airport—and stay there until we’re sure everyone is safe and in the air.

The cost for airport transportation is $100 each way, and if a student is flying as an unaccompanied minor, there is an additional charge of $150 each way.

Car

Families may arrive between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM on the first day of their session. On departure day, students will be packed and ready to greet their families between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM. EXPLO signs will direct you through to registration.

Most students will be housed in double rooms with a traditional multi-stall hall bathroom. We encourage families to work with their Admission Counselor to discuss housing for their child. Each student is part of a living group. There are two residential advisors per living group and the group is comprised of students from a diverse array of backgrounds. Living groups are determined based on student grade and gender identity, with an option for mixed-grade, gender-inclusive housing should space be available.

Each living group is also supervised by two residential directors who work closely with the Deans and Assistant Deans in the Office of Student Life. The Office of Student Life ensures that each student feels a sense of belonging at the program and is thriving. Since most students have never lived in a residence hall and most have never had a roommate, members of the Office of Student Life guide and advise students through this new experience.

Most students are assigned a roommate they do not know. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to get to know someone new. We recommend that if friends come to the program that they do not live with one another, but they can instead request to be in the same living group. That said, students may choose specific roommates as long as both students are in the same grade and they request one another. 

Students are not permitted to have cell phones or laptop computers with them on campus for the duration of the program. For students traveling on their own, EXPLO can safely store these devices until departure. Communication will be through EXPLO phones.

Kindles, iPods, and other personal music/reading devices are allowed, but only for purposes of playing music and reading. Any cellular or internet capabilities must be deactivated for the duration of the student’s time at EXPLO. All books or audio must be pre-loaded on a device, as streaming will not be available.

Apple watches or other smartwatches/personal devices must also be disconnected from cellular, GPS, or internet capabilities.

In order to establish a support system with the other members of the EXPLO community, students may not make or receive calls during the first week of the program. Students may call home beginning the second Monday of each session from a shared phone on their floor.

Families can always call the Main Office and connect with the Office of Student Life for an update on their child. 

From day one, families may send emails to students using the student messaging service on the Student Portal. Students will not have access to their personal email accounts.

Students may send and receive snail mail, and should bring stamps with them to the program.

Care packages and nuts

EXPLO is a nut-sensitive program. We ask that you refrain from sending your child food or candy of any kind. Nut-rich candies, granola bars, and chocolates, or toiletries containing nuts or nut oils, could be incredibly harmful to students with allergies so they, along with food of any kind, will not be delivered to students in their dorms. Most parents/guardians do not send gifts of any kind to their children, but if you want to reach out, you could email funny articles or stories or other encouraging, positive material that will let them know how much you care.

English is the working language of EXPLO. To enroll in the program, you must be able to speak and understand English at a reasonably fluent level. To ensure that everyone is able to participate in all aspects of the program, students who do not attend a school with an English language-based curriculum or speak English at home may need to interview with EXPLO. Once you’ve submitted an application and deposit, we’ll contact you and your family about completing an interview should we determine that one is necessary.

Almost 90,000 students from 101 countries have attended EXPLO. The community is diverse, and students from around the world have made lifelong friends across cultures. Students attending EXPLO are eligible to attend under a B-2 tourist visa. You can check to see whether a visa is required using the online Visa Wizard on the US Travel website – select the “study or exchange” and then “recreational program.” Should you need to apply for a visa, EXPLO will provide you with a support letter tailored to your needs. 

Regardless of visa need, all students entering the US from abroad are encouraged to request a travel letter from EXPLO to expedite entry and should ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their planned entry date.