Since our founding in 1976 as a nonprofit startup out of MIT, EXPLO has created transformational learning environments of intellectual inquiry and spirited adventure. In roughly 50 years, we’ve brought together over 89,000 students and educators from 101 countries for summer enrichment programs. We design programs with immersive, boundary-pushing worlds for kids and teens to explore. Here, clever young people take the time to wonder, find passions, and make surprising discoveries.
EXPLO (explo.org) has 68 customer reviews on Five Star Index, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5.
Also known as
explo.org
Website
explo.org
Category
Outdoor Activities
Listed on Five Star Index
2026
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Most recent review: August 2026.
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The counselors/Advisors were fantastic. But the schedule was constantly changing and the summer heat wasn't that bad, but we had to walk (in the "terrible" heat) across campus from dinner to our sleeping spot.
Response from EXPLOSep 11, 2026
Thank you for the feedback. So glad you enjoyed the Advisors. We wish we could control the weather - maybe we can have a class on that? Seriously, thanks for the input and we are working on how to handle the hot nights.
YU
Yuanyuan
very little information and feedback…
very little information and feedback from the teachers in camp, especially for those who came very far away to attend the camp.
Response from EXPLOSep 9, 2024
Thanks for your note. We are always happy to share feedback and provide insights during and after your summer experience. Please send a note to [email protected] and let us know what program your child attended.
PB
Proud but C.
An opportunity to be yourself.
Overall, my teen truly enjoyed the experience. My teen had the opportunity to meet new people from all over and learn about them and with them. Explo did a great job of keeping them busy and engaged. My child appreciated living in the dorms and experiencing some “independence and autonomy.” The RAs were phenomenal in getting to know my teen, building trust and fluid communication. My teen felt heard and seen. What I think Explo needs to work on is communication with the families. The no phone policy needs to be adjusted. I understand the need to minimize distractions and keep kids engaged but, they should have times where if the teens need to communicate with their family due to homesickness, mental heath, or times of emergency they should allow them to have access to their device. Maybe a monitored hour in the evening, once or twice a week. In addition, Explo should create a transitional space for those challenged with adjustment. They suffer alone because most don’t or can’t communicate what it is that they are experiencing. Some participants come from across the globe and are immersed in a foreign place with no familiar people or identifiable support. Maybe a round table discussion about change, separation, adjustment and building bridges. In addition, the dorms are extremely hot, no ac and minimal air circulation from fans. They should consider securing better accommodations. In addition, when something changes that affects the participants parents should be informed. We should be made aware if any circumstances change that may directly affect our kids and administrators should openly communicate. The teens should have someplace to go other than roaming around because they can’t return back to the dorms after activities. I understand the need for supervision and safety. Maybe they have a drop off and pick up time, I’m which they can drop off their backpacks, bags and pick up what’s useful in the evening hours. However, lugging your belongings around all day, Is a bit much.
Response from EXPLONov 25, 2024
Thank you for your thoughtful review. We're delighted your teen had such a positive experience with our diverse community and engaged staff. It's wonderful to hear that the RAs successfully built trust and made your teen feel heard and seen.
We agree with you that it is essential that students are supported in their transition from home to the program and it’s something we take seriously. Leaving home can be challenging and being homesick is normal. It can take a few days to feel comfortable in a new place and we are very focused on making sure that each student feels a sense of belonging. In terms of communication with home, during the first week of the program should there be any serious mental health issues or an emergency we certainly would have students call home. But what we have found over the years is that calling home when a student is homesick can actually exacerbate the homesickness. That said, if we think a case of homesickness is very severe, we will be calling home to consult with parents.
There are many systems in place to help students adjust, including the first few days of structured schedules, regular check-ins with residential advisors, and all-community meetings. No doubt, parents know their children best, and at the same time, parents don’t know the program, the other students, the programming, the campus, and the resources available. What we’ve found is that it’s important for students to work with adults at the program who are well equipped to help students become adjusted to this new place. After the first week, students have access to phones and there are multiple times during the day when they can call home.
We do know that going a week without hearing from your child can be challenging for parents, which is why we have a robust Office of Student Life. Everyday members of that department are communicating with parents. Parents are our partners in ensuring every child has a positive experience.
Thanks for the feedback on the dorms. We hear you. This coming summer we’ll be moving to different accommodations that we think your child would appreciate.
Thank you again for your review!
NA
Na
not Certified instructors
Would have preferred if the instructors were experienced and certified teachers. Would have also preferred that the classes were more interactive as opposed to slides based.
Response from EXPLOAug 29, 2024
Thank you for your feedback. We are committed to making our classes interactive, and members of our Department of Teaching and Learning observe every class to ensure that courses are hands-on and engaging. We would welcome knowing what classes you or your child took that were slide-based so that we can look into this. Regarding certified instructors, our primary focus is on hiring instructors who know the discipline and who demonstrate that they can deliver engaging and experiential curriculum.
