We’re thrilled to share some of the incredible accomplishments that made this past summer and start to the school year our best yet! After completing our 22nd season of day camp, we’ve jumped into an exciting school year packed with new, STEM-based themes and activities. Here’s a look back at our summer highlights, after-school programming successes, and a glimpse of what’s on the horizon.
Summer Camp 2024: Our Biggest Year Yet!
Summer Camp 2024 was unforgettable, with more campers than ever before! Thanks to the generous support of Alpine Bank, The Summit Foundation, Breckenridge Grand Vacations, Summit County Rotary, Town of Breckenridge, Breckenridge Resort, Summit School District, and numerous individual donors, we provided nearly $12,000 in scholarship funding, making camp accessible for even more families. Our partnership with Team Summit allowed for exciting new field trip opportunities and adventures farther afield. We welcomed students from across 25 states, plus visitors from Dubai and Mexico, expanding the learning experiences and connections for everyone.
Supporting local families remains a priority. This summer, over 70% of our registrations came from working families in Summit County, with representation from each of the six elementary schools. We are grateful to be a vital part of this community!
After-School & School Break Programs: A New Model for Success
This past spring semester, we piloted an expanded approach to our after-school program, which included doubling capacity and offering programs directly at Breckenridge and Upper Blue Elementary Schools. In addition, we introduced a sliding fee scale to make these programs even more accessible, allowing families eligible for free & reduced lunch, SNAP, CHP+, or OmniSalud to participate for as little as $1 per day. This pilot was so successful that we’ve committed to this model long-term, despite the increased funding it requires, to ensure we’re supporting working families throughout the area.
Thanks to our dedicated Explorium Program Team, our after-school program now features unique, rotating STEM themes every two weeks. This semester, students explored mountain life zones, Leave No Trace principles, ocean ecosystems, outer space, and much more.
What’s Next? Big Plans for 2025
We’re already looking ahead to make next summer’s day camp our best yet! We hope to offer transportation for students from outside of Breckenridge to make our program even more accessible. We’ll pilot this new transportation service for our School Break program on Wednesday, November 27th.
We’re also dedicating resources to enhance our programs for students needing extra support, including those with autism, down syndrome, ADHD, and other needs. Our team is strategizing ways to better serve every child, ensuring that each student has a positive and enriching experience.
Thank you for being part of our journey! With your continued support, we’re excited to bring even more innovative and accessible experiences to the families we serve. Here’s to more milestones in 2025 and beyond!