Andrew
GBA fun learning environment with… A fun learning environment with hand-crafted courses. A diverse, creative, inquisitive, and interesting student body. They really help you explore different passions and try new things in a safe environment.
Rene Morrow
GBVariety and High Quality The variety and high quality of programs are what make Explo great! I wish I could have attended when I was young.
Coretta Osmond
GBWe learned about it and ran with it! Last year was the first I heard about EXPLO. I don't have the resources to send my boys to such camp and I was honored to know that both boys were given a chance that changed their lives forever in a POSITIVE way. They became so mature and responsible. My older one began acting like he's already in college. It's unbelievable to see the growth after EXPLO in my two boys
Abbie H.
GBEXPLO (at Yale) is delightful...if you can afford it I attended EXPLO at Yale for three summers. I was a really delightful opportunity. Taking mini-classes on subjects I was truly interested in reminded me of my love for learning. In the U.S. education system, I had started to lose sight of that. I gained incredible knowledge about different countries, political systems, philosophical and sociological theories, and systems of exploitation. I also learned lots of practical skills: how to problem solve, work productively within a group, write a resume and college admissions essay, and navigate life in a big(ger) city (than I had ever lived in up until that point). EXPLO prepared me for college in a way few other practical experiences could have. More than anything, though, the people were the defining feature of my experience. The people are what made it worth it. I have made friends that I still keep in touch with from EXPLO. Having so many curious, intelligent, successful kids all together was rewarding in a way few opportunities were. I felt seen and understood. I'll always be grateful I got to attend EXPLO. However, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the big, obvious problem: the finances. Motherpucker it's expensive. Without help from my very generous grandparents (who valued educational experiences for their grandchildren) there is no shot I would've been able to go. None. It is prohibitively expensive, and I'm sure that the pandemic, recent inflation, and corporate greed have only exacerbated the problem. I honestly don't know what the breakdown of expenses is. Feeding and transporting people to activities for 3 weeks is expensive for sure, but for the price they ask for?? Maybe the rent of the facilities they use takes most of it. It certainly didn't go to our chaperones (they totally deserved the money, too!) The only other complaint I had as a child was that time was super strictly regimented and that the adults could be a tad overbearing. However, for liability and logistical reasons, as an adult I completely understand. They're a consequence of keeping everyone safe and avoiding lawsuits. Those problems never ruined any experience of mine, it was just odd at age 17 to be corralled around sometimes. If you can put those complaints aside, the experience is nearly perfect. I cannot recommend it to those who can afford it enough. For those who cannot, I empathize. I only got to go because of luck. P.S. My last experience with EXPLO was in 2018-2019, so ignore the date of experience for my review!
Shelly Thomas Ward
CRConfidence & Friendship My daughter's experience at Explo in the Summer of 2023 was transformative. Not only did she explore interests in architecture and game design, she came home a more confident and capable person. She made so many friends, many of which she is still in touch with after nearly a year. It was the perfect mix of autonomy and supervision - downtime and planned activities. I am very grateful for the time she spent at Explo.