East End Explorer Camp

All campers should arrive to the site at 9am and be picked up at 2pm

Yes, with our 1-day Explorer Experience you can sign up for a single afternoon experience or vary your dates throughout the week, month, or summer.

For our 1-day Explorer Experience we schedule Monday and Wednesday for campers 7-10 years old in our Blue Heron group, on Tuesday and Thursday we take out the older campers age 11-14 with our Osprey group. 

For our Signature Explorer Camp we split the group into 3 smaller groups;

Captains, age 11-13

Mates, age 8-10

Wildlife spotters age 6-8. 

We often times commingle and work together but are provided differing  experiences based on physical, social, and emotional abilities. 

Please feel free to email any questions regarding this matter to paddletour@gmail.com

Each week is similar, but not the same. Every week we are on the water and exploring, yet as the summer progresses different species to learn about come in and out of the bay. The ever changing tides and conditions mean no 2 days are ever the same. We will also have varying  guest speakers and exhibits throughout the summer.

We prefer the kids to eat the lunch we provide through Citarella. It helps streamline the process and ensures everyone has a nutritious lunch to keep them energized throughout the day.  Campers are welcome to bring food from home if they prefer.

If your camper has a cellphone we ask that it is kept in their bag during Explorer Camp. We are not responsible for anything a camper brings that gets lost or damaged.

Because we are classified as a single activity boating camp that  educates through on the water experiences we are exempt from NYS regulations that affect other summer camp programs. Since 2019 the state of New York requires we state that: this camp is not regulated or inspected by the New York State Department of Health and is not required to obtain a Department of Health permit. This camp is not required to follow Department of Health regulations, including, checking the state sex offender registry prior to hiring staff; maintaining minimum staff-to-child ratios; hiring medical personnel; or reporting injuries or illnesses to the Department of Health. 

Despite not being required to do the above we do adhere to the same rules to maintain a safe space for your campers. We just are not required to. Please feel free to email any questions regarding this matter to paddletour@gmail.com

East End Explorer Camp

Rules and Behavior Expectations 

Our first priorities are safety and creating a positive atmosphere for learning. 

The expectations listed below enable participants to have a safe, enjoyable experience. 

The staff at East End Explorer Camp does not condone and will not permit: 

• Corporal punishment 

• Ridiculing, threatening, or using an inappropriately loud voice 

• Leaving children unsupervised 

• Use of profanity For our participants we expect age-appropriate behavior within these guidelines: 

• Walk, no running or horseplay 

• Cooperate with staff and follow directions 

• Listen quietly while the instructor is talking 

• Respect other children, staff, equipment, facilities, and yourself 

• Stay in program areas and wait for an adult before leaving the classroom 

• Practice care and respect while handling animals 

• Please do not bring radios, iPods, video gaming systems, or electronics In the field

• The instructor always goes down the trail or waterway first 

• Remain silent or whisper to observe the wildlife 

• Always keep together as a group and within sight of an adult at all times 

• Absolutely no horseplay 

• There will be no swimming unless certified lifeguards are present. When wading in water, do not get in water above your waistline. 

• Keen sandals, water shoes, or shoes with perforations are recommended for all activities. 

• Do not put anything, including parts of your body, outside the vessel when underway

• Wear your life jacket and remain seated in all vessels

• Use an "inside voice”

• No horseplay — keep hands to yourself 

Discipline Policy: 

1. If a child is unable to comply with the behavior expectations, the instructor/assistant instructor will speak to the child to find a solution together. 

2. A time-out may be given if the child continues to not meet behavior expectations. The number of minutes of time-out will not exceed the child’s age in years. Time-outs are always supervised by an adult. 

3. A conference will be held by the Summer Camp Director with the child. If the child is still unable to comply with the behavior expectations, the Summer Camps Director will speak directly with the guardian to develop and implement strategies to help with success. 

4. After a reasonable amount of time and effort has been made, the individual may be asked to forego the summer camp experience without a refund until alternative behaviors are learned. 

Behaviors that may result in immediate dismissal include but are not limited to: 

• Any action that could threaten or pose a direct threat to the physical/emotional safety of the child, other children, staff, or program animals 

• Fighting 

• Possession of a weapon of any kind 

• Vandalism or destruction of Wildlife, Explorer Camp property or property of others