Is it Cake? - Explorers

We cannot say enough wonderful things about DEAN Adventure Camp. This is the second year our boys attended. As parents we were drawn to the super flexible hours with no additional charge -- and no advance notice necessary (you can drop off at 8:00 am one day and 9:00 the next) -- including the extended summer coverage, as our school is out earlier than most, as well as the soup to nuts coverage in terms of lunch, snacks, etc. The boys asked to attend because of the wide variety of activities that you can't find at other camps. The did woodworking the first year and came home with tons of very cool projects. This year they have a "published" comic book, a skateboard they built, and tons of fun cooking projects. Our younger son signed up for two sessions of a different camp, and it just didn't click for him after the first session. We were able to get our money back to allow him to do a different camp, and he readily requested to go back to DEAN for additional weeks. DEAN was incredibly accommodating, getting him into his top choice activities and even applying the discount we used when signing up earlier in the year. We also need to mention the staff specifically who are absolutely phenomenal. This is not a camp where there are a bunch of teenagers on their phones as counselors. The staff greet my children by name every morning and are genuinely excited to be spending the day with them. My boys were especially excited to work with the counselors who are visiting from overseas this year -- they even got a lesson in rugby. They are incredibly kind and caring people, and you feel very good dropping your children off in the morning. We've done a number of different camps with our children over the years, and DEAN is by far the best we have attended. The boys are sad it's over for the year, but are looking forward to heading back next year.

DEAN is a creative and warm environment where my children have thrived! Each day, my child was brought to the car with a brief anecdote about the fun and learning that they had that day. I felt that we were a part of a fantastic community. My kids made instant friends at DEAN when they came in knowing no other campers. The staff is welcoming and accommodating when circumstances arise that require flexibility. Of all of the summer experiences we have tried over the years, DEAN is the best prepared for working families. We can not wait for another summer with DEAN next year.

Our daughter has been participating in the Fashion and Sewing camp at Dean since 2023 (when it was under the Handiwork Studio) and we have been impressed every year with the camp. Our daughter comes home beaming with pride every day, and by the end of the week has not only learned some pretty fantastic sewing skills, but has a quality piece of clothing that she has made! The counselors are incredible, the camp is well organized and run. It's truly a highlight of the summer and our daughter can't wait to return year after year!

DEAN is summer camp done right. Both my kids have loved the variety of different activities, not only across the weeks, but also within the camp day to keep things exciting. As a working parent, I appreciate so much the hours- which actually span a normal working day, without extra charges- and the ease and flexibility of both pickup and drop off. I also love that they have lunch included, again with variety that my kids like, and weeks that span the full summer, and counselors that are lively, experienced, and even remember my kids year to year. On top of all this, the administrative team is amazing with strong communication. 5 stars for DEAN! Thanks for keeping my kids happy and active (and me sane) over the summer!

Mid summer review. I wanted to come and RAVE about how amazing Dean Adv. Camp is. I want to be transparent here, camp in general can be very expensive but when I get to hear about what all my child does each day makes it worth it. Payment plans, referral codes, online coupons for booking more then one week are things they offer, so lets get into the camp, my child has a great lunch each day that I don't have to purchase or pack on my own, he makes new friends and gets to keep what ever he creates, this week he's bringing home a skateboard he got to put together and learn how to ride. Dean Adv. Camp has so many different options for activities the kids get to swim, do water play or just play outside everyday. They have indoor actives when the weather isn't suitable to have children outside. My child comes home everyday Fed, and tired, a great mix for the summer. There's before and aftercare provided at no extra cost for the working mommies like me and when I come for pick up my son begs to stay even though all the rest of the kids have gone home. There's a mix of young adult and adult counselors I feel my child is watched and interacted with through out the day where I know they are safe and they are not just having a free for all. We will be back next year and hopefully every summer until my child can become a counselor of his own. Thanks for a great summer so far!