07/31/2026
Five photos that are making us smile this summer. ☀️💙
It’s amazing how much can happen in just the first three weeks.
Looking back through our photos from Session 1, these five stood out to us because they help tell the story of what we're trying to build at Boston Explorers: a place where young people build confidence, experience a true sense of belonging, discover new possibilities, and grow into leaders who care about their communities.
#1 Confidence. From neighborhood pools to YMCA swim lessons, campers are building skills, confidence, and an important life skill. Access to swimming and water safety isn't something every child has, and we're proud to help change that.
#2 Friendship and belonging. One camper putting an arm around another as they walk into the ocean together. We work to create a culture where every young person feels welcomed, valued, and like they belong. When young people know they're accepted and supported, they're more willing try new things, build confidence, and grow as leaders.
#3 Pure joy. This smile is a reminder that every young person deserves a summer filled with laughter, adventure, and the chance to simply be a kid.
#4 Trying new things. For most of our campers, rowing on the Charles River was a first. One of our favorite parts of Boston Explorers is watching young people discover they can do things they never imagined, and helping make experiences like these accessible to our youth.
#5 Exploring our own city. From the Tall Ships and the JFK Library to Northeastern's makerspace, parks, pools, beaches, and neighborhoods across Boston, we're helping young people discover that this city belongs to them too.
The feedback from families says it even better than we can:
"Our children went from being wary at the idea of camp to so excited!"
"He didn't want to do swim lessons but pushed through and ended up having such a positive experience."
"They are gaining meaningful knowledge of Boston while experiencing new things daily."
“They are more adventurous”
“He is more independent & confident”
And this is after just three weeks!
Thank you to our campers, families, staff, partners, volunteers, and supporters for making these experiences possible. We can't wait to see what the rest of the summer brings.
