PITTSBURGH HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Junior Explorers at North Park: A week of hands-on hiking, fishing and STEM for early graders
A structured, safety-focused day camp at North Park Boathouse that teaches hiking, biking, geocaching, fishing and team skills for Kindergarten through 2nd grade.
Junior Explorers at North Park: A week of hands-on hiking, fishing and STEM for early graders.
Summer Camp - Junior Explorers places young learners into a daylong loop of outdoor discovery—short hikes, geocaching hunts, gentle bike rides and supervised fishing—blended with simple STEM experiments and team-building games in a program designed specifically for early elementary grades.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Trails, bikes and geocaches
Campers spend time on short hikes and supervised bike outings and learn basic navigation through geocaching—activity types that introduce kids to outdoor movement and exploration in a contained, park-based setting.
Fishing and hands-on STEM
In addition to on-trail activities, the week includes fishing (with child-appropriate hooks) and simple STEM experiments aimed at curiosity and practical learning under staff supervision.
Structured play and teamwork
Each day emphasizes social skills and team-building games delivered by safety-conscious staff who maintain a structured environment tailored to young campers.
What the day feels like
What a week looks like
Across a week of scheduled days, children rotate through short, supervised outdoor sessions—hiking and biking on park trails, searching for geocaches, learning to fish with appropriate gear, and taking part in simple STEM projects and team-building activities—each delivered within a consistent, safety-first framework.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program fits — and the limits.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Pack a daypack with lunch, snacks, a water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, an extra set of clothes and shoes, a raincoat, and any required medication. Optional items include sunglasses and a hat. Extra water and snacks are also provided each day.
Campers should bring lunch and snacks; additional water and snacks are supplied by the program daily.
Include a raincoat and sun protection; the program continues in inclement weather with indoor or sheltered alternatives as needed.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What happens if we have bad weather?
Camp is not typically canceled for inclement weather; activities and locations may be adjusted and campers will use indoor or sheltered options when necessary.
What is your cell phone / handheld electronics policy?
Campers must keep cell phones and handheld electronics in their backpacks during camp; staff will hold a device for the day if a camper continues using it after a warning and return it at pickup.
What accommodations can you make for my child?
Parents will receive a Camper Wellbeing packet after registration to detail special accommodations; staff will try to provide them if they do not change the nature of activities and if requested at least two weeks in advance.
Will you offer aftercare after 4pm?
There will be no aftercare this year.
Can I pick my child up early or arrive late?
Early pickup or late arrival may be accommodated depending on planned activities; families should contact staff to discuss the day’s schedule.
What happens if I pick my child up late?
A late pickup fee of $1.00 per minute per child applies beginning at 4:01pm.
Can I switch which program my child is in?
Program changes may be possible if space allows; requests should be made at least two weeks before the camp week and a $25 administrative charge applies for switches.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Camperships may be available; families should complete the application on the Summer Camp FAQ page — submission does not guarantee a campership. For questions, contact [email protected] or 412-255-0564.