Why Explorer Base Camp works

At its simplest, Explorer Base Camp is about role, sequence, and believable pretend cause-and-effect, starting with the instruction to choose the expedition goal such as finding a waterfall or animal tracks. Set up an explorer base camp that plans one pretend expedition before anyone ‘leaves’ the camp. The first useful comparison appears when the child then has to mark a simple route on the pretend map.

Set up — Choose the expedition goal such as finding a waterfall or animal tracks

Prepare household items before the child is asked to choose the expedition goal such as finding a waterfall or animal tracks. Complete the opening request to choose the expedition goal such as finding a waterfall or animal tracks once before adding the next instruction to mark a simple route on the pretend map. Keep props ordinary and safe, and do not copy real hazardous, medical, or emergency procedures throughout that first transition.

Step 2 — Mark a simple route on the pretend map

Allow room for a mistake while the child tries to mark a simple route on the pretend map. A self-correction here is more useful than fast repetition before the child moves on to select only the props needed for that mission.

Step 3 — Select only the props needed for that mission

After the child tries to select only the props needed for that mission, ask one brief question about the result. Connect their answer to the next request to act out the departure and one discovery rather than explaining it for them.

Step 4 — Act out the departure and one discovery

Have the child act out the departure and one discovery before offering a solution. What happens here should help them understand how to return to base camp and give a short expedition report, especially compared with the earlier request to select only the props needed for that mission.

Step 5 — Return to base camp and give a short expedition report

Give the child time to return to base camp and give a short expedition report and notice the result. The following instruction to return to base camp and give a short expedition report should use what they learned after previously trying to act out the departure and one discovery.

What to notice before Return to base camp and give a short…

The strongest evidence appears after the child has tried to select only the props needed for that mission and before they finish by trying to return to base camp and give a short expedition report. Look for whether the next pretend action follows from what the characters just did rather than judging the round by speed or neatness.

Make Select only the props needed for that… easier or harder

Use the child’s last successful attempt to select only the props needed for that mission to set the next round. Simplify by doing this: use one role, one place, and one short problem. Extend it by doing this: add a second responsibility, clue, customer, or consequence that must be handled in order.

Finish after Return to base camp and give a short…

Return to base camp and give a short expedition report. When that step is complete, Explorer Base Camp has done what it was designed to do. Browse the activity search for a different mechanic, or use the activity generator.