Hi!

We are the West Paris Explorers Program. We are in the process of relocating to a new location at the previous Ledgeview Nursing Home in West Paris, Maine. During this process, we have needed to remodel the space. We have received some grants, but we need the community's help and support.

A little about the West Paris Explorers Program:

We are a DHHS-licensed non-profit childcare organization that has been a part of the West Paris community for more than 20 years. We offer before and after school care, as well as enrichment activities. Some enrichment activities that are provided are academic tutoring (math and literacy), cooking opportunities, karate, dance, STEAM, culture club, and performing arts. We offer parent engagement and education opportunities as well.

During the summer, we offer an academic and enrichment summer camp. There are opportunities to go to town-sponsored swimming lessons at Lake Christopher.

Throughout the year, students are able to attend field trips. Some places that we have visited are the children's museum, Reid State Park, Southworth Planetarium, and going out to eat at area restaurants. Children and staff also visit local community locations, such as the fire department and local library. We have had organizations come to us and present educational programs as well.

How you can help:

To be able to continue to service children in the way we have in the past, we need your donations to help. Funding will be used to benefit students in need of scholarships to attend our program and to purchase necessary construction materials to meet codes and regulations required by DHHS. Funds will also be used for space rental and repair, and experiential learning events, classroom materials/supplies, and for upkeep and maintenance of the facility. Donations DO NOT have to be financial. We are also looking for donations in skills, time, and materials. Some tasks might include shoveling, washing and wiping down surfaces and walls, and small mechanical/construction projects. If you could provide any of these options, please reach out!

Thank you for your support of our program and our community's children!