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About Explore Camps

Explore Camps began offering quality summer programs to the university and surrounding community in 2006. For 20 years, Explore Camps has expanded to offer more than 50 unique programs each year. We partner with university academic departments and local educators to offer a variety of STEM, art, social studies, and various other types of academic enrichment summer camps.

Meet Our Camps Team

Samantha Zook-Johnson

Camps and Community Outreach Coordinator | 850.474.3122 | szookjohnson@uwf.edu

Samantha brings 14 years of teaching experience across elementary, middle and high school levels, giving her a deep understanding of how students learn and what truly engages them at every age. During her time in the classroom, Samantha was recognized as a STEAM Innovator and led the development of engaging, inquiry-based learning experiences in the classroom. After beginning her work at UWF, she created and launched a field trip program that brings fifth-grade students to the UWF campus for immersive, hands-on science experiences, strengthening connections between the university and the surrounding community. In her role as Director of Explore Camps, Samantha leads the design of innovative, hands-on curricula and orchestrates the planning and delivery of dynamic Explore Camps experiences. Known for her creativity and passion for education, she is dedicated to ensuring students are engaged, inspired, and excited about learning.

Valerie Taylor

Associate Director | 850.474.3221 | vtaylor@uwf.edu

Valerie serves as the Associate Director of Community Programs for the Division of Continuing Education, where she oversees a diverse portfolio of educational initiatives including conferences, camps, classes, and workforce training programs. Drawing on her extensive experience as the former Director of Explore Camps, Valerie now provides strategic oversight to Explore Camps, ensuring the offerings continue to enrich the community through accessible, engaging educational experiences.

Award-Winning Summer Camps

Explore Camps is proud to be recognized as an Inweekly Best Summer Camp from 2018-2024! For over 20 years, Inweekly has called on the residents of Pensacola to vote for their favorite community partners in various categories. UWF Explore Camps is proud to have continuously been recognized as one of the Best Summer Camps in Pensacola each year— and voted the Best Summer Camp in 2022, 2023 and 2024! We are incredibly grateful to the community members and camp families who continue to support our mission for fun, educational, STEAM-based camps and cast their votes each year.

UWF Continuing Education and Explore Summer Camps have received top honors from the Association for Continuing Higher Education (ACHE) as well as from the University Professional & Continuing Education Association (UPCEA). Both organizations recognize outstanding credit and non-credit programs throughout the Southern region. Programs are judged on innovation, creativity, success, impact, and adaptability. UWF is proud to have been selected for the ACHE South Distinguished Non-Credit Program Award in 2010 as well as the UPCEA South Outstanding Program Award in 2011.