THE ELLIS SCHOOL

Life at Ellis
Summer Camp

Camps by Age

Thank you for your interest in Summer Camp at The Ellis School. After much careful deliberation, and with much sadness, we have decided to cancel our summer 2020 programs in light of the current state of government restrictions and health concerns. We apologize for any inconvenience and can't wait to see our campers again next summer!

Early Education Half-day Camps (Ages 2–5)

List of 4 items.

  • Amazing Animals

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    June 8–129:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Ages 2–5, coed$280$300
    The wild and wonderful world of animals comes to life during this half-day camp at Ellis. Campers will learn all about the different environments animals live in, create animal art, pretend to be their favorite animals, and enjoy a visit from the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

  • Mystery in the Morning

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    June 15–199:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Ages 2–5, coed$280$300
    What mysteries might the Ellis campus hold? Our campers are going to find out! During this week-long half-day camp, your child will use their problem-solving skills and creative mind to search for clues, craft their own mystery stories, and step into the shoes of a forensic scientist.

  • Summer Superheroes

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    June 22–269:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Ages 2–5, coed$280$300
    Wake up and put on your capes, campers—it's time for Summer Superheroes! During this half-day camp, superheroes will take on all forms. Your child will create their own superhero costume, design an original adventure comic strip, and learn about everyday superheroes in our community. 

  • Early Morning Olympics

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    June 29–July 29:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Ages 2–5, coed$250$285
    The Summer Olympics are right around the corner, so our Early Morning Olympics campers will gear up for the games by exploring their favorite sports. Each morning we'll tackle a different event and prepare for our own Olympic games. This four-day camp will be filled with indoor and outdoor athletics and a celebratory ceremony on the last day.
Please Note: All campers ages 3 and up MUST be potty-trained.

Exploratory Full-day Camps (Ages 3–10)

List of 4 items.

  • Awesome Animal Adventures

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    June 8–129:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.Age 3–entering grade 4, coed$350$375
    The animal kingdom takes over the Ellis campus during Awesome Animal Adventures. Campers will have a wild time learning all about the different ecosystems animals inhabit. Your child will create animal-inspired art, use their animal athletic skills, and enjoy a visit from the Pittsburgh Zoomobile—with real zoo animals!

  • Mystery Madness

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    June 15–199:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.Age 3–entering grade 4, coed$350$375
    Mysterious things are happening at Ellis, so this summer our campers will become spies, decipher clues, and crack the case! By questioning suspects, solving camp mysteries, and writing short original mysteries of their own, our Mystery Madness detectives will learn all about forensic science while making friends and having fun.

  • STEAM Superheroes

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    June 22–26            9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.Age 3–entering grade 4, coed$350$375
    Superheroes come in all forms, and our STEAM Superheroes campers will explore the importance of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics while discovering their own superhero personalities. Each day will be focused on a different aspect of STEAM, and by the end of the week, campers will be able to fly high and soar after learning their personal strengths.

  • Ellis Olympics

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1   Regular Price Before June 1
    June 29–July 2                         9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.                        Age 3–entering grade 4, coed$300$325
    It's almost time for the Summer Olympics, and Ellis campers will gear up for their favorite sports during each day of this four-day camp, all while preparing for their own Olympic games. Your child will participate in a variety of indoor and outdoor athletics (including water sports) and enjoy a celebratory ceremony on the last day.
Please Note: All campers ages 3 and up MUST be potty-trained.

Middle School (Ages 11–14)

List of 9 items.

  • Stage Combat

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    June 29–July 2   9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Entering grade 5–graduated grade 8, coed$175$190
    Ever wonder how they make fights look so real on stage and in the movies? It's all about theatrical illusion and selling it with acting! Campers will start by exploring the basics of combat safety, learn how to fall correctly, and then move on to choreographing combat. Please note: Students must wear appropriate clothing and footwear for strenuous physical activity. This camp is run by professional actors from Saltworks Theatre Company.

  • Comedic Acting

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    June 29–July 2   12:30–3:30 p.m.Entering grade 5–graduated grade 8, coed$175$190
    Being funny on stage is a lot harder than it looks! Campers will discover different comedic styles (like deadpan, parody, and physical) during this crash course in making 'em laugh. This performance camp is run by professional actors from Saltworks Theatre Company.

  • Art in Motion - Dance by Bodiography

    MORNING SESSION
    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 6–109:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Entering grade 5–graduated grade 8, girls only$175$190

    AFTERNOON SESSION
    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 6–1012:30–3:30 p.m.Entering grade 5–graduated grade 8, girls only$175$190
    Get on your feet, campers! Have your child join us for a few days of moving and grooving at Art in Motion camp. Dance allows us to express ourselves through physical movement. Campers will share their moves in this creative environment, where they'll learn a lot and have fun doing it.

  • Bake and Decorate

    MORNING SESSION
    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 6–109:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Entering grade 5–graduated grade 8, coed$200$225

    AFTERNOON SESSION
    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 6–1012:30–3:30 p.m.Entering grade 5–graduated grade 8, coed$200$225
    Have your child join us at Ellis for a delicious week of baking, decorating, and making sweet memories with friends. After creating and enjoying yummy treats together, our young bakers will come out of the kitchen confident—and full!

  • Growth-Power-Speed Camp by Pittsburgh FIT

    MORNING SESSION
    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 6–109:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Entering grades 7–12, girls only$200$250

    AFTERNOON SESSION
    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 6–1012:30–3:30 p.m.Entering grades 7–12, girls only$200$250
    GPS Camp is designed for active or aspiring athletes who want to improve speed, agility, strength, coordination, and overall sports performance. By working individually and in teams, campers will tackle a wide variety of sport-specific drills focused on agility, coordination, and resistance training. Our GPS athletes can expect to have fun, build confidence and sportsmanship, and develop a love for training.

  • Performance by Design Conservatory

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 6–10, 13–17 (10 days)9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.                    Entering grade 5–graduated grade 8, girls only$850$900
    A two-week immersive experience for girls, the Performance by Design Conservatory is constructed to cultivate skills in acting, vocal music, movement, set design, and playwriting. From initial conception to the final bow, campers will hone their craft in every angle of production and conclude their experience by producing and performing a final 30-minute show. Under the direction of experienced artists who understand the development and needs of girls, this camp will be rooted in supportive critique, collaboration, and creativity.

  • A Living Art: Traditional Southern Chinese Lion Dance

    MORNING SESSION
    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 13–179:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Entering grade 5–graduated grade 8, coed
    		$200$250

    AFTERNOON SESSION
    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 13–1712:30–3:30 p.m.Entering grade 5–graduated grade 8, coed
    		$200$250
    In this hands-on program, campers will be introduced to the performance art of Traditional Southern Chinese Lion Dance and its importance to Chinese culture. As an art form, this style of Lion Dance encompasses not only acrobatic movements and personality expression, but endeavors to bring stories to life by combining history, myth, martial arts, live music, and philosophy from across China’s "Three Teachings" of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. Campers will learn the history and symbolism behind the art form, as well as the various purposes and contexts for which Lion Dances are performed. The program will focus on learning the basic Lion physical movements and musical instrumentation, which includes a floor drum and cymbals. Multimedia will also be used to enliven the learning experience. An emphasis will be placed on the integration between the physical movement and expression of the Lion working together with the music to help tell a story or solve a cheng (puzzle). A background in music or martial arts is not necessary to participate in this program.

  • Goal Getter: A Soccer Camp

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 13–17           9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.                    Entering grades 7–12, girls only               $215$230
    Under the leadership of Ellis Varsity Soccer Head and Assistant Coaches Tim Howard and Amanda Banachoski, this soccer intensive focuses on the technical and tactical training of the sport, in addition to exposure to creative soccer exercises and games. Campers are asked to bring cleats, shin guards, and a water bottle.

  • Gold Standard Lacrosse

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 13–17         3:30–5:30 p.m.            Entering grades 7–12, girls only$215$230
    Lacrosse combines the basic skills used in soccer, basketball, and hockey into one fast-paced, high-scoring game. Under the instruction of Ellis Varsity Lacrosse Head Coach Megan Gold, athletes will learn the fundamentals of stick handling, cradling, passing, and shooting, all in a fun, non-checking environment. Campers should be sure to bring a stick, mouth guard, and goggles.

List of 9 items.

  • Hustle, Handle, and Hoop with Shayla Scott

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 13–1712:30–3:30 p.m.Entering grades 7–12, girls only$215$230
    This high-intensity basketball camp will encourage athletes to aim to be the all-around player, with a focus on position work, shooting, skills, and drills. Our campers will build character and confidence while on the court. Campers are asked to please come prepared with basketball sneakers and a water bottle.

  • Science of Baking

    MORNING SESSION
    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 13–179:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Entering grade 5–graduated grade 8, coed
    		$200$225

    AFTERNOON SESSION
    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 13–1712:30–3:30 p.m.Entering grade 5–graduated grade 8, coed$200$225
    Baking is much more than what you eat at the end. The science of baking is intricate and exciting, and this camp program dives right into it. Our creative campers will bake tasty treats, explore healthy alternatives in the kitchen, and learn about the science behind it all.

  • Sticks, Skorts, and Sisterhood: Field Hockey with Amanda Rose

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 20–243:30–5:30 p.m.Entering grades 8–11 (ages 13–17), girls only$225$250
    Don't just set goals—score them. Campers will learn the game of field hockey during five days of fundamentals, strategies, and skills that will enhance personal growth in the sport. Players must bring their own equipment: stick, shin guards, mouth guard, and goggles.

  • Study Skills Boot Camp: Grades 5 and 6

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Price
    August 3–69:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Entering grades 5 and 6, Ellis students onlyNo Fee
    Get your daughter's mind back in shape for the school year at Study Skills Boot Camp. In each half-day session, campers will explore different organizational strategies and study skills to prepare them for the independence of middle school and beyond. Collaboration and engagement are the key to optimal learning and will be at the core of each day’s activities. Take advantage of this exclusive summer boot camp and set her up with the skills, strategies, and tools she needs to start the year.

  • FIRST LEGO League

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Price
    August 3–712:30–3:30 p.m.Entering grade 5–graduated grade 8, girls only$100
    At this camp, we'll be focusing on bringing each girl to the next step in her LEGO journey. If your camper has never used Mindstorms before, then this is an excellent place to get started, and if your camper is a FIRST LEGO League (FLL) veteran, then this is an excellent opportunity to develop some new techniques for the coming season. Our mission over the week will be to develop confidence and competence in building and programming LEGO Mindstorms robots with a goal of taking on missions from last season’s FLL robot game. This camp is a great way to prepare for the upcoming season or to just get a taste of robotics.

  • Study Skills Boot Camp: Grades 7 and 8

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Price
    August 10–139:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Entering grades 7 and 8, Ellis students onlyNo Fee
    Get your daughter's mind back in shape for the school year at Study Skills Boot Camp. In each half-day session, campers will explore different organizational strategies and study skills to prepare them for the independence of middle school and beyond. Collaboration and engagement are the key to optimal learning and will be at the core of each day’s activities. Take advantage of this exclusive summer boot camp and set her up with the skills, strategies, and tools she needs to start the year.

  • Summer Reading Seminar

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Price
    August 10–131:00–3:00 p.m.Entering grades 7 and 8, Ellis students onlyNo Fee
    Her very own summer reading book club is here! In the Summer Reading Seminar, Ellis students entering grades 7 and 8 will work in small groups and discuss assigned summer reading. An opportunity for girls to share their love of literature with each other, the seminar will introduce critical analysis skills that will be integral to the grade 7 and 8 curriculum.

  • Wu Style Tai Chi: A Grounding Health Practice and Martial Art

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    August 3–71:00–3:30 p.m.Entering grades 8–12, coed$150$175
    This interactive program will introduce campers to Tai Chi principles and philosophy. The primary focus will be on the health-related benefits of Tai Chi, but students will also be introduced to the style as a martial art. As a martial art, Tai Chi seeks to have the greatest possible effect by using the least amount of force, making it very flexible and efficient. Tai Chi uses slow, deliberate movements aimed at deepening the mind-body connection, while teaching the practitioner how to relax while moving and standing. Campers will learn the short essential form, which is both beneficial and accessible for those of all fitness backgrounds. They will also learn basic standing postures, a partner drill called push-hands, and several other exercises to deepen their understanding of the art form. Campers will leave the program with tangible tools they can take with them to improve and maintain their physical and mental well-being.

  • GenHERation Entrepreneurship Camp

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    August 17–219:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.Entering grades 5–9, girls only$350$375
    Join GenHERation for a week-long experiential learning program that empowers young women to become trailblazers in their own lives. With more than 250,000 members, GenHERation is a network where young women and companies connect through their digital platform and national events. During this camp program, young women will have the opportunity to learn from leaders at the most innovative companies in Pittsburgh, participate in skill-building simulations, and meet powerful female executives. Participants will learn how they can apply the entrepreneurial mindset to their own lives while building their confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills.

High School (Ages 14–18)

List of 7 items.

  • Growth-Power-Speed Camp by Pittsburgh FIT

    MORNING SESSION
    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 6–109:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.Entering grades 7–12, girls only$200$250

    AFTERNOON SESSION
    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 6–1012:30–3:30 p.m.Entering grades 7–12, girls only$200$250
    GPS Camp is designed for active or aspiring athletes who want to improve speed, agility, strength, coordination, and overall sports performance. By working individually and in teams, campers will tackle a wide variety of sport-specific drills focused on agility, coordination, and resistance training. Our GPS athletes can expect to have fun, build confidence and sportsmanship, and develop a love for training.

  • Goal Getter: A Soccer Camp

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 13–17           9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.                    Entering grades 7–12, girls only               $215$230
    Under the leadership of Ellis Varsity Soccer Head and Assistant Coaches Tim Howard and Amanda Banachoski, this soccer intensive focuses on the technical and tactical training of the sport, in addition to exposure to creative soccer exercises and games. Campers are asked to bring cleats, shin guards, and a water bottle.

  • Gold Standard Lacrosse

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 13–17         3:30–5:30 p.m.            Entering grades 7–12, girls only$215$230
    Lacrosse combines the basic skills used in soccer, basketball, and hockey into one fast-paced, high-scoring game. Under the instruction of Ellis Varsity Lacrosse Head Coach Megan Gold, athletes will learn the fundamentals of stick handling, cradling, passing, and shooting, all in a fun, non-checking environment. Campers should be sure to bring a stick, mouth guard, and goggles.

  • Hustle, Handle, and Hoop with Shayla Scott

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 13–1712:30–3:30 p.m.Entering grades 7–12, girls only$215$230
    This high-intensity basketball camp will encourage athletes to aim to be the all-around player, with a focus on position work, shooting, skills, and drills. Our campers will build character and confidence while on the court. Campers are asked to please come prepared with basketball sneakers and a water bottle.

  • Sticks, Skorts, and Sisterhood: Field Hockey with Coach Amanda Rose

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    July 20–243:30–5:30 p.m.Entering grades 8–11 (ages 13–17), girls only$225$250
    Don't just set goals—score them. Campers will learn the game of field hockey during five days of fundamentals, strategies, and skills that will enhance personal growth in the sport. Players must bring their own equipment: stick, shin guards, mouth guard, and goggles.

  • Wu Style Tai Chi: A Grounding Health Practice and Martial Art

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    August 3–71:00–3:30 p.m.Entering grades 8–12, coed$150$175
    This interactive program will introduce campers to Tai Chi principles and philosophy. The primary focus will be on the health-related benefits of Tai Chi, but students will also be introduced to the style as a martial art. As a martial art, Tai Chi seeks to have the greatest possible effect by using the least amount of force, making it very flexible and efficient. Tai Chi uses slow, deliberate movements aimed at deepening the mind-body connection, while teaching the practitioner how to relax while moving and standing. Campers will learn the short essential form, which is both beneficial and accessible for those of all fitness backgrounds. They will also learn basic standing postures, a partner drill called push-hands, and several other exercises to deepen their understanding of the art form. Campers will leave the program with tangible tools they can take with them to improve and maintain their physical and mental well-being.

  • GenHERation Entrepreneurship Camp

    DatesTimesAges/Campers Early Bird Price Before May 1Regular Price Before June 1
    August 17–219:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.Entering grades 5–9, girls only$350$375
    Join GenHERation for a week-long experiential learning program that empowers young women to become trailblazers in their own lives. With more than 250,000 members, GenHERation is a network where young women and companies connect through their digital platform and national events. During this camp program, young women will have the opportunity to learn from leaders at the most innovative companies in Pittsburgh, participate in skill-building simulations, and meet powerful female executives. Participants will learn how they can apply the entrepreneurial mindset to their own lives while building their confidence, resilience, and problem-solving skills.
6425 FIFTH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206
412.661.5992   |   admissions@theellisschool.org
6425 FIFTH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206
412.661.5992
admissions@theellisschool.org