THE ELLIS SCHOOL

Thank you for your interest in Coed Kid Camps!
Registration is currently closed.
We hope you'll check back in January to learn about our 2024 programming.

Want to be notified when we open Summer 2024 registration?

Coed Kid Camps for girls and boys ages 3 to 9 offer a summer of fun and learning for all.

Half-day and full-day camp sessions are available! Half-day sessions for ages 3 to 5 allow children to go home for lunch and rest after a morning packed with engaging thematic activities. Full-day sessions for ages 3 to 9 allow campers to double their time to explore and create with friends.

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2023 Camp Programs

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  • *SOLD OUT* Ocean Explorers (June 12–16)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    June 12–16Half-day:
    9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

    Full-day:
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.    		Half-day:
    $350

    Full-day:
    $450

    Calling all future Jacques Cousteaus! We’re kicking off summer with a deep-dive into all things under the sea. Campers will learn about unique underwater environments, the creatures that call them home, and how we can be good stewards of the earth by protecting our oceans.

  • *SOLD OUT* Game On! (June 19–23)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    June 19–23Half-day:
    9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

    Full-day:
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.    		Half-day:
    $350

    Full-day:
    $450

    It’s time to put on your game faces, campers! This week will be all about games: new games, old games, competitive games, cooperative games—you name it! Activities will vary from day to day and feature scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, playground games, and team-building exercises. Campers will also use their imaginations to create their own games, such as board games, card games, and more.

  • *SOLD OUT* Animal Adventures (June 26–30)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    June 26–30Half-day:
    9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

    Full-day:
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.    		Half-day:
    $350

    Full-day:
    $450

    The animal kingdom will take over the Ellis campus during Animal Adventures! Campers will have a wild time learning all about the different ecosystems animals inhabit, native and endangered species, and how we can all do our part to protect some of our most vulnerable animal friends. Campers will create animal-inspired art, use their animal athletic skills, and enjoy a visit from some special animal guests!

  • *SOLD OUT* Dinosaurs Rock - Mini Camp (July 5–7)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 5–7Half-day:
    9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

    Full-day:
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.    		Half-day:
    $210

    Full-day:
    $275

    This 3-day mini-camp will leave campers roaring for more—great for kids trying out summer camp for the first time! Each day will focus on a different period of the Mesozoic Era: the Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic. Campers will participate in a variety of hands-on crafts and creative activities while learning about when dinosaurs roamed, which dinosaurs might have been found in our own backyards, and where their ancestors are today.

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  • *SOLD OUT* Invention Convention (July 10–14)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 10–14Half-day:
    9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

    Full-day:
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.    		Half-day:
    $350

    Full-day:
    $450

    Have your camper join us for an Invention Convention! After learning the basics of the engineering design process, campers will spend the week creating prototypes and building inventions to solve problems, design for others, or just to create something fun and new. Older campers will also explore how to market their invention and what it takes to go from first iteration to final product.

  • *SOLD OUT* Friends and Folktales (July 17–21)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 17–21Half-day:
    9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

    Full-day:
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.    		Half-day:
    $350

    Full-day:
    $450

    Fairy tales, myths, legends—folktales can come in many different forms, but every culture and community has them. In this camp, we will explore this most beloved genre of storytelling through crafts, games, and performance while discovering the traditions and cultures represented in some of the most well-known folktales from around the world. Campers will also learn about the reemergence of folktales in pop culture today.

  • *SOLD OUT* Super Summer (July 24–28)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 24–28Half-day:
    9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

    Full-day:
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.    		Half-day:
    $350

    Full-day:
    $450

    What makes a “superhero”? Capes? Spandex? Secret identities? What about leadership, courage, and honor? Come with us and explore what really makes a superhero “super” as we look at superheroes in their many forms, from summer blockbusters and comics to how WE can be heroes in our everyday lives. Campers will also design their own superhero personas complete with outfits, superpowers, and catchphrases. So wake up and put on your capes—it's time for Super Summer!

  • *SOLD OUT* Ellis Olympics (July 31–August 4)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 31–August 4Half-day:
    9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

    Full-day:
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.    		Half-day:
    $350

    Full-day:
    $450

    Back by popular demand, we are rounding out our summer with Ellis Olympics! This interdisciplinary camp will blend sports, culture, and most importantly team building and good sportsmanship. Campers will be split into teams to create their own flags, come up with team cheers, and celebrate what makes them unique. The week will also be filled with classic Olympic games, trivia, and camp-wide competitions, all culminating in a final medal and awards ceremony.
Half-day and full-day options are available for each camp program.

**Please note: ALL campers must be fully potty trained and must be 3 years old by June 1, 2023.**

Half-day Camp (Ages 3–5)

The half-day camp experience is optimal for packing in plenty of playtime and exciting projects each morning before campers head home for lunch and rest time with their families. Young campers will interact with boys and girls in the preschool age range while being taught and supervised by experienced early childhood professionals.

Half-day camp hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day for all sessions.

Can't decide on your favorite sessions for camp? Join us for all eight weeks and save $360 with our eight-week half-day bundle! Please note: there is no camp on Monday, July 3 or Tuesday, July 4. More information about discount pricing is available within the Ellis Summer Camp registration form.

Full-day Camp (Ages 3–9)

The full-day camp experience allows girls and boys to spend an entire day focusing on a plethora of activities that relate to their program's overarching theme. Campers will try new activities daily in a safe environment, all while making new friends and having fun! All campers are taught and supervised by experienced education professionals.

Full-day camp hours are 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day for all sessions.

Can't decide on your favorite sessions for camp? Join us for all eight weeks and save $425 with our eight-week full-day bundle! Please note: there is no camp on Monday, July 3 or Tuesday, July 4. More information about discount pricing is available within the Ellis Summer Camp registration form.

Did You Know?

To add excitement and educational value to our programs, Coed Kid Camps welcomes special guests from local organizations to campus each summer! Visits are pre-scheduled and often include fun activities and exclusive presentations. Past visitors have included Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, Mad Science, Stories Like Me, the Moonshot Museum, and more!

2024 Coed Kid Camps

Want to be the first to know what's in store for Coed Kid Camps in Summer 2024? Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch as soon as registration opens in January!

Before- and After-care

Before-care is free and available for campers of all ages every day! Drop-off begins at 8:15 a.m. after the instructors arrive on campus. Campers will not be admitted earlier than 8:15 a.m. Camp programming will officially begin every day at 9:00 a.m. sharp.
After-care is available for full-day campers only. Families can pre-register and pay for after-care during online camp registration. After-care runs daily from 3:15 to 5:45 p.m. Campers will be provided a nut-free snack. Snacks vary from day to day and campers are given several options to choose from. Examples of afternoon snacks include (but are not limited to) fruit cups, cheese sticks, chips, crackers, yogurt, and fresh fruit. Children with other food allergies or dietary restrictions are encouraged to pack extra snacks for after-care.

The daily rate for after-care is $30 per day per child when you register in advance. Sign up for the whole week at a reduced price of $130 per child during online registration. Those who purchase the eight-week full-day bulk package can purchase after-care for additionally discounted rates!
 
Final dismissal is 5:45 p.m. A 15-minute grace period is permitted for families running late. After-care families arriving after 6:00 p.m. will incur an additional $25 late pick-up fee. Continued late pick-ups may also result in additional fees.
 
Drop-ins for after-care are also available. Any after-care requests made within 24 hours of the requested date will be considered a “drop-in.” Drop-ins will be billed separately for $35 per day per child.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the camp hours and observed holidays?

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    • Ellis Summer Camp is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on days when camp is in session. Campers can be dropped off as early as 8:15 a.m. for before-care at no charge. Paid after-care is available from 3:15 to 5:45 p.m.
    • For Summer 2023, Coed Kid Camps will be closed on July 3 and July 4 in observance of the 4th of July. We will be holding a 3-day “mini-camp” at a discounted rate on July 5–7.

Q: Absences or transportation changes—what do I do?

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Q: How do I drop off and pick up my camper each day?

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    • All campers need to be checked in by a parent or guardian at the Ellis entrance. Adults are not allowed inside school buildings.
    • The front gate will be locked at all times to ensure the safety of our campers. You may check in with security at the gate at any time. Half-day campers can be picked up outside the Benjamin R. Fisher Gallery entrance at 12:00 p.m. Full-day campers can be picked up outside the Lower School entrance at 3:00 p.m.
    • For after-care pick-up, come to the Benjamin R. Fisher Gallery entrance door and buzz the intercom with the receptionist between 3:15 and 5:45 p.m. or call the camp phone at 412-266-8238 if the receptionist is unavailable.

Q: Where is the camp located?

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    All camp programs take place on The Ellis School's campus, located in the Shadyside neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Directions and a campus map can be found here.

Q: What should my child bring to camp each day?

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    • Nut-free lunch—Ellis is a nut-free camp!
      • No microwave or fridge is available, so please plan your camper’s lunch accordingly.
    • Nut-free snack for mid-morning break time
    • Water bottle labeled with first and last name
      • We have refill stations for water bottles!
    • If your camper(s) will stay for after-care, please consider packing an extra snack. A small nut-free snack will be provided daily after 3:00 p.m.
    • A hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and bug spray for outdoor play
      • Please help your camper apply sunscreen before they arrive at Ellis!
    • For campers between the ages of 3 and 5, please pack an extra set of clothes (shirt, pants, socks, and underwear).

Q: What is a sample day like for a half-day camper?

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    A Sample Day for a Half-day Camper:

    • Drop-off begins at 8:15 a.m.
      • Morning assembly and start of camp takes place at 9:00 a.m.
    • Thematic activities
    • Snack break
    • Music and movement, visual arts, athletics, and/or STEM activities
    • Wrap-up and reflection
    • Dismissal from 12:00–12:15 p.m.
    • Depending on the theme for the week, additional activities may take place, such as visits from special guests or outings to the local splash pad. Parents/guardians will be notified ahead of time when necessary.

Q: How do I register my kid(s) for camp (ages 3–9)?

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    To register your child(ren) for any of the camps taking place on the Ellis campus during summer 2023, fill out this form to get started. You will receive an email with the link you will need to complete your registration process.

    Registration is considered complete when payment has been received.

Q: What medical forms are required to attend camp?

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    • New this year, all campers will be required to complete the simple Summer Camp Health Form found within the Ellis Summer Camp registration form prior to attending camp. This will allow for more consistent and uniform health reporting across both Ellis and non-Ellis campers and faster access to information in the event of an emergency with all health data consolidated in one system for the summer.
    • Please note that we are prohibited by state law from allowing your camper to remain on campus without medical and immunization information.

Q: What is a sample day like for a full-day camper?

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    A Sample Day for a Full-day Camper:

    A.M.
    • Drop-off begins at 8:15 a.m.
      • Morning assembly and start of camp takes place at 9:00 a.m.
    • Thematic activities
    • Snack break
    • Thematic activities
    • Lunch, mid-day games/recess, and free play 

    P.M.
    • Music and movement, visual arts, athletics, and/or STEM activities
    • Clean up
    • Wrap-up and reflection
    • Dismissal from 3:00–3:15 p.m.
    • After-care from 3:00–5:45 p.m.
    Depending on the theme for the week, additional activities may take place, such as visits from special guests or outings to the local splash pad. Parents/guardians will be notified ahead of time when necessary.
We encourage all parents/guardians to review our camp policies prior to registration.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at summerprograms@theellisschool.org.
6425 FIFTH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206
412.661.5992   |   admissions@theellisschool.org
6425 FIFTH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206
412.661.5992
admissions@theellisschool.org