THE ELLIS SCHOOL

Thank you for your interest in Summer Camp at The Ellis School!
Registration for our 2022 season is now closed.
We hope you'll check back soon to learn about our 2023 programs.

Want to be notified when we open Summer 2023 registration?
Complete this form!

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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2022 Camp Programs

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  • *SOLD OUT!* Play Your Way (June 13–17)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    June 13–17Half-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

    Using a blend of imagination and teamwork, campers will flex their creative muscles by designing their own puzzles, board games, obstacle courses, activities, and more. They’ll also learn about play through the ages and explore classic games from other cultures. By the end of the week, campers will leave with creative problem-solving skills and new friendships. It’s literally all fun and games!

  • *SOLD OUT!* Outer Space STEM (June 20-24)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    June 20–24Half-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

    In Outer Space STEM, campers will celebrate the summer solstice by exploring outer space and the things that make Earth and its neighboring planets so unique. What causes a solar eclipse? How do astronauts sleep in zero gravity? How can you use the sun to create art? Campers will delve into these questions and more to probe the farthest reaches of our solar system and beyond. 

  • *SOLD OUT!* Farm to Table (June 27–July 1)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    June 27–July 1Half-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 do bees and bats have in common? How can you save the seeds of a watermelon? Can you map where your picnic foods came from? This camp will focus on local agriculture and the journey food takes before it reaches our table (or picnic blanket). Campers will learn about urban farmers and also have hands-on experiences such as exploring the Ellis Butterfly Garden and other campus greenspaces. At the end of camp, participants will have a better understanding of their food landscape and the people and careers involved in eating local.

  • *SOLD OUT!* Planet Protectors (July 5–8)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 5–8Half-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

    In Planet Protectors, campers will explore how they can reduce their footprint and become an environmental hero. Campers will work together to tackle conservation challenges through activities such as citizen science projects and energy scavenger hunts. They'll also learn about different types of environments and create eco-friendly projects with recyclable materials. We're all in charge of protecting our planet—Planet Protectors teaches campers the why and how!
    *Please note: There is no camp on Monday, July 4.

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  • *SOLD OUT!* You Are the Star (July 11–15)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 11–15Half-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

    Everyone has a story to tell, and there are unlimited ways in which to tell it. You Are the Star encourages campers to delve into the creative process and discover their artistic talents. Each day campers will focus on different methods of storytelling, from music to theater to comic books and more. They will explore the different elements of a story—characters, setting, plot, structure, and genre—and use their imagination to create an original masterpiece of their own.

  • *SOLD OUT!* Story Explorers (July 18–22)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 18–22Half-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

    Who doesn’t love getting lost in a good book? In Story Explorers, each day will center on a classic children’s story. Campers will interact with these beloved tales by bringing them to life in new and unique ways, such as creating maps of Where the Wild Things Are, building a bus for Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, or raising a monarch caterpillar for The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Adventure awaits!

  • *SOLD OUT!* Inventor 101 (July 25–29)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 25–29Half-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

    In Inventor 101, campers will learn how to address a community need through inventions. Our young inventors will receive prompts and problems throughout the week that need a design solution, with challenges ranging from the silly to the practical. Through a mix of imagination, STEM, and teamwork, campers will learn about prototypes and the engineer design process. Inventions are sure to be one-of-a-kind!

  • *SOLD OUT!* Ellis Olympics (August 1–5)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    August 1–5Half-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

    2022 is an Olympic year, and our last week of camp will put an Ellis spin on the Olympics. This interdisciplinary camp will blend sports and culture. Campers will be split into teams representing different countries and learn about each country’s culture and history while also participating in a mix of classic camp games, forgotten Olympic sports, and modern Olympic activities. Campers will also discuss the importance of good sportsmanship and working together as a team.
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, 2022.**

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.

Each half-day camp session costs $350 for the week—save $400 with our bulk discount rate when you sign up for all eight sessions! 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 different 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 educational professionals.

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

Each full-day camp session costs $450 for the week—save $500 with our bulk discount rate when you sign up for all eight sessions! More information about discount pricing is available within the Ellis Summer Camp registration form.

2023 Coed Kid Camps

Want to be the first to know what's in store for Coed Kid Camps in Summer 2023? Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch as soon as registration opens in January 2023!

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 families 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. Children with other food allergies are encouraged to pack extra snacks.

The daily rate for after-care is $35 per day per child. Sign up for the whole week at a reduced price of $150 per child during online registration. 
 
Final dismissal is 5:45-6:00 p.m. 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.
 
Last-minute drop-ins for after-care are also available. Drop-ins will be billed separately for $38 per student per day. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the camp operational hours?

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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.

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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    • On the first day of camp, 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.

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, but campers are not allowed to drink from water fountains this summer.
    • Beach towel so we can sit in the grass and eat lunch outside
    • If your camper(s) will stay for Extended Day, please pack an extra snack. A small nut-free snack will be provided daily after 3:00 p.m.
    • Hat and sunscreen or sunglasses 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) in case of emergency.

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

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    A Sample Day for a Half-day Camper:

    • Welcome (drop-off begins at 8:15 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 2022, 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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    • If your camper is a current Ellis student, we have her medical and immunization information on file. If any changes have arisen this year, please be sure to update your daughter’s Magnus profile before camp.
    • If your camper is not a current Ellis student, you will need to complete the Summer Camp Health Form, which can be filled out online within the Ellis Summer Camp registration form.
    • 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.
    • Welcome (drop-off is 8:15 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