THE ELLIS SCHOOL

2026 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
 
Click the link below to start your 2026 Coed Kid Camps registration at Ellis. We can't wait to see you!
 
Join us here!

*Save $30 per Camp: Register by February 14 and use code LoveSummer26! for Coed Kid Camps.

Big ideas. Messy creativity. Endless summer fun.

Coed Kid Camps at Ellis invite boys and girls ages 3–9 to explore, create, and play in themed weeks packed with hands-on projects and active fun. Campers might be off to the races, uncover magic and mysteries, invent eco-friendly creations, dive into tie-dye, explore mythical beasts, solve puzzles as science sleuths, create animal-inspired art, or compete in the Ellis Olympics.

With half-day and full-day options, every camper can enjoy a summer of curiosity, friendship, and fun.

**Please note: ALL campers must be fully potty trained and must be 3 years old by June 1, 2026.**



2026 Camp Programs

Half-day and full-day options are available for each camp program.

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  • Off to the Races (June 8-12)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    June 8-12Half-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

    On your mark, get set, go! Campers will spend the week exploring all kinds of racing fun, from relay races and silly sprints to designing their own race courses and race cars. Using a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, campers will build and test race cars, tackle obstacle courses, and create new twists on classic field day games. Along the way, they will flex their creative muscles, tackle design challenges, and be off to the races!

  • Magic and Mysteries (June 15-18)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    June 15-18Half-day:
    9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

    Full day:
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.    		Half-day:
    $280

    Full day:
    $360

    Bring a little magic into your summer with this one of a kind 4-day week. Campers will take inspiration from some of our favorite magical fairytales and mysteries to try their hand at creating their own magic tricks. Campers will also learn about some of the science that forms the foundation of magic such as optical illusions, sleight of hand, and statistics. This week will focus on the critical combination of storytelling, performance, and science behind creating a great magic show. By the end of the week, they will be ready to amaze friends and family with their new tricks.

    Please note: Camp is closed on Friday June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.

  • Eco-Inventors (June 22-26)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    June 22-26Half-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

    This is the camp for our budding environmentalists who love to tinker. Campers will design and build their own inventions using recycled materials, cardboard, and found natural objects from around campus. Throughout the week, they will explore how inventors use the engineering design process to turn ideas into real-world solutions and apply those skills to recycled and natural objects. From simple machines to imaginative gadgets, campers will experiment, test, and reimagine their creations while thinking about how to care for the planet.

  • Color Chaos: Tie-Dye Camp (June 29-July 2)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    June 29-July 2Half-day:
    9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

    Full day:
    9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.    		Half-day:
    $280

    Full day:
    $360

    Get ready to mix, swirl, and splash your way into a colorful week. In this 4 day week, campers will explore color through tie-dye projects, natural dyes, and hands-on art experiments that brighten up our campus. They will investigate how colors blend, learn about the science behind rainbows, and experiment with the STEM concepts that make color-changing creations possible. From wearable art to vibrant posters, campers will head home with one-of-a-kind masterpieces.

    Please note: Camp will be closed on July 3 in observance of 4th of July.

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  • Mythical Beasts Unleashed! (July 6-10)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 6-10Half-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

    Step into a world of mystery, wonder, and larger-than-life creatures. Campers will spend the week exploring folklore and legends about dragons, yetis, mermaids, and other mythical beasts and cryptids through stories, art, and games. They will learn how different cultures around the world describe these mysterious beings and why such tales are passed down through generations. Inspired by what they discover, campers will try their hand at writing their own legendary creature stories and sharing them with friends at the end of the week.

  • Science Sleuths (July 13-17)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 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

    Put on your detective hat and get ready to investigate. Campers will become science sleuths as they use observation, simple experiments, and critical thinking to solve camp mysteries and puzzles. You will try your hand at STEM experiments that look like tricks, from invisible ink and color-changing reactions to floating objects. Throughout the week, they will analyze “clues,” test materials, decode secret messages, and explore different careers where scientists build their experiments to tackle real world conundrums. This camp will build curiosity and confidence as campers work together to crack each case.

  • Creatures and Crafts (July 20-24)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 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

    This camp is perfect for animal lovers and young artists. Campers will explore creatures big and small—from backyard bugs and birds to ocean animals and imaginary beasts—through craft projects, stories, and simple nature observations. Using a variety of art materials, they will create masks, habitats, sculptures, and more inspired by the animals they discover. Along the way, campers will learn fun facts about different creatures while building creativity and fine motor skills.

  • Ellis Olympics (July 27-31)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 27-31Half-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

    Join us at Ellis Olympics for a Coed Kid Camp annual tradition! 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 to wrap up the camp season.

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 that there is no camp on Friday, June 19 and Friday, July 2. 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 $420 with our eight-week full-day bundle!

Please note that there will be no camp on Friday, June 19 and Friday, July 2. More information about discount pricing is available within the Ellis Summer Camp registration form.

2026 Coed Kid Camps Registration

Coed Kid Camps Registration Now Open!
 
Summer fun starts here! 🎨 Coed Kid Camps at Ellis welcome boys and girls ages 3–9 to themed weeks full of hands-on projects, active play, and big imaginations—think tie-dye, science sleuthing, mythical beasts, and even the Ellis Olympics! Half-day and full-day options available.

Register now by filling out the quick form below!

*Campers must be potty trained and 3+ by June 1, 2026.

Before- and After-care

Before-Care
Before-Care is free for all campers. Drop-off begins at 8:15 a.m., with camp programming starting promptly at 9:00 a.m.

After-Care
After-Care is available for full-day campers from 3:15–5:45 p.m. Families are encouraged to pre-register online. Campers enjoy a nut-free snack and a variety of daily activity options. Campers with additional dietary needs should bring extra snacks.

Rates
  • $30 per day or $130 per week, per child
  • Discounted rates available for bulk package campers
  • Drop-in care is available for $35 per day when requested within 24 hours
Pick-Up & Late Fees
Final dismissal is 5:45 p.m., with a 15-minute grace period. Pick-ups after 6:00 p.m. will incur a $25 late fee.

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 the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, Mad Science, Stories Like Me, the Moonshot Museum, and more!

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. *Note: campers will not be admitted before 8:15 a.m.
    • For Summer 2026, Coed Kid Camps will be closed on Friday, June 19 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Camp will also be closed on Friday, July 3 in observance of the 4th of July. Both camps are offered at a discounted rate.

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

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    Please email summerprograms@theellisschool.org to alert our staff of any absences, vacations, or transportation changes that may arise. No refunds are given due to absences for any reason.

    Note - During business hours, you may also text the camp cell phone at (412) 834-4373.

Q: How much time do campers spend outdoors?

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  • View Answer

    • Campers spend a large portion of their day exploring Ellis’ green, tree-covered campus, including our shaded courtyard, and state-of-the-art athletic field. Sunny days are filled with scavenger hunts, water play games, obstacle courses, and more. We are also fortunate to have Mellon Park immediately next door for groups to take the occasional nature walk or trip to the splash pad.
    • As much as we all long for summer weather, we know it can also be a time of storms, intense heat, and air quality action days—but at Coed Kid Camps, the fun doesn't stop because of bad weather! Ellis has four different gymnasiums, an auditorium, a music room, art studios, and more to keep campers engaged and safe.
    *Please note that for the 2026 season, our playground will be undergoing some exciting updates and will be unavailable to campers. We will still have access to several gated green and shaded spaces on campus for plenty of outdoor playtime.

Q: Where/how do I drop off and pick up my camper?

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  • View Answer

    • 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.
    • 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 main 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 main entrance door and buzz the intercom with the receptionist between 3:15 and 5:45 p.m. or call the camp phone at 412-834-4373 if the receptionist is unavailable.

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

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    • Nut-free snack for mid-morning break time
    • Nut-free lunch—Ellis is a nut-free camp!
      • No microwave or fridge is available, so please plan your camper’s lunch accordingly.
      • Please Note: Half-day campers do not need to bring a lunch.
    • 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 lotion, 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).
    • Full-day pre-k campers should bring their own rest mat.
    • Campers are welcome to bring one lovey or comfort item from home to help ease their transition to camp. Please make sure these items are labeled. Campers should not bring any toys to camp.

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 walks to Mellon Park. Parents/guardians will be notified ahead of time when necessary.
    *Please Note: Half-day campers are dismissed before lunch.

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 2026, fill out this form to get started. After completing the form, you will be redirected to our camp registration portal. You will also receive an email with a link to the registration portal for future reference.

    Registration is considered complete when payment has been received. 

Q: What medical forms are required to attend camp?

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    • 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.
    • All forms must be completed by May 8, 2026. Forms will then be reviewed by the camp nurse prior to the start of camp.
    • 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 water play days in the courtyard. 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