Ready, Set, Summer! The Ellis School Announces Exciting Lineup of 2023 Summer Camp Programming

Ah, summer camp—a place where kids can form new friendships, make priceless memories, and enjoy sunny days jam-packed with fun games and activities. It’s simple enough to envision, but the task of actually finding a summer camp that checks all the boxes for your family (educational and fun, conveniently located and has great facilities, fits in your family’s daily schedule and allows time for that mid-summer trip to the beach) can be daunting.

With this in mind, The Ellis School has announced a lineup of summer programs for 2023 that are designed to meet the needs of campers and their busy families, providing a summer of learning, fun, and relaxation for all.

Enriching Programs for a Range of Ages and Interests

Open to girls and boys ages 3 to 9, Ellis’ Coed Kid Camps offer eight weeks of programming from June 12–August 4. Each week revolves around a unique theme and features a blend of engaging activities, interactive projects, and classic camp fun. Campers won’t want to miss out on this year’s brand new programs, including Ocean Explorers, Animal Adventures, Invention Convention, and more. A new 3-day mini-camp, Dinosaurs Rock, has also been added—perfect for little ones trying out camp for the first time!

For older campers, The Ellis School offers Changemakers Lab, a summer program that brings together girls entering grades 5–10 to collaborate on interdisciplinary real-world projects. There are four two-week sessions to choose from that explore topics such as studio arts, theater arts, nature, STEM, robotics, coding, and more. An immersive experience that encourages creative thinking and leadership, Changemakers Lab offers girls the opportunity to partner with local organizations and bring about positive change in the surrounding community.

Unique Experiences In the Heart of Shadyside—And Beyond!

All Coed Kid Camps and Changemakers Lab programs take place on The Ellis School’s campus, conveniently located right across the street from Bakery Square in Pittsburgh’s East End. To add excitement and educational value to the programs, Ellis welcomes special guests from local organizations throughout the 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!

Though there’s plenty of room for activities on campus, campers will sometimes get to participate in exciting off-site excursions. Each Changemakers Lab will be enhanced by the guidance and insight of a community partner who will offer leadership in their area of expertise by teaching a technical skill, introducing project-specific materials and concepts, and/or leading relevant discussions. In order to see their partner institutions in action, past Changemakers have visited Carnegie Mellon University, Grow Pittsburgh, Allegheny Goatscape, Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse, and more. As for Ellis’ younger campers, they can look forward to occasional sunny outings to nearby Mellon Park—the splash pad is always a hit! 

Flexibility for Every Schedule

Wish you could build a personalized summer camp schedule that flexes around your family vacations, early meetings, and afternoon errands? At Ellis you can, with half-day and full-day options for all Coed Kid Camps sessions, free before-care for all campers, and paid after-care available for all full-day campers. Plus, each camp session is only one to two weeks in length, so it’s easy to work camp into your summer calendar and register for the weeks your child is available without having to pay for time when your family is traveling or has other commitments. P.S. Have younger campers and not planning on going out of town? You can sign up for all eight Coed Kid Camps at a discounted rate!

Expert Instructors Who Double as Role Models

Any parent can tell you how important it is to feel confident that your kids are in good hands. That’s why Ellis staffs camp sessions with expert teachers and friendly counselors who will serve as positive role models and educators for your child. Your camper’s confidence will flourish with support and mentorship from caring adults who are genuinely invested in—and knowledgeable about—their growth and well-being.

Summer programs at The Ellis School provide fun and meaningful experiences for campers that cultivate endless curiosity and creativity—and put busy families first. Reserve your child’s spot today!