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 2025 programming.

Want to be notified when we open Summer 2025 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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2024 Camp Programs

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  • *SOLD OUT* Trash to Treasure: Upcycling (June 10–14)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    June 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

    *SOLD OUT Waitlist Available* Join us as we transform everyday waste into wonderful works of art and innovative inventions. Through hands-on activities, campers will craft up their wildest dreams while also learning about their impact on the environment and how to reduce their environmental footprint. Their imagination is the limit—from storytelling with upcycled puppets to cereal box cities!

  • *SOLD OUT* Game On! (June 17–21)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    June 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

    Back by popular demand is one of last summer’s most popular camps: Game On! 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. It’s time to put on your game faces, campers!

    Please Note: Camp will be closed for Juneteenth on June 19.

  • *SOLD OUT* Super Sleuths (June 24–28)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    June 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

    Deciphering codes, solving mysteries, scavenger hunts, and more all await our top investigators in this exciting camp. In addition to basic problem solving and critical thinking, this camp will also promote teamwork as campers work together to solve puzzles and learn about some real-life super sleuths from our community.

  • *SOLD OUT* Slime Science Spectacular - Mini Camp (July 1–3)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 1–3Half-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

    *SOLD OUT Waitlist Available* This three-day mini camp will cover all things slimy! We’ll make our own slime creations, learn about slimy creatures, and explore some of the science and chemical properties behind everyone’s favorite non-Newtonian fluid. Cleaning slime, fluffy slime, popping slime, and more make up the wacky world of slime. We’ll even compete to see whose slime can stretch the farthest, bounce the highest, and pick up the heaviest items.

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  • *SOLD OUT* Quirky Critters (July 8–12)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 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

    Our world is full of quirky and curious critters who have found their niche and special adaptations to help them survive. From nocturnal creatures that go bump in the night to our cold-blooded reptile friends,  we’ll explore animals with scales, wings, cocoons, forked tongues, and all sorts of unusual traits. This camp celebrates what makes animals (and maybe even ourselves) unique!

  • *SOLD OUT* Time Traveling Tales (July 15–19)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 15–19Half-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

    *SOLD OUT Waitlist Available* Embark on a journey through time and literature! Young adventurers will dive into the past to explore eras and stories that shaped our world and rocket into the future to imagine new discoveries and technologies. Each day unfolds a new chapter, from crafting medieval shields to building time machines, blending discovery with the magic of storytelling. 

  • *SOLD OUT* Funky Food Science (July 22–26)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 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

    *SOLD OUT Waitlist Available* Join us for a one-of-a-kind STEM camp that takes everyday ingredients and turns them into exciting experiments. Make eggs bounce, harness the power of the sun to cook yourself a snack, take kitchen scraps and make them sprout into something new, learn about making ice cream, and more! We’ll experiment, invent, and explore nature and food chemistry in a camp where farm to table meets mad science!

  • *SOLD OUT* Ellis Olympics (July 29–August 2)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 29–August 2Half-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

    *SOLD OUT Waitlist Available* 2024 is a summer Olympics year and we are rounding out our summer with this Coed Kids 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.
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, 2024.**

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 Wednesday, June 19, Thursday, July 4, or Friday, July 5. 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 Wednesday, June 19, Thursday, July 4, or Friday, July 5. 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 the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, Mad Science, Stories Like Me, the Moonshot Museum, and more!

2025 Coed Kid Camps

Want to be the first to know what's in store for Coed Kid Camps in Summer 2025? 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 2024, Coed Kid Camps will be closed on June 19 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday. Camp will also be closed on July 4 and July 5 in observance of the 4th of July. We will be holding a 3-day “mini-camp” at a discounted rate on July 1–3.

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

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

Q: How much time do campers spend outdoors?

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    • Campers spend a large portion of their day exploring Ellis’ green, tree-covered campus, including our courtyard, shaded playground, 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.

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

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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.
    • 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 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.
    • 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).
    • Full-day campers between the ages of 3 and 5 should bring a rest mat.
    • Campers are welcome to bring one lovey or comfort item from home. 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 outings to the local splash pad. 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 2024, 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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    • 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@js-ayds.com.
6425 FIFTH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206
412.661.5992   |   admissions@js-ayds.com
6425 FIFTH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206
412.661.5992
admissions@js-ayds.com