THE ELLIS SCHOOL

Registration is NOW OPEN!

Fill out the form below to sign up your camper up for any of our upcoming Coed Kid Camps this summer.

For a limited time only: Use code LOVESUMMER2025 to take $30* off each Coed Kid Camps session that you register your camper(s) for by February 14.

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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2025 Camp Programs

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  • Let's Play Ball (June 9-13)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    June 9-13Half-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

    Kick off the camp season and let’s play ball! Campers will spend the week exploring the almost endless possibilities of games you can play with a ball: basketball, kickball, bowling, jacks, ping pong, four square, and more. Activities will vary from day to day and feature recess games like gaga ball, classic sports like soccer, and even building toys like the cup and ball. Campers will also use their imaginations to create their own ball games or create new rules to add a twist to their favorite games.

  • Navigators and Treasure Seekers (June 16-20)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    June 16-20Half-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

    Grab a compass and chart a course for a camp adventure. Map making, building ships, scavenger hunts, and more all await our treasure seekers in this four-day session. In addition to basic problem solving and critical thinking, this camp will promote teamwork as campers work together to solve puzzles. Campers will also work beyond the map and compass to learn about modern navigation tools like GPS and radar.

    *Please note, there will be no camp on June 19.

  • Weather Wonders: Storm Chasers (June 23-27)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    June 23-27Half-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 Weather Wonders: Storm Chasers, campers will celebrate the official start of the summer season by becoming meteorologists and diving into weather phenomena. What’s the difference between a hurricane and a typhoon? Why is lightning so hard to predict? Campers will make tornadoes in a bottle, create art using the sun, and maybe even see snow in June. Buckle up as we get ready to chase some weather wonders.

  • Carnival Creators (June 30-July 3)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    June 30-July 3Half-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

    Where do art, science, performance, and games all meet for a wildly fun time? At the carnival! In this shortened four-day session, campers will explore all the elements that go into making a carnival from creating their own games, to face painting and even designing a new carnival ride. Campers will also explore the different types of carnival celebrations from around the world including their history and cultural importance. It is sure to be a festive and fun week!

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  • Aviation Adventures (July 7-11)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 7-11Half-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 for campers to take flight in a week all about aviation. Campers will explore everything from birds to jets as we look to the skies. What makes the perfect paper airplane? How does a hot air balloon compare to an Andean Condor? What do hang gliders and the space shuttle have in common? Campers will soar through these questions as they learn about the science of flight.

  • Legends and Lore (July 14-18)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 14-18Half-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

    Storytelling is a time-honored camp tradition. Join us around the campfire as we share some of our favorite legends and lore from around the world while also coming up with our own camp stories. In this camp, participants 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 legends and lore from around the world. /div>

  • Architects and Budding Builders (July 21-25)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 21-25Half-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 future architects and budding builders. After learning the basics of the engineer design process, campers will get hands on and build as far as their imagination will take them. From building a simple survival structure with natural materials to imagining their dream home on another planet, there is no limit to what our campers can design and create.

  • Ellis Olympics (July 28-August 1)

    DatesCamp HoursWeekly Session Rate
    July 28-August 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

    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 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, 2025.**

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 Thursday, June 19 and Friday, 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 $420 with our eight-week full-day bundle! Please note that there will be no camp on Thursday, June 19 and Friday, 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 the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, Mad Science, Stories Like Me, the Moonshot Museum, and more!

2025 Coed Kid Camps

Interested in signing your camper up for one or more of our upcoming 2025 Coed Kid Camps? Fill out the form below and get ready for all of the fun!

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 2025, Coed Kid Camps will be closed on Thursday June 19 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.  Camp will be open the next day on June 20. Camp will also be closed on Friday July 4 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@ballballu.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.

    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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    • 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 2025 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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    • 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, 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 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 2025, 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.
    • 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@ballballu.com.
6425 FIFTH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206
412.661.5992   |   admissions@ballballu.com
6425 FIFTH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15206
412.661.5992
admissions@ballballu.com