Elementary School Programs
SSA Summer provides a nurturing, supportive and fun experience for elementary school-aged children entering grades PK-5. Sports camps, focus camps and traditional day camps offer an endless array of choices and opportunities.
NOTE: Due to summer construction on our Country Day School campus, the North Hills Adventurers day camp will not take place in 2024. Pre-K and kindergarten campers are invited to register for our East End Explorers (PK-2) and Day Camp Discovery (K-5) camp offerings.
- East End Explorers (PK-2)
- Day Camp Discovery (K-5)
- Sports Camps (K-5)
- Focus Camps (K-5)
- Glimcher STEAM Camps (3-5)
- Summer School (2-5)
East End Explorers (PK-2)
East End Explorers Day Camp offers fun, age-appropriate activities on our seven-acre Junior School campus in Point Breeze for kids entering grades PK-2. The camp offers age-based programming in both full- and half-day sessions, and includes lunch.
Campers enjoy traditional day camp experiences such as water play and outside games. Each week has its own theme, coupled with daily opportunities for educational enrichment. In addition to daily water games and outdoor play, campers will excavate fossils, solve mysteries, make movies and more!
2024 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Junior School, Point Breeze (400 S. Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15221)
Ages: Children entering grades PK-2 in 2024-2025
Times: Full-day 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; half-day 9 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Week 1: June 17-21 (closed June 19)
Week 2: June 24-28
Week 3: July 1-5 (closed July 4)
Week 4: July 8-12
Week 5: July 15-19
Week 6: July 22-26
Weekly Session, Full-Day: $465
Weekly Session, Half-Day: $335
*After Care: $12 per day, until 6 p.m.
*Before Care: FREE, begins at 8 a.m.
Lunch is included
Bus transportation is NOT available for this camp
*This year, we ask that families utilize before/after care only when necessary to keep our numbers at a minimum as multiple grades will be in a larger group setting.
Weekly Themes
Campers have age-appropriate activities related to a weekly theme. Examples below from past summers!
Week 1: Into the Wild
Week 2: Paint, Pencils & Palettes
Week 3: Red, White & Blue
Week 4: Science & Superheroes
Week 5: Castles & Magical Creatures
Week 6: Aloha, Summer!
A Typical Day at East End Explorers
- 8 a.m. – Before-Care
Early-riser campers gather in the gymnasium for free-play activities. This year, we ask that families utilize before/after care only when necessary to keep our numbers at a minimum as multiple grades will be in a larger group setting. - 9 a.m. – Arrival
The gym and outdoor field begin to fill with the sounds of children playing as campers arrive from parent drop-off to squad-specific home bases. - 9:30 a.m. – Morning Meeting
Counselors gather their squads, take attendance and explain the day's schedule. - 9:30-11:45 a.m. – Morning Activities
Campers alternate between thematic programming, enrichment classes and a mid-morning snack to keep their minds and bellies full. - 11:45 a.m. – Lunch
Squads gather at their home base locations to enjoy pre-ordered, individually packaged lunches. Our on-site caterer prepares a delicious and nutritious meal each day, offering vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives. - 12:45 p.m. – Half-Day Dismissal
Our half-day campers head home after an exciting morning. - 1:15-3:45 p.m. – Afternoon Activities
Full-day campers enjoy two additional activities each afternoon. More time to enjoy deeper learning about the theme of the week, splash around with water toys or explore the outdoors! - 3:45 p.m. – Afternoon Meeting
Campers and staff gather in their home bases to hear highlights from the day, take part in a silly game or contest, and prepare for dismissal. - 4 p.m. – Dismissal
Campers and staff head outside to cars after a fun and fulfilling day of camp. - 4-6 p.m. – After-Care
For parents who need a little more time, we offer after care for an additional fee. This year, we ask that families utilize before/after care only when necessary to keep our numbers at a minimum as multiple grades will be in a larger group setting.
Day Camp Discovery (K-5)
One of the oldest (and most fun) traditional day camps in the Pittsburgh area, Day Camp Discovery offers a complete program of activities for children entering grades K-5 on our 130-acre Senior School campus in Fox Chapel.
Our camp community is focused on providing a developmentally appropriate, safe and warm environment for all campers. With an attentive and well-trained staff, we've infused Day Camp Discovery with opportunities for creativity, autonomy, resilience, empathy and a sense of community.
2024 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Senior School, Fox Chapel (423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238)
Ages: Children entering grades K-5 in 2024-2025
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Week 1: June 17-21 (closed June 19)
Week 2: June 24-28
Week 3: July 1-5 (closed July 4)
Week 4: July 8-12
Week 5: July 15-19
Week 6: July 22-26
Weekly Session: $465
*After Care: $12 per day, until 6 p.m.
*Before Care: FREE, begins at 7:30 a.m.
Lunch: Included
Limited bus transportation is available with prior enrollment.
*This year, we ask families to utilize before/after care only when necessary to keep our numbers at a minimum, as multiple grades will be in a larger group setting.
Activities
- Arts and Crafts
- Competition Days
- Fitness and Aerobics
- Media Arts
- Outdoor Adventure
- Picnic Dance Parties!
- Science
- Sports (Basketball, Soccer, Tennis)
- Swimming
- Theater Spotlight
A Typical Day at Day Camp Discovery
- 7:30 a.m. – Before Care
Early-arriving campers gather in our two large gymnasiums for free play. This year, we ask that families utilize before/after care only when necessary to keep our numbers at a minimum as multiple grades will be in a larger group setting. - 8:30-8:45 a.m. – Arrival
The gym fills with the sounds of kids playing and laughing as campers arrive via cars and buses to head to their squads. - 9 a.m. – Morning Meeting
Our camp director and counselors welcome campers and staff, take attendance and explain the schedule for the day. - 9:15 a.m. – Morning Activities
Campers rotate through three activity periods with their squads. Tennis, soccer and outdoor adventure are awesome ways to spend a cool morning outside! - Noon – Lunch
Each camp squad heads to its designated campus location to enjoy pre-ordered, individually packaged lunches. Our on-site caterer prepares a delicious and nutritious meal each day, with vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives. - 1:20 p.m. – Afternoon Activities
Squads enjoy two additional activity periods – it's a great time to swim or make a masterpiece in arts and crafts! With a fully rotating schedule, we make sure campers have a chance to enjoy all of the activities at Day Camp Discovery! - 3:45 p.m. – Afternoon Meeting
Campers gather once again in the gyms to hear highlights from the day, take part in a game or contest and prepare for dismissal. - 4 p.m. – Dismissal
Campers head out to cars and buses after a fun and fulfilling day of camp. - 4:15-6 p.m. – After Care
For parents who need a little more time, we offer after care for an additional fee. This year, we ask that families utilize before/after care only when necessary to keep our numbers at a minimum as multiple grades will be in a larger group setting.
Sports Camps (K-5)
SSA Summer offers several sports camps to pique the athletic interests of kids entering grades K-5. All camps are one week in length and led by SSA coaches, ensuring the programs remain developmentally appropriate.
Our coed camps welcome boys and girls of all ability levels. From beginners looking to try a sport for the first time, to intermediate players looking to enhance their skills, SSA sports camps provide kids with a fun and exciting opportunity to learn from great coaches and players! As an added benefit, each camp includes a swim period, giving young athletes a chance to cool off in the summer heat!
2024 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Senior School, Fox Chapel
(423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238)
Ages: Varies by program (see below), based on 2024-2025 grade levels
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., unless otherwise noted
Boys and Girls Tennis: June 10-14* & July 29-Aug. 2 (grades K-5)
Boys and Girls Basketball Camp: June 10-14* (grades 2-6)
SSA Coaches Ice Hockey Camp: August 5-9 (grades K-8)
Ice Hockey: $600 - must provide own equipment
Tennis or Boys and Girls Basketball: $495
*After Care: $12 per day, available until 6 p.m.
*Before Care: FREE, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Lunch is included
Limited Bus transportation is available with prior enrollment.
*No before or after care June 10-14. This year, we ask families to utilize before/after care only when necessary to keep our numbers at a minimum, as multiple grades will be in a larger group setting.
2024 Sports Camps
- Boys and Girls Tennis Camp (K-5)
- Boys and Girls Basketball Camp (2-6)
- SSA Coaches Summer Hockey Camp (K-8)
Boys and Girls Tennis Camp (K-5)
Boys and Girls Basketball Camp (2-6)
SSA Coaches Summer Hockey Camp (K-8)
August 5-9, grades K-8
SSA is excited to announce its 2023 SSA Coaches Summer Hockey Camp, led by SSA Boys Prep Hockey Coach and former NHL player Eric Tangradi! Joining him are SSA Girls' Prep Hockey Coaches Pam Lloyd and Kate Binnie. We are excited to announce the addition of Stephen Volek to run off-ice instruction. Current SSA hockey coaches and players will serve as counselors.
The camp will be exciting and fun as always but more direct and focused on player development for all ages. Kids will develop their skills through power skating, passing, shooting and positional awareness. Camp will conclude with a skills challenge and scrimmage game on Friday.
To enhance player development, there will be three different age groups. Each grade-level group (K-2, 3-5, 6-8) will receive two on-ice sessions, hockey-specific off-ice sessions, and lunch. Please note that players may be moved based on skill level as evaluated by the coaching staff.
Players must provide their own equipment: helmet with full face mask, should pads, elbow pads, hockey gloves, hockey pants, hockey jock, shin pads, skates and a stick.
Focus Camps (K-5)
Join us for Shady Side Academy’s weeklong Focus Camps! Each fun and exciting camp is focused on specific skills to further develop your child's mind, body and spirit.
Creative activities and fun games supplement the learning process, all while enjoying life on our beautiful Senior School campus.
Instructed by Shady Side Academy coaches and teachers, and SSA Summer staff, Focus Camps are the perfect start or end to the summer!
2024 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Senior School, Fox Chapel (423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238)
Ages: Children entering grades K-5 in 2024-2025
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Week I: June 10-14*
- Ovation Drama Camp (grades 1-6)
- Passport to Mindfulness I (grades K-4)
- Chess Wizards Chess Camp (grades 1-5)
- Forces of Flight w/Mad Science (grades K-2)
Week II: July 29- Aug. 2
- Sports & Games I (grades K-5)
- Passport to Mindfulness II (grades K-4)
- Fizz Boom Bang w/Mad Science (grades K-2)
- Code It w/Codemoji (grades 3-5)
Week III: Aug. 5-9
- Sports & Games II (grades K-5)
- Mindful Eco-Explorers (grades K-4)
- Chess Wizards Chess Camp (1-5)
- Red Hot Robots w/Mad Science (grades K-2)
- Game On w/Codemoji (grades 3-5)
All Weekly Camps: $495
*After Care: $12 per day, available until 6 p.m.
*Before Care: FREE, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Lunch is included.
Limited bus transportation is available with prior enrollment.
*No before or after care June 10-14. This year, we ask families to utilize before/after care only when necessary to keep our numbers at a minimum, as multiple grades will be in a larger group setting.
2024 Focus Camps
- Ovation Drama Camp (grades 1-6)
- Passport to Mindfulness I and II ( grades K-4)
- Mindful Eco-Explorers (grades K-4)
- Sports & Games! (grades K-5)
- Chess Wizards Chess Camp (grades 1-5)
- Code It w/Codemoji (grades 3-5)
- Game On w/Codemoji (grades 3-5)
- Forces and Flight w/Mad Science (grades K-2)
- Fizz Boom Bang w/Mad Science (grades K-2)
- Red Hot Robots w/Mad Science (grades K-2)
Ovation Drama Camp (grades 1-6)
June 10-14, grades 1-6
If you just can't wait to be a star, take the stage with some singing, dancing and acting! Taught by SSA drama staff, students will create a set, make their own costumes, learn some songs and dances, and perform for an audience of friends and family on the last day of the camp.
Summer 2024 Performance:
Based on the classic animated film, Disney's 101 Dalmatians KIDS is a fur-raising adventure featuring Cruella De Vil, Disney's most outrageous villain, and 101 of the most adorable heroes to set their paws onstage. With a high-spirited score and lovable characters, this stage adaptation is certain to charm and delight all audiences.
Pet owners, Roger and Anita, live happily in London with their Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, stalwart dogs devoted to raising their puppies. Everything is quiet until Anita's former classmate, the monstrous Cruella De Vil, plots to steal the puppies for her new fur coat. The Dalmatians rally all the dogs of London for a daring rescue of the puppies from Cruella and her bumbling henchmen.
This show is one you won’t want to miss!
Passport to Mindfulness I and II ( grades K-4)
Passport to Mindfulness I, June 10-14, grades K-4
Campers will experientially "travel" to 10 different countries from India to Peru while trying a variety of contemplative practices. Folk tales, art projects, nature walks, yoga, cuisine from different countries and music are just some of the activities involved! This is a truly unique camp combining world cultures, art and fun learning! Each camp combines a fun blend of mindfulness, crafts, games, songs and even a daily international cooking activity for snack time.
Passport to Mindfulness II, July 29- Aug. 2, grades K-4
Passport to Mindfulness II has the same hybrid of wellness, social engagement, world cultures and contemplative art as Passport I, but explores 10 different countries. Each camp combines a fun blend of mindfulness, crafts, games, songs and even a daily international cooking activity for snack time.
Mindful Eco-Explorers (grades K-4)
Aug. 5-9, grades K-4
In this unique camp, students journey inward to work on self-regulation and social-emotional learning as well as outward to play with nature and art. While having fun at the intersection or mindfulness and sustainability, campers will enjoy games, songs, cooking, STEAM experiments and opportunities to take advantage of the special environmental spaces on campus. Each camp combines a fun blend of mindfulness, crafts, games, songs and even a daily international cooking activity for snack time.
Sports & Games! (grades K-5)
July 29- Aug. 2 and Aug. 5-9, grades K-5
This multi-sport camp offers basic guided instruction and semi-competitive play in sports including tennis, soccer, basketball and track & field. Recreational sports such as kickball, dodgeball and volleyball will complement “training” sessions. All campers will get a chance to relax and recuperate in our beautiful indoor pool.
Chess Wizards Chess Camp (grades 1-5)
June 10-14 & August 5-9, Grades 1-5
Join us this summer for tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games and cool prizes! Kids will improve their chess skills, meet new friends and work out their most powerful muscle - the brain! Camp includes fun team chess games (like bughouse), recess time (of course), snacks and lunch, tournaments and puzzles. Each camper will receive а Chess Wizards T-Shirt, trophy and puzzle folder. Unleash your brain power and spend some of your summer break with Chess Wizards!
Code It w/Codemoji (grades 3-5)
July 29-Aug. 2, grades 3-5
Codemoji’s Code It program’s mission is simple: teach students to enjoy all things related to coding and the web while building problem-solving and creative thinking skills. Our teachers deliver clear and entertaining instruction to ensure students have fun while learning complex coding skills using emojis that represent HTML text, which lowers the barriers to new coders and increases their excitement and understanding of computer science. Students build animations, websites and video games; explore multiple coding languages; program robots; create STEM-based projects both on and offline, and are encouraged to share their projects when they get home. Students also work with interactive circuit boards to understand the basics of currents and work with their teacher to build a handful of fun hands-on projects.
Codemoji's computer science curriculum for schools allows grade 3-5 students to learn the basics of web development and coding, including HTML, CSS and Javascript, in a fun and easy way, allowing them to create their own websites, animations and much more with our unique and adaptable learning platform. Codemoji's unique approach to programming websites ensures the user has fun while learning basic coding skills applicable to all areas of STEM.
Game On w/Codemoji (grades 3-5)
August 5-9, grades 3-5
Is your child already a video game wizard? Let them take their skills and understanding to the next level and design their own games and screen animations! Codemoji's Game On! computer science camp teaches students coding basics and how to bring video game components to life. Students leave class excited to show off their creations to friends and family!
Codemoji's computer science curriculum for schools allows grade 3-5 students to learn the basics of web development and coding, including HTML, CSS and Javascript, in a fun and easy way, allowing them to create their own websites, animations and much more with our unique and adaptable learning platform. Codemoji's unique approach to programming websites ensures the user has fun while learning basic coding skills applicable to all areas of STEM.
Forces and Flight w/Mad Science (grades K-2)
June 10-14, grades K-2
From the earliest flying machines to the first rocket flights, this hands-on program will allow children to build many different flying devices, see how Newton's Laws of Motion help explain how things move, and how rockets fly! Children will even get to see how amazing our Milky Way is!
Mad Science of Pittsburgh is a leading science enrichment provider. They deliver unique, hands-on science experiences for children through after-school programs, birthday parties, workshops, special events and summer camps. Their innovative programs are as entertaining as they are educational.
Fizz Boom Bang w/Mad Science (grades K-2)
July 29-Aug. 2, grades K-2
Shake up a flask of fun in the lab as a junior chemist! This hands-on and interactive program of chemistry is packed solid with reactions. Students put on goggles and change liquid to solid and back again. They get to handle laboratory tools, build and break molecules, and pick up some tricks on chemical changes.
Mad Science of Pittsburgh is a leading science enrichment provider. They deliver unique, hands-on science experiences for children through after-school programs, birthday parties, workshops, special events and summer camps. Their innovative programs are as entertaining as they are educational.
Red Hot Robots w/Mad Science (grades K-2)
August 5-9, grades K-2
A session of fun with amazing robots! Learn about the uses of robots in our world and spend time experimenting with super cool red-hot robotos. Discover the science of circuits and how robots use senors to explore things around them. Use your skills to build your very own working robot to take home with you!
Mad Science of Pittsburgh is a leading science enrichment provider. They deliver unique, hands-on science experiences for children through after-school programs, birthday parties, workshops, special events and summer camps. Their innovative programs are as entertaining as they are educational.
A Typical Day at Focus Camp
- 7:30 a.m. – Before Care
Early-arriving campers gather in our two large gymnasiums for socially distant free play. This year, we ask that families utilize before/after care only when necessary to keep our numbers at a minimum as multiple grades will be in a larger group setting. - 8:45 a.m. – Arrival
The gym begins to fill with the sounds of play as campers arrive from parent drop-off and bus transportation. - 9 a.m. – Morning Meeting
Each camp's lead counselor welcomes campers, takes attendance and explains the day's schedule. - 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. – Morning Activities
Campers move to their Focus Camp locations and begin with introductory and team-building activities. Instructors focus on teaching new skills and honing old ones that will culminate in a final project or activity. - 12 p.m. – Lunch and Recess
Each camp heads to its designated campus location to enjoy pre-ordered, individually packaged lunches. Our on-site caterer prepares a delicious and nutritious meal each day, with vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives. - 1:20-3:45 p.m. – Afternoon Activities
A period of swim and/or gym games is also offered for specific camps and programs. - 3:45 p.m. – Afternoon Meeting
Campers and staff gather in the gym to get ready for dismissal and reflect on the awesome day! - 4 p.m. – Dismissal
Campers head outside to cars and buses after a fun and fulfilling day of camp. - 4-6 p.m. – After Care
For parents who need a little more time, we offer after care for an additional fee. This year, we ask that families utilize before/after care only when necessary to keep our numbers at a minimum as multiple grades will be in a larger group setting.
Glimcher STEAM Camps (3-5)
Join SSA Summer for an awesome lineup of new STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) camps all hosted within the Glimcher Tech & Design Hub at Shady Side Academy's Senior School Campus.
2024 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Senior School School, Fox Chapel (423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238)
Ages: Children entering grades 3-5 in the 2024-2025 school year
Times: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Weekly Sessions June 10-August 2 (no programs July 1-5)
- Redstone Explorers,$495
- Roblox Adventures, $495
- Maker Mania, $895
- Robotics - LEGO Spike Prime Camp, July 15-19, $570
*After Care: $12 per day, available until 6 p.m.
*Before Care: FREE, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Lunch is included.
Limited bus transportation is available with prior enrollment.
*No before or after care June 10-14 . This year, we ask families to utilize before/after care only when necessary to keep our numbers at a minimum, as multiple grades will be in a larger group setting.
2024 STEAM Camps
- Redstone Explorers
- Roblox Adventures
- Maker Mania
- Robitics - LEGO Spike Prime Camp
- About the Glimcher Tech & Design Hub
Redstone Explorers
Grades 3-5, Weekly Sessions June 10-August 2 (no programs July 1-5)
Welcome to Redstone Explorers Camp – where young minds in grades 3-5 can unleash their creativity and dive into the exciting world of Minecraft Redstone engineering! Our summer camp is designed to combine fun and learning as campers embark on a thrilling adventure to master the art of Redstone in Minecraft.
Camp Highlights:
- Hands-On Learning: Campers will get hands-on experience working with Redstone, Minecraft's unique and powerful in-game material. Through interactive projects and challenges, they'll learn how to create intricate contraptions and machines.
- Creative Building: Foster your child's creativity by encouraging them to design and build their own redstone-powered structures. From secret doors to automated farms, the possibilities are endless!
- Team Challenges: Collaboration is key! Campers will have the chance to work together on exciting team challenges that require problem-solving and teamwork. This not only enhances their Redstone skills but also promotes social interaction.
- Expert Guidance: Our experienced instructors are avid Minecraft players with a passion for Redstone engineering. They'll guide campers through the intricacies of Redstone, providing tips, tricks, and personalized assistance.
- Safety First: While having fun is our priority, safety is paramount. Our camp environment is carefully monitored, ensuring a secure and supervised space for your child to explore and learn.
- Outdoor Recreation: We believe in a balanced experience. Campers will have scheduled breaks to enjoy outdoor activities, giving them a chance to recharge and socialize with fellow Minecraft enthusiasts.
Roblox Adventures
Grades 3-5, Weekly Sessions June 10-August 2 (no programs July 1-5)
Welcome to Roblox Adventures Camp – the ultimate summer destination for young gaming enthusiasts in grades 3-5! At our camp, we're unlocking the doors to creativity and imagination as campers explore the exciting worlds of Roblox Obbys, Adventure Games, and Tycoons. Get ready for a thrilling blend of fun, learning, and camaraderie!
Camp Highlights:
- Obby Mastery: Campers will embark on a journey to conquer Roblox obstacle courses (Obbys) designed to challenge their agility, problem-solving skills, and creativity. From lava jumps to complex mazes, campers will become Obby experts by the end of the camp.
- Adventure Game Design: Unleash your child's creativity as they dive into the world of creating their own Roblox adventure games. Campers will learn the fundamentals of game design, storyboarding, and level creation to craft immersive experiences for players to enjoy.
- Terrible Tycoons: Campers will step into the shoes of virtual entrepreneurs as they learn to design and manage their own Roblox tycoons. From creating businesses to managing resources, this segment of the camp will teach valuable concepts in a fun and engaging way.
- Collaborative Challenges: Foster teamwork and social interaction as campers collaborate on group challenges within Roblox games. Whether it's conquering a difficult Obby together or building a tycoon empire as a team, the camp emphasizes the importance of working together.
- In-Game Economy: Campers will gain an understanding of in-game economies as they explore the intricacies of virtual currency, trading, and resource management within the Roblox platform. This practical experience teaches financial literacy in a digital setting.
- Expert Mentors: Our experienced instructors are avid Roblox players with a passion for game design. They'll guide campers through the ins and outs of creating and playing within the Roblox universe, providing tips, tricks, and personalized assistance.
Maker Mania
Grades 3-5, Weekly Sessions June 10-August 2 (no programs July 1-5)
Welcome to Maker Mania Camp – an immersive and hands-on summer experience designed for young creators in grades 3-5! At Maker Mania, we believe in empowering the next generation of innovators, and our camp is the ultimate destination for students to explore the exciting world of 3D design and fabrication. Get ready for a summer filled with creativity, experimentation, and the thrill of bringing ideas to life!
Camp Highlights:
- 3D Design Exploration: Campers will dive into the fascinating world of 3D design using user-friendly software. From creating custom characters to designing functional objects, this segment of the camp encourages imaginative thinking and problem-solving.
- Hands-On Fabrication: Learn the art of turning digital designs into tangible creations! Campers will get hands-on experience with a variety of fabrication tools, including 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and woodshop tools. Our expert instructors will guide them through the entire process, from concept to creation.
- 3D Printing Adventure: Each camper will have the opportunity to unleash their creativity by bringing their own 3D designs to life using state-of-the-art 3D printers. From small trinkets to personalized creations, campers will build their own projects and develop a deep understanding of the 3D printing process.
- Laser Cutting Mastery: Explore the precision and versatility of laser cutting technology! Campers will create intricate designs on various materials, turning their imagination into stunning laser-cut masterpieces. The possibilities are endless, from personalized keychains to intricate puzzles.
- Vinyl Cutting Fun: Campers will learn the art of vinyl cutting to create custom decals, stickers, and designs. They'll explore different techniques and materials, turning ordinary items into personalized works of art using vinyl cutters.
- Woodshop Wonders: Safety first! Campers will be introduced to basic woodworking skills, gaining hands-on experience with woodshop tools under the guidance of skilled instructors. From crafting simple wooden projects to understanding the fundamentals of woodworking, it's a chance to explore creativity in three dimensions.
- Take-Home 3D Printer: As a special bonus, each camper will receive their very own 3D printer to take home at the end of the camp! This not only reinforces the skills they've acquired but also allows them to continue their maker journey beyond the camp.
Robitics - LEGO Spike Prime Camp
Grades 3-5, July 15-19
Welcome to Robotics - LEGO Spike Prime Camp, an immersive, hands-on experience for 3rd to 5th graders blending creativity, coding, and robotics. Using state-of-the-art LEGO Spike Prime kits, campers collaborate to build and program robots. The camp emphasizes teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Campers learn coding with a user-friendly, block-based language, enabling them to make their robots perform tasks, navigate obstacles, and partake in challenges. Campers with previous coding experience can also program their robots using Python.
Led by experienced instructors passionate about LEGO robotics and STEM education, campers receive personalized support, boosting confidence in their abilities as they persist through struggle. By the end of the week, participants not only have tangible creations but also invaluable knowledge in robotics, coding, and teamwork. Get ready for a week of innovation, collaboration, and fun at Robotics Lego Spike Prime Camp!
About the Glimcher Tech & Design Hub
The Glimcher Tech & Design Hub's Fabrication and Robotics Wing houses a fabrication lab (fab lab), workshop, wet lab, robotics arena and more. The fab lab and workshop feature cutting-edge equipment including a Tormach CNC mill, a Forest Scientific CNC router, an Epilog laser cutter, a Roland vinyl cutter, a Roland VersaPrint garment printer, a SawStop table saw and four 3D printers, including a Formlabs 3D resin printer. Learn more about the Glimcher Tech & Design Hub.
Summer School (2-5)
Shady Side Academy offers Summer School courses to meet the needs and interests of elementary school students entering grades 2-5. Courses reinforce learning from the prior school year and prepare students for the challenges of the school year ahead.
Language arts and mathematics classes enrich the academic experience through hands-on engagement with subject material and close, working relationships with teachers. Class sizes range from 5-14 students and are assigned by grade level and ability. An entire summer course is six weeks. Each before-noon 45-minute class period is typically followed by daily homework assignments, including weekends, to deepen understanding and prepare for the next day of learning. We recognize that summer is a time for play, and our aim is to provide students the opportunity to bolster their academic skills in a supportive and engaging environment.
2024 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Senior School, Fox Chapel (423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238)
Ages: Children entering grades 2-5 in 2024-2025
Dates: June 17-July 26 (off June 19 and July 4)
2024 Course Times:
Language Arts 2: 8:45-9:30 a.m.
Language Arts 3: 9:35-10:20 a.m.
Language Arts 4: 10:25-11:10 a.m.
Language Arts 5: 11:15 a.m.-12:00 noon
Math 2: 9:35-10:20 a.m.
Math 3: 8:45-9:30 a.m.
Math 4: 11:15 a.m.-12:00 noon
Math 5: 10:25-11:10 a.m.
Stay & Play (Summer School + Day Camp): 8:45 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Individual Courses Only: $1,250 each
One Course + Stay & Play: $3,100
Two Courses + Stay & Play: $3,600
Please contact summerprograms@shadysideacademy.org if you need accommodations to your schedule and for more information.
Stay & Play
Need full-day child care? Your kid will enjoy the best of both worlds when you register for SSA Stay & Play! Kids enroll in six weeks of Summer School, and when they're not in class they enjoy the rest of day in Day Camp Discovery! NOTE: This option is only available for the entire six-week session.
*After Care: $12 per day, until 6 p.m.
*Before Care: FREE, begins at 7:30 a.m.
Lunch is included for Stay and Play only.
Limited bus transportation is available for the Stay and Play option with prior enrollment..
*This year, we ask that families utilize before/after care only when necessary to keep our numbers at a minimum as multiple grades will be in a larger group setting.
Progress Reports
Progress reports are issued at the end of the six-week session to provide parents with individualized and detailed feedback on their child's experience. In addition, teachers stay in contact with parents throughout the session to keep them informed about their child's coursework with individualized comments as needed. Teachers also keep the Summer School Director up to date on student progress with teaching goals, instructions, and expectations individualized.
2024 Elementary School Classes
Elementary Language Arts: Summer Focus on Reading
Summer Focus on Reading is an elementary language arts class that builds upon and encourages students' love for reading and storytelling at each grade level. Students will seek to address "summer reading loss" through daily reading and written response, which helps significantly with reading comprehension and vocabulary growth. Students read books from Shady Side Academy's summer reading lists and other age-appropriate library selections. The selected books provide opportunities to discuss the literary elements of setting, characters and plot. Students learn to discern a story’s main ideas and to discover literary signposts that point to significant moments within the narrative. Since the focus of each six-week session is on a specific book or readings; writing will be focused on identification of literary elements, signposts, and summaries. These are hands-on courses that meet students at their current level and help prepare them for the challenges of the school year ahead.
Elementary Mathematics
Elementary math classes are hands-on, skills-based, engaging courses that meet students at their current level and help prepare them for the challenges of the next school year. Through projects, play, and problem-solving activities, students bolster their math skills and passion for the subject.
We recommend enrolling your child in the course most closely aligned with the math course they will be taking in the 2024-2025 school year.