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. Read our 2022 COVID-19 health and safety protocols here.
NOTE: Due to renovations on our Junior School campus, East End Explorers Day Camp will not run in 2022. All 2022 SSA Summer programs will be held on our Fox Chapel campuses, which offer bus transportation from the East End. We plan to return to our Junior School campus in Summer 2023 with bigger and better programming!
- Day Camp Discovery (1-5)
- North Hills Adventurers Day Camp (PK-K)
- Sports Camps (K-5)
- Focus Camps (K-5)
- STEAM Camps (K-5)
- Summer School (2-5)
Day Camp Discovery (1-5)
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 1-5 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.
2022 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Senior School, Fox Chapel (423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238)
Ages: Kids entering grades 1-5 in 2022-2023
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Week 1: June 21-24 (closed June 20)
Week 2: June 27-July 1
Week 3: July 5-8 (closed July 4)
Week 4: July 11-15
Week 5: July 18-22
Week 6: July 25-29
Weekly Session: $425
*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 for an additional fee.
*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, yet distanced 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 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, yet distanced 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, yet distanced group setting.
North Hills Adventurers Day Camp (PK-K)
Our North Hills Adventurers day camp offers fun, age-appropriate activities for kids entering pre-kindergarten and kindergarten. Held on our wooded 17-acre Country Day School campus in Fox Chapel, this outdoor-focused camp offers both full- and half-day sessions, and includes lunch.
Campers enjoy traditional day camp experiences coupled with endless outdoor learning opportunities. Kids will be grouped into grade-specific squads and explore nature in our unique treehouse classroom, trails and gardens, and play games in our gymnasium, playground and field. 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 art masterpieces and more!
2022 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Country Day School, 400 Christ Church Lane, Pittsburgh, PA 15235)
Ages: Kids entering grades PK-K in 2022-2023**
Times: Full-day 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Half-day 9 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
Week 1: June 21-24 (closed June 20)
Week 2: June 27-July 1
Week 3: July 5-8 (closed July 4)
Week 4: July 11-15
Week 5: July 18-22
Week 6: July 25-29
Weekly Session, Full-Day: $425
Weekly Session, Half-Day: $300
*After Care: $12 per day, until 6 p.m.
*Before Care: FREE, begins at 8 a.m.
Lunch is included.
Limited bus transportation is available.
*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, yet distanced group setting.
**Children must be at least 3 years old and fully potty-trained to attend.
Activities
Example themes/activities from past years:
- Arts and Crafts
- Dance Parties!
- Fitness and Aerobics
- Outdoor Adventure
- Science
- Sports (Basketball, Soccer, Tennis)
- Wilderness Explorers
- Fairy Tales & Magical Lands
- Water-PALOOZA!
A Typical Day at North Hills Adventurers
- 8 a.m. – Before Care
Early-riser campers gather in the gymnasium for socially distant, 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, yet distanced group setting. - 9 a.m. – Arrival
The gym and playground begin to fill with the sounds of children playing as campers arrive from parent drop-off to their 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 woods! - 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
Full-day campers head home 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, yet distanced 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!
2022 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Senior School, Fox Chapel
(423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238)
Ages: Varies by program (see below), based on 2022-2023 grade levels
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Boys and Girls Tennis: June 13-17* & Aug. 1-5 (grades K-5)
Boys and Girls Basketball Camp: June 13-17* (grades 2-6)
Boys and Girls Ice Hockey: Aug. 8-12 (grades K-8)
Tennis or Basketball: $450
Ice Hockey: $475 (must provide own equipment)
*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.
*No before or after care June 13-17. 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, yet distanced group setting.
2022 Sports Camps
- Boys and Girls Tennis Camp (K-5)
- Boys and Girls Basketball Camp (2-6)
- Boys and Girls Ice Hockey Camp (K-8)
Boys and Girls Tennis Camp (K-5)
Boys and Girls Basketball Camp (2-6)
Boys and Girls Ice Hockey Camp (K-8)
August 8-12, grades K-8
SSA prep hockey coaches and current/past players lead two simultaneous ice hockey camps in our McKnight Hockey Center. The beginners' camp focuses on the fundamental skills necessary to play hockey. The advanced camp focuses on conditioning, strength and refinement of skills for the more experienced player. 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!
2022 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Senior School, Fox Chapel (423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238)
Ages: Kids entering grades K-5 in 2022-2023
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Week I: June 13-17*
- Ovation Drama Camp (grades K-5)
- Passport to Mindfulness I (grades K-5)
Week II: Aug. 1-5
- Sports & Games I (grades K-5)
- Passport to Mindfulness II (grades K-5)
Week III: Aug. 8-12
- Sports & Games II (grades K-5)
- Mindful Eco-Explorers (grades K-5)
All Weekly Camps: $450
*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.
*No before or after care June 13-17. 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, yet distanced group setting.
2022 Focus Camps
- Ovation Drama Camp (K-5)
- Passport to Mindfulness I and II (K-5)
- Mindful Eco-Explorers (K-5)
- Sports & Games! (K-5)
Ovation Drama Camp (K-5)
June 13-17, grades K-5
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.
Passport to Mindfulness I and II (K-5)
Passport to Mindfulness I, June 13-17, grades K-5
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!
Passport to Mindfulness II, August 1-5, grades K-5
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 (K-5)
Aug. 8-12, grades K-5
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.
Sports & Games! (K-5)
Aug. 1-5 and Aug. 8-12, 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.
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, yet distanced 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, yet distanced group setting.
STEAM Camps (K-5)
Join SSA Summer as we offer brand-new STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) camps! This year, we have partnered with Mad Science of Pittsburgh to offer a variety of weeklong programs. Instructors will engage children of all ages through hands-on activities in fabrication, Earth science, Minecraft, Roblox, biology, LEGOs, robotics and more!
2022 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Senior School School, Fox Chapel (423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238)
Ages: Varies by program (see below, based on 2022-2023 grade levels)
Times: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
June 13-17*
- Eureka! The Inventor's Camp w/Mad Science (grades K-2)
- Spies vs Robots w/Mad Science (grades 3-5)
August 1-5
- Yuckology w/Mad Science (grades K-2)
- NASA: The Academy of Future Space Explorers w/Mad Science (3-5)
August 8-12
- Sea, Sand, & Sky w/Mad Science (grades K-2)
- Think Fast, Build Faster w/Mad Science (3-5)
Each Week: $450
*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.
*No before or after care June 13-17 . 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, yet distanced group setting.
2022 STEAM Camps
NEW! Mad Science Camps at SSA Summer
- Eureka! The Inventor's Camp (K-2)
- Spies vs Robots (3-5)
- Yuckology (K-2)
- NASA: The Academy of Future Space Explorers (3-5)
- Sea, Sand & Sky (K-2)
- Think Fast, Build Faster (3-5)
- About Mad Science of Pittsburgh
Eureka! The Inventor's Camp (K-2)
June 13-17, grades K-2
Overcome a series of challenges using basic materials, simple machines, tips from famous inventors and most important of all – your mind! Create catapults and forts, build shelters and bridges, and learn about density. While Thomas Edison said "invention is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration," this program is 100% FUN!
Spies vs Robots (3-5)
June 13-17, grades 3-5
From decoding messages to peering through night-vision goggles, campers will check out our spy-tech equipment and detective gear! Step into the shoes of a detective as we uncover the science involved in evidence gathering and analysis. Then we turn to the world of robotics, and you will make your own take-home robot! We will investigate robotic fundamentals with curious robots, learn about the history and current field of robots, explore robot design and build our own!
Yuckology (K-2)
NASA: The Academy of Future Space Explorers (3-5)
August 1-5, grades 3-5
From our Earth's atmosphere to the outer reaches of our solar system, this hands-on program sends participants on a quest for exploration! Comets, planets, stars and more are all waiting to be discovered. Learn about the four forces of flight, the challenges of space travel, and participate in a rocket launch! Throughout the week, we'll also put our goggles on and explore chemical reactions, bubbling flasks of fog and more!
Sea, Sand & Sky (K-2)
August 8-12, grades K-2
Have you ever wondered what's below our feet and what's miles above our heads? In this exciting program, you will dig in to Earth science! Earth's layers are introduced with a spotlight on its outer rocky layer and campers will try out tools that meteorologists use to measure weather. Then, we go to infinity and beyond! Campers impersonate the planets to compare their sizes and distances from the sun, recreate a solar and lunar eclipse, and become particles on a voyage into a planet's core.
Think Fast, Build Faster (3-5)
August 8-12, grades 3-5
Overcome a series of engineering challenges using LEGO bricks, simple machines, tips from famous inventors and most important of all – your mind! Create catapults and forts, build shelters and bridges, and learn about density. Engineers shape the world and this camp will help get you ready to take on bigger projects!
About Mad Science of Pittsburgh
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, and we are excited to partner with them for Summer 2022!
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.
2022 Dates & Rates
Location: SSA Senior School, Fox Chapel (423 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238)
Ages: Kids entering grades 2-5 in 2022-2023
Dates: June 21 - July 29 (off June 20 and July 4)
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: $1,100 each
One Course + Stay & Play: $2,800
Two Courses + Stay & Play: $3,300
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.
Limited bus transportation is available for Stay and Play option.
*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, yet distanced 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.
2022 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 he or she will be taking in the 2022-2023 school year. For most students this is their grade level for the 2022-2023 year.