21. Mad Science
With titles like Fizz Bang Boom, Red Hot Robots and Secret Agent Lab, Mad Science summer camp sessions have us intrigued. Workshops, held at 15 area locations, are geared to kids from kindergarten through 6th grade, giving them the chance to be junior scientists for the summer. Register here for your choice of location and camp.
22. Fern Hollow Nature Center
This summer, the Fern Hollow Nature Center returns to in-person nature-themed camps. Kids ages 3-11 will enjoy fresh air learning and challenges. The youngest campers might pick berries and vegetables, dig for fossils and build fairy houses. Older kids can practice archery, learn to be eco-warriors or master outdoor survival skills. Find the camp lineup here.
Full and partial scholarships are offered through the Union Aid Society. Call 412-742-3166 or email for information.
23. GirlGov Summer Leadership Academy
High school girls interested in leadership, civics and social justice will learn how to make a difference in their communities through the 2021 GirlGov Summer Leadership Academy. The Women and Girls Foundation partners with the University of Pittsburgh to present this three-week hybrid program, running from July 12-30. Teens will identify and develop solutions to issues of injustice and inequity. By the end of the program, participants will have developed an action plan to return to their communities and enact the change they want to see.
A limited number of scholarships are available, with an application deadline of April 15.
24. Camp Invention
Camp Invention offers in-person and at-home options for an inspiring, action-packed experience. The STEM summer program helps kids in grades K-6 to develop innovative thinking and problem-solving skills and encourages collaboration. In-person camps are held in schools around Pittsburgh. Find a program location and register here.
25. University of Pittsburgh Gene Team
Science-minded teens from urban high schools with an interest in biology are invited to apply for a position in the Gene Team program. Pitt Biology Outreach will provide training and scientific background to collect data for ongoing research. This year, the four-week program will be held virtually at home. Projects include at-home molecular, microbiology and ecological studies that will be carried out in your own yard and neighborhood.
The Gene Team program is free and all supplies are provided. The application deadline is April 16.
26. Switch and Signal Skatepark
Skate Camp returns to Switch and Signal Skatepark this year with full-day camps running from June 14 to Aug. 20. Choose a week or sign up for the entire summer. Kids from ages 5-13 in all skill levels are welcome to get started or develop more advanced expertise. Learn about skate components, make skate art and work on a group skate video to take home at the end of the week. Register here.
27. Blue Ribbon Farms
Kids get a total fresh air farm experience at Blue Ribbon Farms’ Little Farmers Day Camp. Hands-on experiences include bottle feeding a newborn calf, caring for goats and piglets or riding a pony. Kids learn about growing food in the expansive garden and collect fresh eggs, then help prepare dishes from food harvested on the farm. Crafts, nature walks and games are part of the fun. The three-day camps are geared to kids ages 4-13. Register here.
28. Glade Run Lutheran Services
Glade Run’s Specialized Adventures Camp is a two-week social skills development course specifically designed for kids with moderate to high-functioning autism spectrum disorders, but any kids ages 8-18 who need help with social skill development will be considered. Activities include horseback riding, trail and stream exploration and gardening. View the brochure for details.
A limited number of partial scholarships are available through the Glade Run Foundation. Call 724-452-4453, ext. 1244, or email.
29. Little Lake Theatre
Budding theater stars ages 6-18 will take the stage during in-person summer camps at Little Lake Theatre. Kids with a flair for the dramatic will study improv character movement and audition skills in Acting Camp. Musical Theater campers will rehearse and perform roles in “Shrek the Musical Jr.” Be A Star Camp is offered in two sessions — Heroes and Villains — to explore which might be more fun to portray. Learn more and register here.
30. Horses Unlimited Stables
Kids who are giddy with pony love will be positively smitten with the two Pony Camps at Horses Unlimited Stables. Beginners receive an introduction to Western and English riding in the weeklong sessions. Kids will learn horse care methods, including a hands-on pony bath to safely clean off the mud. Expect horse-themed crafts and games, too. Find more information here or call 412-835-7726.
Bonus: Looking for more? Check out these summer camps below:
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania
Steeltown Film Academy
Sewickley Academy
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Snapology
North Catholic High School
Cut & Sew Studio
Act One Theatre School
Sing Sing Sing!
Luminari’s Camp Delicious