SPECIALTY CAMPS 2026
Registration opens NOW!
At JCC Specialty Camps, kids get the chance to focus on the things they love to learn and do. Led by expert instructors and enthusiastic staff, Specialty Camps provide campers opportunities to explore interests and gain knowledge, skills and proficiency. Choose from a variety of exciting one-week options, and customize the summer based on your child’s interests and your family’s schedule. Free swim and gym times allow campers to move around and mix with friends attending other JCC Specialty Camps. Snacks and lunch served daily unless otherwise noted.
All Star Basketball with Run the Show
GRADES 1-4 - July 27-31 | GRADES 5-8 - August 10-14 | $530 | Squirrel Hill
Get ready to shine on the court with the All-Star Basketball Camp, part of the Run the Show program! This dynamic camp focuses on building basketball skills, boosting confidence, and fostering teamwork. Campers will develop their dribbling, shooting, and passing fundamentals while engaging in exciting drills and games designed to improve coordination and game sense. This camp is all about learning, growing, and having fun. This camp is led by Run the Show, a basketball betterment company run by current and former professional and collegiate coaches. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, you'll leave with new skills, great memories, and a love for the game. Are you ready to Run the Show and become an All-Star? Join us on the court!
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Art Around the World with Art Imagined
GRADES 2-5 - August 10-14 | $510 | Squirrel Hill
Come discover art and artists from around this great vast world. In our week together we will discover many different art mediums as well as learn about famous artists who helped shape the art world today. Some places we will visit; Japan, Italy, France, Russia and the United States to name just a few. Come spend the week with us on a trip you won’t forget! At the end of our week we will have an art show to present our work.
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Be An Outsider Multisport with L.L.Bean
Grades 6-8 - July 6-10 | Grades 3-5 - July 13-17 | $625 | Squirrel Hill
Looking for a fun way to get outside and enjoy new sports this summer? Our JCC x L.L.Bean Be An Outsider Multi-Sport Camp is the perfect way to experience new adventures while taking in the outdoors at North Park. During this weeklong camp, you will participate in kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, archery, survival skills, hiking, and so much more! Each day will build on skills learned from the previous days, all leading up to an end-of-camp ultimate challenge that will test your teamwork and newly learned skills. Our expert L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Program instructors will be there to guide you every step of the way, and you will emerge with numerous new skills, friendships, and lasting outsider memories!
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Building Big!
GRADES 4-6 - July 27-31 | $510 | Squirrel Hill
Throughout the week, campers will discover the basics of architecture by learning about famous structures, exploring how buildings stand tall, and experimenting with different materials and designs. Using tools like cardboard, clay, and recycled materials, students will plan and construct their own mini-buildings, bridges, and dream homes while thinking like real architects. Each day will combine creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork as campers learn to balance beauty, function, and structure in their designs. Through fun challenges—like building the tallest tower or creating a model city—students will develop critical thinking skills and gain an appreciation for how architecture shapes the world around us. Building Big invites young builders to dream big, design boldly, and see the world through an architect’s eyes!
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Dino-Mite!
GRADES 1-3 - July 20-24 | $510 | Squirrel Hill
Calling all paleontologists! Your prehistoric mission is about to begin! Grab your explorer gear and get ready to travel back 225 million years to the incredible world of dinosaurs. At Dino Mite Summer Camp, campers will journey through the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods to explore the amazing Mesozoic Era—also known as the Age of the Reptiles. Along the way, you’ll meet some of the most famous creatures to ever walk the Earth, including the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex, the “fish lizard” Ichthyosaurus, and the high-flying Pterodactyl. Campers will dig for and identify fossils, learn fun dino facts, and create dinosaur-themed art projects inspired by their discoveries. Get ready for hands-on activities, creative exploration, and dino-sized fun in this DINO-MITE expedition through prehistoric time! Ready to roar into adventure? Join Dino Mite Summer Camp and become a Junior Paleontologist this summer!
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ECO Art with Outside the Box Science
GRADES 2-6 - August 3-7 | $510 | Squirrel Hill
In this hands-on camp, participants will discover the science behind amazing art techniques and explore how nature inspires creativity. Kids will create their own natural dyes, tie-dye bandanas, design and mold garden stepping stones, experiment with henna to make temporary tattoos, upcycle materials into decorative handmade paper, and dive into so many more unforgettable projects. It’s the perfect blend of art, science, and messy, colorful fun—a must-try for every creative camper!
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Kung Fu Training Camp for Success and Fun with Rothrock's Kung Fu
GRADES 1-8 | July 20-24 | $510 | Squirrel Hill
Kung Fu is an ancient Chinese martial art where campers will learn physical techniques, their historical and modern significance, and train for a formal Friday demonstration (wearing their Kung Fu shirts!) for parents and staff. They will actively participate in learning for themselves, helping others, and being guided by adults and Jr. Instructors, discovering they can achieve more than they thought possible. The camp includes Kung Fu animal routines, foam swords, Chinese calligraphy, endurance, focus, teamwork, imagination, and …patience!
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Monster Mash
GRADES 2-4 | August 3-7 | $510 | Squirrel Hill
In this week-long adventure, campers will dive into the fascinating world of monsters—mythical, mysterious, and even a little bit silly. Through art projects, storytelling, games, and hands-on activities, students will learn about monsters from different cultures, design their own unique creatures, and bring them to life through crafts and performances. Whether crafting a friendly forest giant or inventing a brand-new beast, every camper will have the chance to let their imagination run wild. Each day will feature a mix of creativity, collaboration, and discovery. Campers might write “monster diaries,” create habitats for their creatures, play themed games, and even put on a final “Monster Parade” to showcase their creations to friends and family. Along the way, they’ll build confidence, practice teamwork, and learn how stories and imagination connect people across the world. Monster Mash is the perfect blend of fun, learning, and creativity—a monstrously good time for everyone!
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Music Mania! With Sunburst School of Music
GRADES 3-6 | August 11-14 | $510 | Squirrel Hill
Music Mania is all about having a blast with music! Campers in 3rd through 6th grade will explore the wide world of music, including playing in a band, learning instrument basics, recording and production, art projects, and more. Whether they’re picking up an instrument for the first time or building on existing skills, there’s something for every young musician. Sunburst’s band coaches ensure that everyone has a role as they work together toward the big show, where campers will perform on stage for friends and family. It’s a week of creativity, collaboration, and hands-on music making!
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On the Water Adventure with L.L.Bean
GRADES 6-8 | August 3-7 | $625 | Squirrel Hill
Let’s Paddle! Join us as we spend time on the water in North Park with our trusted instructors from the L.L.Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs. This week of water-sport immersion will cover all the basic skills and safety techniques campers will need to paddle on their own. There will also be a day for campers to partake in land sports such as archery and team building! Campers will learn the essentials of recreational kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. We will focus on basic paddling skills, launching techniques, paddling equipment, water safety, reading weather conditions, on-water rescues, and fun. Our L.L. Bean instructors will work with campers step-by-step through each stroke, helping to hone and refine abilities throughout the course. Be sure to come prepared to get wet!
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O’Ryan the O’Mazing’s Spectacular Circus Camp!
Grades 2-4 - July 27-31 | $510 | Squirrel Hill
Focusing on personal identity and self acceptance, this workshop uses the fundamentals of circus skills to help each child unlock their own unique sense of character. We will be learning the basics of clowning, juggling, balancing, and plate spinning, while also incorporating masks and puppets into the curriculum. Making and performing with a mask or a puppet can be a great opportunity to develop and show off a character without putting yourself directly in the spotlight. We will learn about storytelling, character archetypes, and comedic timing through play and experimentation. This will add some more arts and crafts into our time together, and as well as lots of games and exercises to connect us as a group and teach the techniques that we will use to bring our characters to life. Circus skills teach focus and strength, and working in character to help students embrace their inner clown, make this workshop a unique and empowering experience. Campers will also get to take their props with them, so they can show off their skills at home!
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Outside the Box Science: Matter & Energy Mania!
Grades 4-6 - July 20-24 | Grades 1-3 - July 27-31 | $510 | Squirrel Hill
Get ready to think critically and be creative as we investigate matter and energy - the stuff that makes up our universe! Build, break, blow-up, dissect, crash and explore as we get our hands dirty and experiment with everything from physics to chemistry to biology. Build rockets, launch airplanes and drones, see sound waves moving through flames, cause chemicals to react, test lasers, observe live animal specimens, assemble a skeleton, dissect an owl pellet and much more. At the end of the week we will put what we have learned to work with the ever-popular "egg drop challenge", by building and testing devices to protect an egg from a 25 foot fall. Bring only your creativity and an open mind!
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Party Tricks & Magic Mix-Up with Weird Eric!
GRADES 1-4 | August 10-14 | $510 | Squirrel Hill
A fun-filled summer experience where kids learn real magic tricks from a professional magician Weird Eric! They build simple take-home illusions, and play classic party games every day! Campers will explore sleight-of-hand, visual magic, and beginner illusion secrets while boosting confidence, creativity, and presentation skills. Each day also includes high-energy party games, group challenges, and teamwork activities, imagination and fun. Campers will learn and perform magic tricks, build and keep mini illusion props, play classic party games and group challenges, gain confidence, and make new friends! Perfect for beginners and curious minds to learn & practice in a supportive environment. By the end of camp, every child will have new magic tricks to show off and great summer memories to take home! Let the magic begin!
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Project Duct Tape!
GRADES 4-6 | July 6-10 | $510 | Squirrel Hill
Slay the summer! Duct tape is both functional and really strong, BUT used in design, fashion, and art, it can become an unconventional material that is modern and exciting! In this hands-on creative class you will learn how to turn duct tape into something innovative and original! We’ll start with the history of duct tape and check out artists who use it in epic ways. Become a duct tape master as we devise the taming techniques needed to start. Then, you'll begin with wallets and bags and learn the -shhh!- “secret” to adding artwork and embellishments by producing your own duct tape art on a canvas. Finally, you’ll team up with others, brainstorm, sketch ideas, and make patterns to tailor your very own fashion as art piece-your choice, your style. Bring your inner wonder, whimsy, or weird-from sports to Demon K-Pop with your own flair! Design daringly and craft with confidence to strut in an end-of-camp fashion show! So designers…are you in?
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Spy Kids!
GRADES 1-3 | July 13-17 | $510 | Squirrel Hill
Shhhh… come closer…This message is top secret! Welcome to SPY KIDS Camp, where every day is a brand-new mission. Step into the world of spies and secret agents as you train using real spy skills. You’ll design and build cool spy gadgets, write and read secret messages with invisible ink, crack secret codes, and solve mysterious cases. Each mission will challenge your brain and imagination as you search for hidden clues, complete top-secret tasks, and unlock surprises along the way. You’ll play exciting spy games, practice sneaky spy tricks, and discover what it takes to stay one step ahead. Do you have what it takes to accept the mission? Join SPY KIDS Camp and spend the summer training to become a SUPER SECRET AGENT!
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Switch & Signal Skateboarding
GRADES 3-6 – July 20-24 | $510 | Squirrel Hill
Get ready to ride with Switch & Signal Skateboarding Camp, where skaters of all skill levels come to learn, shred, and have fun! Whether you're stepping on a board for the first time or perfecting your kickflip, our experienced instructors are here to guide you every step of the way. Campers will enjoy hands-on instruction tailored to their skill level, focusing on building confidence, improving techniques, and embracing the joy of skateboarding. We provide everything you need to skate safely, including helmets, pads, and skateboards, so all you have to bring is your energy and enthusiasm. It is recommended participants wear flat sneakers, such as Vans, or a similar rubber soled shoe. Join us for an action-packed camp where fun meets progression in a supportive and inspiring environment!
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The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
GRADES 1-3 - July 6-10 & July 13-17 | $510 | Squirrel Hill
Calling all witches and wizards! Are you ready to immerse yourself in the enchanting Wizarding World of Harry Potter? Well then, I am pleased to inform you that a place has been reserved just for YOU at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Believe it or not, this summer, you will be designing and crafting your very own wand; learning the art (and science!) of mixing potions; identifying, caring for, and creating magical creatures; unlocking the mysteries of the future through various forms of divination; solving spellbinding puzzles and STEAM challenges; learning and crafting spells; brewing and sampling magical treats; competing in the fast paced thrilling game of Quidditch; and plenty more surprises along the way.* Ready to receive your acceptance letter? Then, sign up now for an unforgettable week filled with magic, wonder, and adventure where each day will spark creativity, problem solving, and camaraderie. We’re looking forward to meeting you this summer at JCCs very own Platform 9¾… *No previous reading or viewing of Harry Potter required, just curiosity and a sense of adventure! Spoilers will be kept to a minimum.
CHECK OUT WHAT CAMPS IS REALLY LIKE!
VIEW SAMPLE SCHEDULEDAILY SCHEDULE
9:00‐9:05 AM
Morning flagpole
9:05‐10:15 AM
Specialty activity
10:15‐10:30 AM
Morning snack
10:30-12:00 PM
Specialty activity
12:00‐12:30 PM
Lunch
12:30‐2:00 PM
Specialty activity
2:00‐3:00 PM
Campers Choice
3:00‐3:30 PM
Afternoon snack
3:30-4:00 PM
Dismissal
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