SPECIALTY CAMPS 2023

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.

Switch and Signal Skateboarding

GRADES 3-6: July 10-14 & GRADES 1-3: July 17-21 | Squirrel Hill

Skateboarding is fun but sometimes elusive. In this camp we get everyone from the beginner to more experienced skateboarder learning new and exciting things. From pushing, riding and turning, to new tricks on flat ground and ramps; there is a new challenge for everyone! We will start by assembling the boards used for the week, learning tricks, and playing skateboard games. Instruction will be facilitated by experienced skateboarders from Switch and Signal Skatepark. All equipment (pads, helmets, and skateboards) can be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment too. We recommend participants wear flat sneakers, such as Vans or a similar rubber soled shoe. $425

Find the Energy! Outside the Box Science

GRADES 1-3 – July 17-21 | GRADES 4-6 – July 24-28 | Squirrel Hill

Different types of energy are behind how everything works, from our cars, to our brains, from plants to hurricanes. We will crash, build, blow-up, dissect, explore and investigate to find the source of these different energies in machinery, living things, outer space and the planet around us! $400

Little Doctor & Dentist School

GRADES 1-4 | July 24-28 | Squirrel Hill

Camp participants will role-play the key responsibilities of a doctor as they earn about vital organs in the human body. These future doctors will learn how to use a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and reflex hammer. They will practice administering first aid, learn how pharmacists play a role in administering medications, and more! Camper will also role-play the key responsibilities of a dentist and become familiar with basic dental instruments. These future dentists will learn about mouth structure, the parts of a tooth, oral hygiene, most common dental operations, and how to fill a cavity $450

Music Mania! With Sunburst School of Music *NEW!

GRADES 2-5 | July 24-28 | Squirrel Hill

The JCC and Sunburst School of Music Music Mania is guaranteed to be a fun-packed experience with a great team of creative young musicians who will work together on the camp’s number one goal: Put on a live concert by the end of the week. If you’ve ever wanted to play in a band, this is your chance! Each day will include instrument practice, band rehearsals, and songwriting. At the end of the week, campers will put on a camp concert where they’ll perform for a live audience to showcase their hard work. Band Camp will surely be a unique camp experience that you won’t want to miss! $400

Dunk on You Basketball

GRADES 4-6: July 24-28 | GRADES 1-3: August 7-11 | Squirrel Hill

This camp is a slam dunk! SCORE-USA's team of talented instructors will help give young athletes a fun, fast and exciting introduction to the game of Basketball. Through individual instruction - campers will perform skill development drills focusing on the fundamentals of the game including ball-handling, passing/catching, ball agility, and the foundations of shooting. Campers will practice their skills all week long in preparation for some live play and skill challenges at the end of the week. This is a perfect opportunity for younger players to develop their Basketball skills! $375

Pride Cheer Camp

GRADES 2-5 | July 31-August 4 | Squirrel Hill

In this camp, campers will expand their cheerleading knowledge, improve skills, and learn how to work as a team! Each day we will spend time working on tumbling, stunting, jumps, and a dance. During the tumbling block, campers will learn the shapes, technique and application of skills ranging from handstands, to cartwheels, to back handsprings. The level of tumbling will differ based on your campers prior knowledge and experience with cheerleading and gymnastics. Each day campers will learn stunting and pyramids. This consists of campers building lifts and performing skills in groups. Additionally, campers will learn jumps and a dance. All skills will be put together with counts and music for campers to perform at the end of the week! $375

Dungeons & Dragons

GRADES 4-8 | August 7-11 | Squirrel Hill

Welcome to the mystical Dungeons & Dragons! This camp will introduce kids to a world mythical creatures, legends, and how to harness their imaginations in a fantastic game of role-playing! We will learn to create characters, lands and adventure stories for our players to unfold in their own unique ways. Roll your way into a fantastic adventure this summer! $375

Venture Outdoors: Water Explorers

Grades 3-6 | August 14-18 | Squirrel Hill

Love water and ready for adventure this summer? Join Venture Outdoors’ Water Explorers camp to discover the amazing wonders of water! Kayak on the lake, bike along the river, and search for critters in the creek. We’ll end the week with a special boat tour on the Rivers of Steel Explorer boat for sightseeing and science fun. This camp will take you to a variety of local green spaces around Pittsburgh, including North Park, Frick Park, and Millvale Riverfront Park. $475