Carnegie Mellon University

Summer Camps

Summer camps can be a great way for children to learn new skills, socialize and explore. Camps can offer valuable active play experiences, as well as opportunities to build confidence, leadership, and connect with nature. This guide serves as an overview of topics related to summer camps. For assistance finding camp options for your family, please contact CMU's Family Care Concierge Service.

Timeframe

Summer camps typically operate from June to August, during the months when public school districts are closed. Spaces are limited in these camps, so we recommend beginning your search in February to secure your child a space in the camp of your choice.

Duration

  • Some camps require registration for the entire summer, but it is more common for camps to allow you to register just for the weeks you want while planning different programming week by week. This makes it possible to mix and match camps.
  • Some camps run hours shorter than a typical work day. Take note of the operating hours to ensure you have the transportation and care needs of your children covered. Most summer camps do not provide transportation for campers.

Cost

  • It is common for summer camps to charge by the week.
  • The rates for most day camps in the Pittsburgh area will be between $140 and $340 per week; however, specialty camps can be more expensive.
  • The cost of camp can be burdensome for some families, especially if tuition is paid in advance. You can use a Dependent Care Reimbursement Account to set aside funds for summer camp, although not all camps are eligible.

Health and Safety

  • Summer camps in Pennsylvania are generally exempt from child care licensing by the Department of Human Services if the program does not offer year round, full day child care.
  • Camps that offer outdoor living experiences for longer than five consecutive days are regulated by the Department of Health.
  • If you have questions about the health and safety practices for a camp, contact the director of the program.
  • The American Camp Association provides topics to consider when looking at camps, in addition to questions to ask camp staff which may be helpful when contacting a director.

Types of Camp Models

Virtual — These camps can provide engaging learning experiences and opportunities for socialization that children can access from their homes.

Sleep Away — These camps allow children to learn independence and take time away from technology to enjoy nature. There is no best age for sleep away camp; it depends on your child's maturity and how secure their attachments are. You know your child best and are the person best able to decide if they are ready for an experience like this. The length of the camp can make a difference as well.

Day Camps — Day camps can range in programming, with some camps providing an extension of after care programs and others providing unique themed experiences concentrated on specific learning goals. These camps typically offer care during work hours and are the most common type of summer camp.

Camp Theme and Topic Examples

  • Sports — soccer, football, martial arts, tennis, basketball, gymnastics
  • Academic — writing, STEM, robotics, architecture, science
  • The Arts — theater, fine arts, music, dance, animation, cinematography, photography
  • Religious — camps that reinforce the values of specific religions and teach about their culture and history
  • Nature/scouting — public parks, sleep away camps, girl scouts and boy scouts
  • Special Needs — intended to provide enriching experiences along with support and programming for children with additional needs