Philadelphia Circus Camp Lets Children Turn Summer Upside Down

Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (5900A Greene Street) invites children to turn their summer upside-down - literally - during full-day “Summer Circus Camp.”  Children five years old and up will train in static trapeze, aerial silks, juggling, plate-spinning, tightwire-walking, clowning and acrobatics.   Activities also include performance classes, co-operative games, and special guest artists.  While balancing, climbing and tumbling, children will build strength and flexibility, learn new skills, and increase their confidence. Full-day camp programs range from a one-week Junior Camp for 5 to 7 year olds, to a two-week Youth Camp for 8 to 14 years old. Two new camps this year include Circus Camp A La Carte for children who need a flexible schedule (pick a day or a week!) and Performance Intensive Camp for advanced students who want to train like the pros right here in Philadelphia!

“Circus camp is a one-of-a-kind experience that incorporates elements of play, mental concentration, trust, and physical challenge,” said PSCA Executive Director Shana Kennedy.  “Every summer we’re amazed and delighted by how much these kids can learn in a short time - our end-of-camp shows are not to be missed!  If you’re looking for a way to get your kids active, having fun, making friends, and trying new things this year - this is the place.”  

Summer kicks off with a “Circus A La Carte Camp,” a new flexible-schedule full-day program, where you pick your children’s schedule - they can come one day or all five! The program is for children 8 to 14 years old, and runs June 20 to June 24, 2016. Campers will practice trapeze, aerial silks, feather-balancing, scarf-juggling, plate-spinning, tightwire, rolling globe, and acrobatics. Circus A La Carte Camp runs 9:00am to 3:00pm and is $80 per day, or $375 for the week.

Next on the big top agenda is “Junior Camp,” a full-day, one week session for children 5 to 7 years old.  This specially designed program for younger campers with an emphasis on play and exploration in the exciting world of circus. Campers will practice trapeze, aerial silks, feather-balancing, scarf-juggling, plate-spinning, tightwire-walking, rolling globe, acrobatics and obstacle courses. Junior Camp will also include arts-and-crafts projects, and reading and rest time, as needed. Sessions begin July 11 and run weekly through September 2, 2016. Junior Camp runs 9:00am to 3:00pm and is $395 for a week.

For slightly older children 8 to 14 years old, “Youth Camp” offers a full-day, two-week experience. Youth will have a chance to work on trapeze, aerial silks, juggling, unicycling, plate-spinning, diabolo, devil sticks, tightwire, rolling globe, rola-bola, clowning, tumbling and more! Also, campers will take dance and performance classes, have student showtimes, at lunch outside in the park and play co-operative games. In each two-week session, professional circus performers and other guests will speak to the youth and perform for them. Past guests have included several International Jugglers Association Champions, a sword-swallower, a magician, a circus historian, and artists from Ringling Bros., the Big Apple Circus, and Cirque du Soleil.  

At the end of each two-week Youth Camp session, the youth will perform their very own Circus Show for friends, family and the general public. These shows will take place at 1:45pm on Fridays, July 22nd, August 5th, August 19th and September 2nd.

“Campers are are immensely proud of the performance they put together at the end of camp - where they build self-esteem and confidence, show off their unique personalities, and love watching each other's moments of comedy and glory,” added Kennedy.

Enrollment in Youth Camp each session is limited to 36 students. Participants will have a great deal of individual attention with our staff of professional circus teachers. Youth Camp sessions are $795 per two-week session, and run from 9:00am to 3:00pm on July 11 - 22, July 25 – August 5, August 8 – 19 and August 22 – September 2.

Finally, children experienced in circus arts can enjoy a new “Performance Intensive Camp” from June 27 to July 8, 2016. This intensive camp for children 8 and older will focus on expanding aerial and acrobatic skills and repertoire, increasing flexibility, endurance and strength, and exploring different ideas in contemporary circus performance. In addition to intensive physical training, students will take classes in performance, contortion, movement, and choreography, resulting in an end-of-session presentation. Students will be allowed to focus primarily on their favorite circus discipline. At the end of the 9-day camp, the youth will perform their very own contemporary circus show for friends, family and the general public. Enrollment in the Performance Intensive Program is limited to 24 youth. Youth will have a great deal of individual attention with our staff of professional circus teachers. Performance Intensive Camp runs from 9:00am to 3:00pm, and costs $855 per student.

"The circus skills learned really encouraged my daughter's self-esteem and faith in herself,” said parent Jennifer Moscovici. “There was a real sense of friendship and respect between the children and the counselors. We will definitely be coming back every year!”

All summer circus camp programs take place at the PSCA studio at 5900A Greene Street right here in Germantown. All programs are taught by experienced youth educators. Class ratios are kept low so that students have ample amounts of attention, as well as for safety and spotting.

“Sending the kids to summer camp is a tradition in the Philadelphia region,” said Kennedy. “Not only do we offer a unique spin on traditional camp, but we keep our prices affordable for working families, we keep kids active all day long, and we have a wonderful group of adult professional teachers that challenge and help the children grow.”

Pre-registration and a deposit is required for all camp programs. Sign-up by visiting www.phillycircus.com, e-mailing info@phillycircus.com, or calling (215) 849-1991. For families with multiple children enrolling, inquire about sibling discounts for all camp programs.

ABOUT PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL OF CIRCUS ARTS

Philadelphia School for Circus Arts, “Best of Philly Winner” for kid’s classes, is the region’s center of contemporary circus arts.  PSCA presents professional and student productions during the year.  Seasoned faculty lead a curriculum featuring aerials (static trapeze, corde lisse, aerial silks and lyra), juggling, unicycling, tightwire, tumbling, acrobatics, and physical conditioning.  In addition to ongoing classes, PSCA also offers introductory workshops, birthday parties, rental space, summer camp and special guest performances.  Students are all ages and all levels. PSCA is located at 5900A Greene Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144.  Parking is free. For more information, visit www.phillycircus.com.