PHILADELPHIA, PA — Flying on a trapeze, balancing on a tightwire, spinning plates, mastering aerial silks, and performing under the big top may sound like scenes from a circus dream, but for hundreds of area children, it could become part of their summer reality.
The Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (PSCA) is welcoming aspiring performers back to its Mt. Airy campus for the 2026 Summer Circus Camp season, offering young people ages 4 through 17 the chance to learn authentic circus skills from professional instructors in a one-of-a-kind environment. Running throughout the summer, the camp combines physical activity, creativity, teamwork, confidence-building, and plenty of fun, all culminating in weekly performances for family and friends.
This year’s program introduces several new additions, including expanded opportunities for teens, a new before-care option for families needing early drop-off, extended after-care hours, and the inclusion of 17-year-olds in the camp’s oldest age group for the first time.
“We are thrilled to offer one of the most unique summer camps in the country,” said Executive Director Kitsie O’Neill. “Just weeks ago we worked with 52 Weeks of Firsts and Historic Philadelphia to celebrate Philadelphia as the birthplace of American circus. Now, we invite kids of all ages back for a summer they will truly never forget.”
Located at PSCA’s 30,000-square-foot campus at the former St. Madeleine Sophie Church, campers train both indoors and outdoors, including in a soaring 40-foot-high sanctuary designed for aerial arts. Throughout the week, children work on circus disciplines ranging from trapeze and aerial rope to juggling, acrobatics, rolling globe, tightwire walking, feather balancing, and plate spinning.
No prior experience is required, and campers are grouped by age and skill level to ensure an engaging experience for both beginners and returning students.
New Leadership and Expanded Teen Programming
Leading this year’s camp is Circus Camp Director Charles “Charlie” Collins, who brings experience from Trenton Circus Squad and currently serves as PSCA’s after-school manager. Collins specializes in acrobatics, parkour, and German Wheel instruction and is helping expand the teen program with new elements including trampoline, acro, and parkour training.
Assistant Camp Director Melissa Mellon will help oversee daily operations and instruction.
For older campers, specialty workshops in clowning, theater, hula hooping, and performance arts provide opportunities to further develop their skills while exploring different aspects of circus culture.
“Summer is the perfect time to challenge your children with the right balance of creativity, skill building and connecting with new friends,” O’Neill said. “Participants will create new friendships, learn new skills, become more receptive to new ideas, build self-esteem, learn team-work, and simply experience pure fun.”
A Circus Adventure for Every Age
PSCA offers camp programs tailored to several age groups:
- Kinder Camp (Ages 4-5): July 6 through July 31
- Junior Camp (Ages 6-7): Through Aug. 28
- Youth Camp (Ages 8-12): Through Aug. 28
- Teen Camp (Ages 13-17): Through Aug. 21
A typical day begins with warm-up activities before campers rotate through aerial arts, balance skills, juggling, and acrobatics. Younger campers enjoy arts and crafts, games, and outdoor activities, while older participants participate in specialty workshops and supervised open practice sessions.
Each week concludes with a live circus performance where campers can showcase the skills they’ve learned in front of family and friends.
New Before-Care and Extended Hours
Recognizing the needs of working families, PSCA has added a new Before Care Camp option running from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. for children ages 4 to 17.
Extended Camp is also available for Junior, Youth, and Teen campers from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., providing additional instruction and activities beyond the standard camp day.
“There’s really nothing else like it in the entire tri-state region,” O’Neill said. “We love seeing new faces and also so many repeat campers. See you at circus camp!”
Event Details
- What: Philadelphia School of Circus Arts 2026 Summer Circus Camp
- When: Weekly sessions running throughout summer 2026 through Aug. 28; camp hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, 6452 Greene St., Philadelphia, PA 19119
- Cost/Tickets: $495 per one-week session; Extended Camp $35 per day; Before Care $20 per day; $100 deposit due at registration
- More Info: www.phillycircus.com/camp/ | www.phillycircus.com | info@phillycircus.com | (215) 849-1991
Camp Highlights
- Weekly circus performances for family and friends
- Professional instruction on authentic circus equipment
- Trapeze, aerial silks, aerial rope, juggling, tightwire, rolling globe, and acrobatics
- New teen programming featuring parkour, trampoline, and acro skills
- Before Care available from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Extended Camp available until 6 p.m.
- No prior experience required
- Age-specific instruction and activities
Families interested in securing a spot are encouraged to register early, as enrollment is limited to maintain small group sizes and individualized instruction. Registration is available online at www.phillycircus.com/camp/, by emailing info@phillycircus.com, or by calling (215) 849-1991.
For children looking to spend part of their summer soaring through the air, mastering new skills, and discovering talents they never knew they had, the circus is coming to Mt. Airy—and everyone is invited to join the show.
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