Philadelphia School of Circus Arts announces 2026 Summer Circus Camp now through Memorial Day Weekend, for students looking to run off to the region’s big top. PSCA’s award-winning camp is back and has options for kids ages 4 to 5 (Kinder), 6 to 7 (Junior), 8 to 12 (Youth) and 13 to 17 (Teen). Campers are divided into groups within each camp by age and experience level. No prior experience is needed for camp. This year, PSCA Circus Summer Camp is under the direction of the talented PSCA Circus Camp Director Charles (Charlie) Collins who brings circus experience from his work with Trenton Circus Squad. He is also an acrobatics and a parkour instructor, and is working to expand the teen camp experience with new elements of trampoline, acro and parkour. Collins is assisted by Assistant Camp Director Melissa Mellon.
Camp hours are 9:00am to 3:00pm. This year, students can extend their day with before care camp starting bright and early at 7:30am and extend their day with after care camp through 6:00pm. New for this year, Circus Summer Camp is now extended to youth 17 years old for the first time; after care is extended by popular demand to 6:00pm this year, and before care camp debuts by popular demand to help parents who need to get to work early, and camp extends to the longest session ever right through Memorial Day Weekend.
For 2026 Circus Summer Camp, each session lasts one week and culminates in an immersive circus show presented to family and friends. Children will walk the wire, take to the air and juggle their creativity from 9:00am to 3:00pm at PSCA’s beautiful circus campus (6452 Greene Street).
Full-day (9:00am to 3:00pm) Kinder, Junior, Youth and Teen camps for each one-week session. Extended camp (3:00pm to 6:00pm) can be added too (not available for Kinder). For registration and additional camp information, visit phillycircus dot com/camp/ or call 215-849-1991.
Summer Circus Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience that incorporates elements of play, mental concentration, trust, and of literally turning yourself upside-down. Trained professionals will lead lessons and activities on real circus equipment used by professional artists. Campers learn trapeze, aerial rope, silks, feather-balancing, scarf-juggling, plate spinning, tightwire, rolling globe and acrobatics. Campers will also create new friendships, become more receptive to new ideas, build self-esteem, learn team-work and experience tons of circus fun.
“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.”
She added, “Summer is the perfect time to challenge your children with the right balance of creativity, skill building and connecting with new friends. Summer Circus Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience that incorporates elements of play, mental concentration, trust, and of literally turning yourself upside-down. 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!”
Summer Circus Camp runs weekly from Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Drop-off begins at 8:45am each morning. Camp enrollment is limited to allow for individual attention with PSCA’s trained staff of professional performers and teachers. Camp will be broken down by age groups and by skill level.
“Circus Camp is a unique and fun option for families looking to try something new and to unlock new talents to show off at the next family gathering,” added O’Neill. “There’s really nothing else like it in the entire tri-state region. We love seeing new faces and also so many repeat campers. See you at circus camp!”
NPSCA is proud to spotlight Circus Camp Director Charles (Charlie) Collins. Collins grew up in Trenton and brings experience from his work with Trenton Circus Squad. He is currently PSCA’s after school manager, and he specializes in coaching for acro and parkour. Collins also specializes in working on the German Wheel, a giant gymnastics wheel which rolls along the group guided by body movement to control speed and director.
For circus camp, Collins will bring new elements to the fast growing teen camp and help expand offerings to include acro, trampoline and elements of parkour into the experience.
Circus Summer Camp will take place at Circus Campus, the home of Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, plus the home of other circus and physical theatre artists and organizations.
Summer Circus Camp will take place inside and outside around the 30,000+ square foot home in the former St. Madeleine Sophie Church in Mt. Airy with some classes in the 40 foot high sanctuary, with separate gymnasium and classrooms and extensive outdoor green space.
For options and a look at a typical day for Summer Circus Camp, see below:
A typical Kinder/Junior camp day (9:00am – 3:00pm)
Kinder – 4-5 yo – July 6 to 31, 2026
Junior – 6-7 yo – Now through August 28 (longest session ever)
Camp starts with a warm-up activity and then campers spend the morning working on different circus disciplines: acrobatics, aerials, juggling and balance – with plenty of snack, water and breaks outside. After lunch they will rest and recharge, do some arts and crafts and play fun circus games. Each camp session culminates in a performance for campers’ families!
A typical Youth/Teen camp day (9:00am – 3:00pm):
Youth – 8-12 – Now through August 28 (longest session ever)
Teen – 13-17 – Now through August 21
Camp starts with a warm-up activity and then campers spend the morning working on different circus disciplines: 30 mins each of acrobatics, aerials, juggling and balance. After lunch there are specialty workshops (clown, hula hoop, theatre and more!) and a chance to hone their skills during a supervised open practice time. Camp ends with a fun and active group game. Each camp session culminates in a performance for campers’ families!
Extended camp (3:00 pm to 6:00 pm) is available for Junior, Youth and Teen campers! More than just babysitting, this is a great option for those interested in a little extra circus time.
NEW: Before Care Camp debuts by popular demand for parents and families that need an early drop off before camp starts and parents head to work. It is for ages 4 to 17 from 7:30am to 9:00am for $20 a day.
Pricing is Full-day (9am – 3pm) Kinder, Junior, Youth and Teen camps cost $495 for each one-week session. Extended camp (3:00pm – 6:00pm) costs an additional $35 per day (not available for Kinder). A $100 deposit per camp session enrollment is due when you register.
Pre-registration and a deposit is required for all camp programs. Sign-up by visiting www.phillycircus.com, e-mailing info at phillycircus dot com, or calling (215) 849-1991.
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, sling, 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. For more information, visit www.phillycircus.com.