Methodist Union of Social Agencies (MUSA) - Providing Educational and Supportive Services to Steel Valley Youth!

Summer Camp

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*Summer 2022 information will be posted in April*

This program employs a STEAM-based curriculum that allows for higher information retention between school years (STEAM=Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math). Though it may look slightly different than it has in previous years, we will still have a ton of fun! Health and safety protocols will continue to be in effect according to current guidance and regulations, and over 80% of summer staff are fully vaccinated. Students will stay with their unique classroom cohort all summer (12 students max), and we use HEPA air filters and frequent sanitizing measures every day. Students will have their own activity supplies and water bottles.

STEAM Summer Camp also provides exciting and fun enrichment activities throughout the program. This includes community partnerships like Mad Science, Citizen Science Lab, Andy Warhol Museum, YMCA, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Healthy Bites, and many more! Summer Camp also includes field trips, usually on Tuesdays. Each camper will be served a complete and nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack every day. In order to accommodate field trips and other special events, dropoff is from 8:30am-9:30am and pickup is from 4-5pm.

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Applications are now closed.

We anticipate higher demand for this program than we can currently accommodate due to COVID safety restrictions, so we strongly recommend that you complete an application ASAP. Participants that meet all of the priority criteria will be enrolled on a first-come, first-served basis and the application process may close early if capacity is reached. Participants who only meet some of the priority criteria are still encouraged to apply by the May 31 deadline. Enrollment decisions will be shared by June 4.

Participation Requirements:

  • Student will have graduated from Kindergarten by 6/18/21 and is at least 5 years old
  • Student is age 12 or younger (students can attend until their 13th birthday) 
  • Student can use the bathroom alone
  • Student can correctly wear a mask at all times (covering mouth AND nose)
  • All required enrollment paperwork must be completed and returned by June 15
  • One parent or caregiver must attend a 30-minute camp orientation meeting (offered in-person on June 17 @ 6pm or via a prerecorded video)

Priority enrollment for:

  • Students who qualify for Child Care Works/CCIS subsidy or meet the income requirements for free/reduced school lunch (income levels listed here)
  • Students who live or attend school in Homestead, West Homestead, Munhall, Mckeesport, Braddock, Rankin, West Mifflin (Steel Valley region)
  • Students who plan to attend regularly
  • Families whose account with MUSA is in good standing--no outstanding balances from previous years
  • Families who have signed up for or plan to sign up for Fund My Future (https://fundmyfuturepa.org/pledge/)

Pricing: As a nonprofit, our goal is to provide free programming to as many families as possible. There are a few different ways to qualify:

  • If you meet certain work/study and income requirements, you may be eligible for Child Care Works subsidy (CCW). If you are officially enrolled in this program by 6/17/21, MUSA will completely waive your copay fees. Learn more here and be sure to enroll in Provider ID #9111214162-3. 
  • For students in the Steel Valley School District: If you are ineligible/waitlisted for CCW but meet the income requirements for free/reduced school lunch (income levels listed here), complete and return this MUSA Scholarship form to receive free summer camp.
  • For students who do not attend Steel Valley School District: If you are ineligible/waitlisted for CCW but qualify for free or reduced school lunch, provide your current benefits number to receive free summer camp.
  • If you do not qualify for CCW or free/reduced school lunch, apply for a MUSA Scholarship using this form. Scholarship money will be awarded as available, and may cover all or part of the full tuition amount.
  • If you do not qualify for any of the above options, tuition is $200 per week.

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While we encourage campers to attend all summer, each week will feel like its own special camp with fun themes, field trips, and activities. This schedule is subject to change. In order to accommodate field trips and other special events, dropoff is from 8:30am-9:30am and pickup is from 4-5pm. You will receive a full field trip schedule specific to your child’s classroom at camp orientation. 

  • Week of June 21: Summer Superheroes
    • Everyone is a superhero this summer! We’ll make Hulk slime, exercise with Superhero Action Training, and go to Spy Academy with our friends at Mad Science!
    • Field trips: Dragon's Den
  • Week of June 28: Treasure Island
    • Argh! We’ll build our own ship out of boxes, but watch out: you may have to walk the plank if we get shipwrecked! Hopefully the Kona Ice truck will come rescue us for a special slushy treat by the end of the week.
    • Tuesday field trip: Fun Fore All
  • Week of July 5: Happy Campers
    • Closed Monday in observance of Independence Day
    • We’ll learn about special plants with a virtual tour of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, build a solar-powered oven to make s’mores, and use things we find in nature to make art!
    • Tuesday field trip: Top Golf
  • Week of July 12: Animal Planet
    • It’s all about animals this week: can you match the animal to its footprint or describe the habitat of your favorite animal?
    • Tuesday field trip: Pittsburgh Zoo  and PPG Aquarium
  • Week of July 19: Under the Sea
    • Which classroom will win the door decorating contest this week (judged by our preschool friends)?! We’ll also make an Ocean in a bottle and learn how water makes its way to our seas.
    • Tuesday field trip: Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History
  • Week of July 26: Summer Olympics
    • To celebrate the 2021 Olympics, we’ll have our own games including a marble run challenge! We’ll also learn about energy and how our bodies make fuel.
    • Tuesday field trip: Sampson Family YMCA
  • Week of August 2: Space Voyage
    • We’ll learn about the atmosphere, build our very own solar system, and try some astronaut food!
    • Tuesday field trip: Planet Bounce
  • Week of August 9: Around the World
    • Let’s celebrate our local community & learn about other cultures around the globe! We will practice Bollywood dancing, learn about other languages, and explore DNA and what makes us each unique.
    • Field trips: Geocaching in Schenley Park and Dragon's Den

Special thanks to the Allegheny Department of Human Services, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Grable Foundation, and private donors for making this camp possible!

Applications are now closed. Call 412-461-1800 to be put on a waitlist.