Spring Circus Camp 2026
San Francisco • Ages 8–15
A Playful Circus Camp for Curious, Creative Kids
A full-day circus camp where kids explore juggling, balance, acrobatics, and clowning while building confidence, creativity, and teamwork through play.
Spring 2026 sessions now enrolling
Location
2285 Mission St., San Francisco, CA, 94110
Days
March 30 – April 3 (Monday–Friday)
Times
9:00 a.m–2:30 p.m, aftercare ‘til 4:30 p.m.
Program Overview
Spring Circus Camp 2026 at Duncan Playful Circus
A playful circus camp designed for San Francisco families who want kids to giggle, wiggle, and juggle - not stuck in front of screens.
Location
2285 Mission St., San Francisco CA 94110 (Easy transit and drop-off).
Dates
March 30 – April 3, 2026 (Monday–Friday).
Times
9:00 am – 2:30 pm core camp, aftercare: 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 pm (for an additional Fee).
Ages
Mixed-age groups for kids 8–15, with age-appropriate skill groups built into each day.
Group Size & Capacity
Maximum 20 campers per week. Typical coach-to-camper ratio is 1:6 to keep groups calm, safe, and connected.
Pricing
$450 USD to $550 USD per student (Sliding scale)
What’s Included
Daily circus coaching, emotional skills circles, all equipment, final showcase, and take-home reflection booklet.
Spots are limited
We do not add last-minute spots once a session is full, to protect group size and safety.
Spring 2026 sessions now enrolling
Why Parents Love This Program
Safe, small, and deeply supportive
Parents choose Duncan Playful Circus because it feels like a creative studio, not a crowded gym. We balance challenge and care so kids can stretch themselves while feeling safe and seen.
Safety first, always
Padded floors, age-appropriate equipment, and clear safety progressions for every skill. All staff are background-checked, trained in youth safety, and briefed daily.
Small groups, big connection
With 1:6 coaching ratios, every camper is known by name, temperament, and goals. Shy kids get space to warm up; energetic kids get clear channels for their energy.
Experienced circus coaches
Our staff combine professional circus backgrounds with youth development training. They teach skills with kindness, clarity, and steady encouragement.
Emotional development built-in
Daily check-ins, reflection prompts, and guided debriefs around frustration, fear, and pride help kids build language for their inner world.
Creativity without pressure
Kids explore juggling, stilt walking, unicycling, balance, acrobatics, clowning, and character work through choice-based activities, not forced performances.
Teamwork that feels real
Partner balances, group juggling, and ensemble acts require listening, sharing, and supporting others—skills that carry into school and home life.
Program Goals & Mission
Growing brave, kind, and creative humans
Duncan Playful Circus exists to give kids a place where effort is celebrated, mistakes are welcome, and progress is visible. Circus arts naturally combine focus, play, discipline, and joy.
Our mission for your child during Spring Circus Camp 2026:
- Feel physically safe and emotionally supported every day.
- Experience the satisfaction of practicing and improving a tangible skill.
- Build healthy confidence that is grounded in effort, not perfection.
- Learn to communicate needs, set boundaries, and listen to teammates.
- Discover new ways to express creativity through movement and character.
- Leave camp with tools they can use when they feel nervous, frustrated, or proud.
Every decision—from how we structure warm-ups to how we close the day—is filtered through this mission.
Spring 2026 sessions now enrolling
Curriculum Overview
A balanced day of movement, creativity, and reflection
Each day follows a steady rhythm: warm-up, focused skill blocks, creative labs, quiet reset time, and closing reflections. This structure keeps kids regulated, engaged, and excited to return.
Morning: Ground & focus
- Gentle warm-up and stretching
- Breathing and grounding exercises
- Daily emotional check-in circle
- Intro to the day’s focus skill
Midday: Skill labs
Juggling and object manipulation
Acrobatics and partner balances
Intro to equilibristics
Walk to a nearby park for outdoor play
Afternoon: Creativity & calm
- Character and clowning games
- Storytelling through movement
- Quiet rest, drawing, or journaling time
- Closing circle and reflection prompts
Age-based tracks
Younger campers (8–11) focus on exploration, coordination, and playful collaboration. Older campers (12–15) dig into technique, leadership, and act creation.
Extended care with intention
Extended hours are calm and lightly structured: board games, drawing, gentle movement, and optional quiet practice—no screens, no pressure.
Final Showcase
A gentle performance that celebrates effort, not perfection
At the end of each session, families are invited to a relaxed studio showcase. Kids share what they have been working on, in a format that feels safe and supportive for all personalities.
- Performance options for kids who enjoy the spotlight and kids who prefer smaller roles.
- Clear communication ahead of time so sensitive kids know what to expect.
- Simple costumes using camp-provided accessories and kids’ own clothes.
- Post-show reflection to help kids process nerves, pride, and feedback.
Many parents tell us this is the first time they have seen their child excited to share physical skills in front of others.
Showcases are optional for campers. Participation can look like performing, supporting backstage, or helping with music and props.
We keep the room small and kind—this is about celebrating growth, not putting on a big show.
Spring 2026 sessions now enrolling
Meet the Staff
Professional circus artists who love working with kids
Our coaching team blends circus expertise, child development training, and a calm, playful presence. Every staff member is selected for both skill and character.
Carolina Duncan
Camp Director & Lead Coach
15+ years in circus arts, former touring performer, and certified youth mentor. Carolina designs each camp day to feel safe, structured, and genuinely fun.
Salvador Mayorga
Teaching Artist
A circus instructor with 10+ years of experience will teach juggling and balance skills (stilts, unicycle, acrobatics).
All staff complete annual youth safety training, mandated reporter training, and emergency preparedness drills specific to our studio layout.
Questions Parents Ask
FAQ about Spring Circus Camp 2026
If you do not see your question here, you can send us a note when you request a spot and we will respond within one business day.
My child has never done circus or gymnastics. Is this camp a fit?
Yes. Most of our campers arrive with little to no circus experience. We start with very simple progressions and offer multiple variations so each child can work at a level that feels challenging but safe. Kids with more experience are given advanced options so they stay engaged.
How do you handle kids who feel nervous, shy, or anxious?
We expect nerves. Coaches are trained to offer clear previews of activities, opt-in options, and smaller roles in group work. We never force participation in a specific skill or the final showcase. We also keep a quiet corner available and check in with kids privately when needed.
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Because we keep groups small, each registration matters. If you cancel more than 30 days before your session, you can receive a refund minus a small administrative fee or full credit toward a future program. Inside 30 days, we offer credit only if we can fill your child’s spot from the waitlist.
Do you provide lunch or snacks?
Families provide packed lunches and a water bottle. We provide simple, nut-free snacks in the morning and afternoon. We can accommodate most dietary needs as long as we know in advance.
How do you group kids by age and ability?
We keep the camp community mixed-age to support mentoring and social learning, but we break into smaller groups for specific skill blocks. Within those groups, we adjust exercises based on age, comfort, and experience so nobody feels held back or left behind.
What happens if my child gets hurt or sick?
Coaches are trained in basic first aid and follow a clear incident protocol. For minor injuries, we treat on site and let you know at pick-up. For anything more serious, we contact you immediately and, if needed, follow your emergency instructions. Sick campers rest in a quiet area until they are picked up.
Copyrights 2026 | Duncan Playful circus