Summer Circus Camp 2026
San Francisco • Ages 8–15 Ages 8–15 • No experience needed
A Small, Safe & Skill-Based Circus Experience for Curious and Creativite Kids
Professional coaching. Structured training. Real skill progression. Limited to 20 students per session.
Summer 2026 sessions now enrolling
Location
2285 Mission St., San Francisco, CA, 94110
Days
June 8 – July 17 (Monday–Friday).
6 immersive weeks.
Times
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM, aftercare ‘til 4:30 p.m.
Pricing
$1,185 USD to $3,430 USD per student (Sliding scale)
Program Overview
Summer Circus Camp 2026 with Duncan Playful Circus
This summer marks our Founding Season — our first independent Summer Circus Camp, intentionally designed to be small, focused, and high quality.
Location
2285 Mission St., San Francisco CA 94110 (Easy transit and drop-off).
Dates
June 8 – July 17 (Monday–Friday).
6 immersive weeks.
Times
9:00 am – 3:30 pm core camp
Ages
Mixed-age groups for kids 8–15, with age-appropriate skill groups built into each day.
Rather than running all summer with large groups, we are offering:
• Three immersive 2-week sessions
• Small-group instruction (20 students max)
• Structured daily training
• Meaningful performance experiences
Each session builds real skills while creating a strong, supportive community.
This is not a drop-in activity.
It’s a thoughtfully designed summer experience.
Pricing
$1,185 USD to $3,430 USD per student (Sliding scale)
Summer 2026 sessions now enrolling
WHY PARENTS CHOOSE THIS PROGRAM
Parents choose this camp because it balances creativity with structure — and fun with safety.
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
Small group size for individual attention.
High safety standards and age-appropriate training.
Experienced professional teaching artists.
Structured daily schedule.
Skill progression across sessions.
Weekly sharings and family performance celebrations.
Program Goals & Mission
Our mission is to help young people grow through movement, creativity, and collaboration.
Through circus arts, campers develop:
Confidence through repetition and skill mastery
Leadership and teamwork
Focus and discipline through play
Creative problem-solving
Healthy risk-taking in a safe environment
We believe in quality over quantity — and growth over perfection.
Summer 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.
Skill Training
Juggling (bean bags, rings, clubs)
Acrobatics & partner acro (safety-centered)
Balance skills (rola bola, walking globe, stilts, unicycle)
Creative Development
Clowning & physical theater
Act creation & ensemble collaboration
Stage presence & performance confidence
A Balanced Daily Flow
Morning warm-up & cooperative games
Skill rotations
Creative act development
Supervised lunch & outdoor movement
Ensemble work & reflection circle
Family Performance Celebrations
Each Friday includes a small sharing.
Each 2-week session concludes with a family performance celebration.
TUITION & ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
We intentionally keep enrollment small to ensure high-quality instruction and safety.
Full 6-Week Circus Journey (Best Value)
All 3 Sessions . Price: $3,300
✔ Guaranteed spot for all 6 weeks
✔ Strong skill progression
✔ Leadership & advanced opportunities
✔ Circus Camp T-shirt
✔ Flexible payment plan
✔ Priority registration for 2027
Early Bird (Enroll by April 1): $3,150 — Save $150
Single 2-Week Session
Price: $1,150
✔ 10 full camp days
✔ Professional instruction
✔ All equipment included
✔ Weekly sharings
✔ Outdoor movement time
Payment Options
• Pay in full
• 3-payment plan available
Optional Add-Ons:
Early Drop-Off (8:30am) — $75/week
Extended Day (until 4:30pm) — $125/week
Summer 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).
Kendra Ferguson
Program Manager
Is dedicated to helping youth recognize their worth, celebrate who they are, and confidently pursue their dreams.
Rey (they/them)
Teaching Artist
Is a clown and drama therapist, who has been supporting young adults through the realm of play and circus for 8+ years.
All staff complete annual youth safety training, mandated reporter training, and emergency preparedness drills specific to our studio layout.
Questions Parents Ask
FAQ about Summer 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.