Mary Ellen Hill ~ Storyteller & Teacher

Logo created by Paloma Mood, FAD PAD Student, age 10.

FAD (Fun Art and Drama) + PAD (Mary Ellen's home studio) = lots of exciting, creative and innovative summer camps, classes and more!

Mary Ellen Hill, Creator and Director, Headmistress, Professional Storyteller~

Supporting children's creativity, joy and love of Earth for over 30 years!

   This is what kids say about FAD PAD Summer camps...

                   "Here we go to the best camp of the summer!!"
                   "Last night she said- I cannot wait to go to Fairy Camp!"
                   "He got up earlier than usual and said can we go to camp now?"
                   "He asked us- this camp is all summer, isn't it? I hope!!"
                   "Our daughter has had an amazing week (best camp of the summer, she says!).
                   Thank you so much for all the fun, creativity and love. We are so lucky to know you!"

The FAD PAD is my home studio created for Fun, Art and Drama! A designated place for your child to enjoy a wide variety of playshops/classes and camps. From cooking, gardening, drama, fairy lore, cooperative games, hand sewing, embroidery, Harry Potter to science!

The FAD PAD is located in my big back yard where there are many magical areas to explore. From climbing Bob, the loquat tree, to vegetable and herb gardens to the enchanted and forbidden forests to the hammock.

The playshops/classes and camps are for K-6th graders. In order to foster fun and give attention to all children, I take 8 children only. Reservations are required. All art, gardening, and cooking supplies are included in the fees.

"When I asked my girls what their favorite part of their summer was they said "going to Mary Ellen's camps!" They cannot wait to come back." Mom of a 6 & 8 year old "Thanks you and the "great work" you do with children in your magic forest and garden. What a boundless gift you offer these girls and boys! It seems to me you're changing their lives in important ways." College Professor
"You are the only place my girls can explore Harry Potter books! This is so important to them that they can act out their favorite books!" Mom of an 8 and a 13 year old "I fell so relaxed knowing my child is with you. She always tells us about the great activities she does and the fun kids she plays with each day. Thank you!" Mom of 7 year old

Fall Winter 2024 FAD PAD HOLIDAY CAMPS

All camps are from 9:30 to 3:30 for K-5th graders with 8 children maximum and 4 minimum. $100 per day.

Harvest Fest
September 2, 2024 Monday
Harvest, taste and plant herbs, create herbal sachets, make herbal sun tea.


Trash to Treasures Day
September 20, Friday
Create amazing art from recycled and old stuff.


Fall Fun Day
October 14, Monday
Harvest, eat and plant seeds, bake an autumn treat, make fall garden creation.


Harry Potter Fall Fun
November 11, Monday
Attend potions, divination and charms classes, spider hunt and act out your favorite Harry Potter scenes.



Appreciation Days
November 25, Monday
November 26, Tuesday
Make name cards for Thanksgiving feast, make cards for Alameda Food Bank, bake apple
crisp, create gratitude bags, crack nuts, plant and take home flower bulbs.

Registration and Payment:
This is how you sign up for Fall Fad Pad Playshops

Please fill out the Registration Form or I can email it to you.
If you have already been to a FAD PAD playshop or camp and your contact information has not changed, you do not need to fill out the FAD PAD Registration Form.

The FAD PAD Release form will be emailed to you once you fill out the Registration Form out and return it to me.
Once you have sent in the registration, release form and payment, I will confirm your spot.


*There are 5 ways to send this fee.*

1. Make a check out to and mail it to: Mary Ellen Hill, 7548 Circle Hill Drive, Oakland, CA 94605.

2. VENMO $103 (Slightly higher fee) on your phone. I am listed as Mary Ellen Hill @ MaryEllen-Hill.
There is also a photo of me that is the same photo that is on the homepage of my website, 510-219-3474.

3. Cash

4. Zelle (Just add my name to the request)


5. Paypal Slightly higher rate of $105.00 Thank you.