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 Holiday camps...

                   "Last night she said- I cannot wait to go to Trash To Treasure Day at the FAD PAD!"
                   "He got up earlier than usual and said, "Can we go to camp now?"
                   "He asked us- when can I go back?"
                   "Can I keep coming here until I am 20?"
                   "Our daughters get up early because they are so excited to be coming to the FAD PAD!."
                   "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 2025 Holiday Camps: 9:30-3:30, $100 each day.

Harvest Fest: September 1, Monday
Harvest and taste garden herbs, create herbal sachet, make herbal sun tea.


Trash to Treasures Day:September 19, Friday
Create amazing art from recycled and old stuff.


Fall Fun Day: October 13, Monday
Harvest, eat and plant seeds and bake an autumn treat!


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


Appreciation Days: November 24, Monday and 25, Tuesday
Creating name place cards for your Thanksgiving feast and other holiday decorations,
making tasty autumn goodies, cracking nuts, planting and taking home flower bulbs.


Holiday Fun Days: December 22, Monday and 23, Tuesday
Create magical sun decorations, make holiday cards, bake holiday treats, act
out holiday stories plus winter garden discoveries.

Registration Form
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.


*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 $105 (Slightly higher fee) on your phone. I am listed as Mary Ellen Hill @ MaryEllen-Hill-4.
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 fee of $105. Thank you.