Sarah Heinz House 1 Heinz Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

"I don't live in Pittsburgh, but I go to Heinz House Camp. I don't think I have ever felt happier than I do at camp. The sessions are more expensive now, and because of high school soccer I'll be able to go less and less, and the waterfront might be closing because of the dam, but you will never find somewhere better than camp. It is where you will find your best friends, and where you can be yourself. It is an escape from society into a loving community full of wonderful people. I just hope my friend Ruby will be able to come this year."

"I went there for every summer for about 10 years. Greatvplace for kids to learn discipline respect corage and gain friends. Recommend it highly."

"Our family have been members at Sarah Heinz for 15 years. For the most part it has been great. However, the last few years, the leadership has diminished. The new Steam Director does not put kids first. This was evident by the treatment the Worlds Qualifying robotics team received this last year. Because of the refusal to compromise, they effectively dismantled the robotics team, causing 1/3 of the team to leave, many who were recognized as Youth of the year and nominated for the First Robotics Deans list for there passion, contribution and promotion of the team and Heinz. Despite these accolades and the team having 1 qualifying robot completed, and another robot nearly finished, the director demanded changes to the robots that were not necessary, required late nights to accomplish, and threaten to withhold competitions and punish if not completed. Heinz decided mid season to change the student lead team, where the students had the autonomy to plan, build and make decision on the robot, allowing the to learn from mistakes or celebrate their accomplishments; to a student build team, being dictated by the new Steam Director. This was not how the team was run for many years, it was not what we signed up for, and was not how the team started or was advertised and promoted in the same year. We are very disappointed in the mentors who understood this from past years and refused to facilitate a productive transition. Instead of the Heinz motto, Laugh Learn Lead, it became, Be Quiet, Work, Follow. I believe everyone on the team deserves a refund for the significant change made to team midway through the season. There are still those at Heinz we respect and appreciate, and we are saddened our time there had to end on such bad terms, but we are deeply disappointed in the treatment my family and many others received and how easily Heinz disregarded the students who left. We cannot support Heinz House, or the new Steam Director after this. I hope its a better situation for others that stay, but I would be wary of the Steam Director and how she treats the programs under her. As it was explained to us by the mentors that know her, She will not except NO for an answer, and will do what it takes to get what she wants. We find that mindset to be very toxic when working with students at a place where you are supposed to foster leaders. I would encourage members to look at the many other area teams for Robotics Competition."

"I go to Heinz as a part time member and I love it! I pretty much only do robotics there but I made a lot of friends and we are always having a great time. Their Covid procedures are pretty sound which is the reason I still go even when I might cut out other activities for safety. Would 100% recommend! (Edit: updated robot photo)"

"Sarah Heinz House is a fantastic place for city n suburban kids to go and develop lifelong friendships, interpersonal skills, and community engagement. Both of my boys attended here with one in 6th grade still attending. Overnight summer camp is something I know he will look back and remember as being some of the best memories of childhood. He's looking forward to trying out as a counselor in the future. Love this place, it's staff and the amazing facilities and programs."