Truly AWESOME experience. Everyone was helpful, friendly, and encouraging. This is a fantastic place to take kids. Ziplining, maneuvering on obstacles, climbing, and just playing--lots of fun for them to have while stepping outside their comfort zone.
Climbing to new heights at the Dragon's Den is a five-star experience! The staff is incredibly friendly and supportive; they encourage you to try your best and persevere while trying the challenging course. When not on the ropes there are many team-building fun activities to try as well.
Great experience overall! The staff was so nice and helpful. The ropes course was a great challenge for the price. Knowing all proceeds go to a great cause added to the experience. Will definitely go back in the future.
My group had a wonderful experience! Great for anyone wanting to get out of their comfort zone. The staff members were so helpful.
The Dragon's Den was an absolutely amazing experience! We brought a group of almost 40 kids in and the staff didn't even blink an eye! They taught the kids all about the safety guidelines and then let them get to climbing. The kids all LOVED their experience -- even kids who were worried about the heights took on the challenges head on. I know they all came out feeling stronger, braver, and more confident in their abilities! As non-participating parents, we felt good about just being in the paparazzi roll while the kids did their thing. 10/10 would definitely return!
How proud I am of the invaluable asset Dragon's Den has become! I have watched Dragon's Den grow as a force in Homestead and beyond. Children who enter its doors learn to face challenges in a supportive atmosphere; grow physically, emotionally, and mentally through the patience and caring of Executive Director Giulia Petrucci and her dedicated staff; develop new friendships and participate in new adventures that introduce them to a wider world and give them a greater understanding of themselves. Through Dragon's Den's activities and programs children learn trust, respect, and responsibility. These are values that will serve them well and enable them to progress into their futures with self-confidence, good people skills, active involvement in their communities, and a potential for leadership. Keep up the outstanding work, Dragon's Den!
Previous Stories
Dragons Den has always been a cutting edge nonprofit. To begin, it opened its doors during the Pandemic, thus allowing children in an under-served neighborhood to gather together in a safe space where they were introduced to the challenges of traversing a rope course. After the pandemic, Dragons Den added innovative after-school programming to challenge young minds to grow. As the reputation of Dragons Den's success with children spread, its participants increased exponentially. Today Dragons Den offers summer camp programs that are creative and popular. Its children also perform in and have placed in the city's Shakespeare Competition. Throughout all of these programs and activities Dragons Den prioritizes the mental health of its participants. As a board member, I have seen the tremendous strides Dragons Den's children have made in developing self-confidence, achieving academic success, and elevating their aspirations for their futures. Dragons Den has also been a major factor in their learning how to respect and trust others.
My 10 yo had a blast on the high ropes course. They staff was so supportive and knowledgeable, and very patient. Will be back.
I worked with the Dragon’s Den team of staff and volunteers for a number of years- they were always great to work with. I love the values they believe in and teach the children. The indoor high ropes course inside a beautiful church is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before.
The Dragons Den is a great place, and I am proud to have it in the Steel Valley. As Mayor of Munhall, I have witnessed the good work they have done with the youth. It is a safe place for children to Learn and Play. I fully support the great work Dragons Daen has done.
Mayor Rob Falce
I am long overdue in sharing my review. A friend invited me to the Dragons Den, and I must admit that I was unsure of what to anticipate. Upon our arrival, the staff was in the process of completing their daily inspection and shared their knowledge with us, including the historical context of the building. As a young adult, it is often difficult to find activities that are both physically and mentally demanding, but the high course at the Dragons Den successfully fulfilled this requirement. The course presented a suitable level of challenge, and I appreciated the mental stimulation it provided. The staff were truly supportive, and I appreciated the guidance and encouragement provided by Ms. Dime and Ms. C. The location of the Dragons Den is also noteworthy, and we enjoyed visiting the waterfront for lunch after our experience. I would highly recommend the Dragons Den to anyone visiting Pittsburgh, and I look forward to returning in the future.
I have been a volunteer at Dragons Den for a few years. I’ve watched children transform learn another time… They learned to do things on a timely matter get their homework done directly after school, in respect, not only the employees there but each other. Dragons Den is a huge benefit for the community.
I've been a volunteer with Dragon's Den for about 5 years. It has become a safe haven for children in the Homestead area. I'm a retired educator and have been gratified to see the numbers of children attending the after school program and the tireless work of the Executive Director. She can make any child feel good about him/herself before they go home. They leave after school program with food in their bellies and smiles on their faces, always accepting a hug on the way out. Everyone needs to come visit this beautiful and warm facility.
Previous Stories
This is a unique nonprofit that uses rope courses, zip lines, and climbing walls as the basis for physical, emotional, and academic learning experiences for students in grades 2-12. The CEO and her staff run on intelligence, understanding of kids of all ages, and heart. They know how to give students a safety net on the courses as well an emotional safety net. Any child is welcome so a highly diverse population can be found there at any given time. After school experiences are for neighborhood kids and weekends open up for outside communities to attend birthday parties and use the courses. The physical plant is a restored church that is beautiful and inviting. Well worth finding this facility in the heart of Homestead.
The whole place was beyond what we expected. Super cool set up! It was our first experience. My daughter is 5 and she’s never tried anything like this before and she was definitely scared of being too high or falling. She wasn’t able to do much of the course. Unique was helping her the whole way and her patience dealing with her big emotions was amazing. My daughter was able to get through one obstacle with the help of her friend and Unique. I can’t say enough about her. The rest of the crew was great too! Now that we know about Dragons Den we’ll definitely be coming back! Thank you for a fantastic experience.
Our recent team-building activity at the Dragons Den was an outstanding experience that exceeded our expectations. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel welcome. The activities were thoughtfully designed to challenge us while fostering collaboration and creativity. Each team member contributed their unique strengths, and it was inspiring to see everyone working together towards a common goal. We all left with a greater sense of camaraderie and renewed motivation. We've decided to make it an annual tradition. Thank you to everyone at Dragons Den. We can’t wait to return next year!
Excellent opportunity for the kids that we were able to bring. A great experience for all; very thorough safe brief and amazing activities!
Giulia has done an amazing and unbelievable job building Dragon's Den from scratch. Not only did she personally save the historic St. Mary Magdalene Church, but has created an invaluable and deeply needed community center in the process.
The Borough of Homestead lies just outside of the City of Pittsburgh and has its history rooted in the steel industry, the collapse of which left the area economically distressed, and Homestead has struggled to bounce back ever since. When Giulia and her husband Bill saw the beautiful but abandon St. Mary Magdalene Church, they took it upon themselves to purchase the church. With 3 feet of water in the basement and 30 years of accumulation, neglect, and vandalism, they proceeded with the significant and expensive renovations needed, including a new roof and HVAC systems.
Giulia envisioned an indoor ropes course throughout the church where participants of all ages could grow and expand their boundaries, while intimately soaking in the grand and unique architecture of the 1930s - an opportunity that few have the ability to experience. Visitors to Dragon's Den are now able to experience that vision in a two-level ropes course complete with climbing wall and zip line, while developing emotionally and expanding their team building, communication, and critical thinking skills, along the way.
If this undertaking wasn't ambitious enough, since opening the doors of Dragon's Den, Giulia has enthusiastically strived to meet the needs of the community in any way she could. These efforts have seen the Dragon's Den turn into a crucial community resource. What started as an indoor ropes course now offers much needed after school programs (with meals included!) and even summer camps. Giulia has even hosted job fairs where we experienced first-hand local youth learning about opportunities they had never heard of, let alone considered, ever before.
Dragon's Den not only provides academic enrichment, but also resources and opportunities including STEM activities, organized kayaking trips on Pittsburgh's 3 rivers, and even submitted contestants to Pittsburgh's annual Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Contest - a competition through downtown's Pittsburgh Public Theater that sees hundreds of students from across the region (including the local creative and performing arts high school) compete before a panel of independent judges. Such exposure to the arts is often reserved for more affluent neighborhoods than Homestead, and programming of this magnitude not only provides a rare source of enrichment for its visitors, but also provides volunteer and employment opportunities for the surrounding community. Dragon's Den is benefiting the Homestead community one person at a time, and all this is made possible because of Giulia's tireless efforts and dedication.
I hear wonderful things about Dragons Den from clients in the bank.
They truly care about the children they are working with!
As a volunteer, we see the Dragon's Den as a safe and friendly environment where local kids could learn, grow, be motivated, and have fun.
Dragon’s Den provides a great service to the local community, giving kids a healthy and safe place to come after school. A wonderful staff has developed who care about the kids and do a great job running the facility and keeping everyone safe and engaged.
When you walk into the Dragons Den there are several emotions that you experience during your visit. First, is the one of Wow. The place is beautiful and the wonder of how they got these obstacle courses set up as they have done is head scratching a bit. Second, is of Joy. You catch yourself enjoying not only watching your kids, but the faces of the others, kids and parents. No way you can sit there without smiling. Thirdly, is of Appreciation. The folks that run the place really want everyone to enjoy their time and you can see it in their faces and actions. As a parent, I sat there and appreciated the beauty, the laughs, and the caring of the team involved.
I have a 10 year old on the spectrum. The staff was incredibly nice and accommodating to my son's needs as he did the lower course. he had the greatest time, and I am appreciative of the staff for being so great!
We have been working with Dragon's Den for almost three years now. The staff are amazing to work with and the kids seem to absolutely love their time in the school-year and summer programs. Dragon's Den works so hard to connect their young people to unique, exciting, and educational learning opportunities. Not to mention, the actual facility itself is one-of-a-kind within this world: you step into a beautiful, restored church and you are surrounded by a fun, challenging ropes course that allows for people of all ages and abilities to challenge themselves!
Dragon's Den is one of the most unique nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania! The passion and commitment of staff and board members is outstanding.
A truly one-of-a-kind nonprofit offering a one-of-a-kind experience!!
Previous Stories
A one-of-a-kind nonprofit!! Dragon's Den provides a transformative experience through its suspended obstacle course and other activities.
Dragon’s Den, an abandoned historic church with incredible architecture turned into a ropes course, climbing wall, great fun for the young at heart from ages 5 to 100+. After school programs for the local children, collaboration with local universities to help better serve these children. What a positive impact Dragon’s Den is having, fantastic to watch it soar, and proud to be a small part of it!
Previous Stories
Each day Dragon's Den transforms youth development soft skills into those of great character!
Previous Stories
Dragon's Den effectively serves the youth and families in our community from a remarkable marketing position of life development. Life development includes the soft skills, experiences, and habits that are necessary to make their hard skills, technical and business skills work! These softs skills include attitude, problem solving, conflict resolution, self development, teamwork, critical thinking, creativity, boldness and may more. I call Dragon's Den our steel valley miracle. They are changing the world!
Terrific, innovative program for youth with a passionate and devoted staff
Previous Stories
We’ve been supporters since the dragons den’s inception. It’s been remarkable to see how much work has been done to make the DD a great community resource. The ropes course is a great hook for kids but then there are so many other enrichment programs and activities ( including the great summer camps). that make kids want to keep coming back. It’s really a jewel in the community. Robert levin and kerry bron , MD
We have been following the Dragon’s Den from its earliest days, when Giulia and Bill Petrucci began the work on the former church which houses their extraordinary facility. We’ve observed the progress they’ve made and the success they’ve achieved. The Dragon’s Den is a model of imaginative and effective support for children and families.
We have become impressed with the good work that the Dragons Den is doing with children. We have known the Pettuccis for a long time and we are early supporters of their programs. The activities they provide for children are invaluable and irreplaceable.
This is a fantastic organization! They are empowering the kids in the area with practical skills and courage building experiences. I wish I had more time to give to them and help grow the organization. We helped clean up the garden for them and hope to provide some knot tying classes in the future!
I worked with dragons den for a summer and they are vital to the local community. It is an outlet where underprivileged kids can come and experience leadership, role models, and care. It has programs which feed and teach. It is such an incredible and unique place to be that is fun for dates, groups, parties, and get togethers. The summer camp programs are fantastic. Giuilia is a strong, motivated, and generous individual who works tirelessly with love and compassion. The Dragons Den is fantastic, fun, and is dedicated to the community.
I am a huge fan of The Dragons Den. My first experience was as a visitor with my son. I accompanied him as he wanted to do the ropes course. The owner convinced me to join him. I was nervous, nevertheless, I made it through with the help and encouragement from Ron cheering me on below. This past summer, my son had his first work experience at the Dragons Den. He learned everything from kitchen prep and food service to mentoring the younger kids who attended summer camp. Dragons Den partnered with Goodwills Youth Works Learn and Earn program and facilitated a fantastic hands on work experience. It is a gem in the neighborhood and a great community centered environment.
Previous Stories
I made a reservation for my son who is 13. We checked in upon arrival and the lovely lady who runs the place, convinced me to join my son on the course. She said “Come on, mom! It will be a great mother son moment.” I caved and got harnessed. It was the best adrenaline rush experience. The course was definitely challenging, but so much fun! The young man prepped us, after checkin, with our harnesses and provided all the safety knowledge we needed to complete the course. There was an older gentleman, whom I think is named Ron?, who encouraged and followed me from ground below, cheering me on the entire time. I told him without him doing that I would have probably given up half way through. He was such a ray of sunshine! The entire staff was personable and accommodating. I cant wait to return as soon as my 45 yr old body says let’s go!
I took my two grandchildren, ages 12 and 10 to Dragon's Den to experience the challenge course. My 12-year old, fearless, agile grandson enthusiastically met the challenges. His very competitive younger sister insisted that she do the same course. As she trembled at the beginning, I felt all her fear and misgivings. However, both children were so very confident with the safety instructions that Seneca gave them, that their confidence flowed to me. She completed the challenge with a smile on her face. They both said that they have to come back the next time they are in Pittsburgh. The space is beautiful, awesome and clean. The staff was very engaged. It was a wonderful experience.
We hosted a birthday party for my son, turning 6, at Dragon's Den, and had a lovely experience. The space was beautiful and filled with natural light even on a cloudy day. The space was clean and safe. The staff went above and beyond to make sure the children felt safe and secure in their harnesses and were extra vigilant with them throughout the party. For the few children who chose not to participate, there was a play area on the side where they could occupy their time before it was time to eat cupcakes. Thank you to the staff of Dragon's Den who made this an easy and safe experience: Giulia, Ives, Bill, Carola, and Justin.
We hosted a birthday party and could not have asked for a better experience. We were so impressed with everything from the venue to the staff and owners. I would highly recommend this for anyone looking for a fun birthday party!! Thank you so much!
We had an excellent experience at Dragon's Den this weekend!! The venue is beautiful and is a creative use of an old church. It was my daughter's first time on the upper course (she just turned 10) and she did wonderfully and felt very proud of herself. Meanwhile my son did the lower course adding on challenges at the suggestion of the instructors. Instructors were very preset and engaged, offering words of encouragement and praise. They were preparing for a party and even offered my kids a chance to try the climbing wall (which usually requires an appointment) and my kids loved that as well. The staff was absolutely above and beyond from safety training, to engagement, encouragement, and skill. They all seemed truly happy to be there. We will absolutely be back!!
The Dragon's Den is a great edition to Munhall and the Steel Valley. What happens at the Dragons Den builds character and is a healthy and great educational tool for the youth. The partnership they have created with the borough and the Steel Valley School District is an asset to the community. I personally look forward to working with Julia and the Dragon's Den.
Mayor Robert M. Falce
Munhall Borough
My children participated in the after-school drama program at the Dragon's Den in fall of 2021. They learned so much and had an absolute blast! One of them even received an honorable mention in the Pittsburgh Public Theater Shakespeare Competition thanks to the incredible coaching provided by the Dragon's Den. Most importantly, though, all of my kids had a great learning experience with coaches and mentors who were experienced, encouraging and caring. Amazing to think that this program is free to the local neighborhood kids! We are looking forward to participating in their programming again in the future.
My grandson loves the diversity of services he has enjoyed at Dragon's Den, not the least of which is the high ropes course. He fancies himself a dare-devil and Dragon's Den makes the course challenging enough that his pride and confidence flourish. Likewise, the group of kids that he's met with and with whom he's shared food and conversation didn't come across to him as mental health supports, but they WERE. Very clever, Dragon's Den. We are all big fans!
I recently visited Dragons Den to present them with a donation. Filled with rope courses and an indoor zip line, the place was just so cool! The youth who were there were having the best time and the staff was terrific. That visit filled up my heart, thank you and your team for all that you do to support our community. Those kids and the space were amazing!
I had the joy of visiting Dragons Den one fine spring morning and was only sorry I did not have my grandkids with me so we could explore the various challenge courses. They on the more advance; I on the beginner "slope." The staff was brilliant in their understanding of the need to open up opportunities - in a gym setting - to physical and intellectual discovery. I applaud the DD concept and hope as they approach their second year more and mores kids, parents and schools will understand its potential contribution to the growth of our kids.
Dragon’s Den is a den of dreams! I worked with them for a few years as a programming consultant and was amazed by the efforts, the passion, the initiatives of the team. The children were being led by a partner who wasn’t all that enthusiastic about the behavior and culture of the children and I witnessed the Executive Director take over to entertain and care for the children so that they would enjoy their time. She sang and spoke to them in Italian, she taught them games and helped them work together as a team. The Dragon’s Den is any educators dreamscape and I’m so happy I got to witness the possibilities of dreams that come true for children and adults alike!
Since becoming a part of the Homestead , the Dragon’s Den has influenced the kids of the neighborhood in a very positive, image improving way.
Plus artistic, engaging improvements to the public park and their sidewalks
I have worked in connection with Dragon's Den's Summer Day Camp over the past two years. In this time, I have seen their Day Camp staff extremely dedicated to making their youth campers' summer experience a very memorable one. Each time I visit there, the kids are always having a fun time, partaking in many different games and activities. Also, one thing that stands out on my visits, is the procedures and polices to ensure that all the youth are safe. The Dragon's Den always has a quality staff who care about their youth.
This is a wonderful place to play, get exercise and have children actually BE with each other. A Pittsburgh treasure
I have watched this organization form from the ground up. My husband and I volunteered in the beginning stages with painting and cleaning light fixtures before the doors were opened and I have made inspirational banners and curtains for the building. In the short time the Dragon's Den has been opened they have made a huge change to the community and the lives for the children within this community.
Amazing place with even more amazing people who really care about everyone that comes through the door. Such a fun challenge for my younger kids!
I supervise the safety program that regulates safety of ropes course equipment statewide. Dragons Den has consistently operated in the safest manner possible since its opening. This organization maintains equipment in a state-of-the-art manner. Dragons Den offers opportunities to children who would not otherwise have the same experiences, movement, and exercise to children who otherwise would not have said opportunities.
Dragon's Den is a great organization. Thier focus on underprivileged children's development is phenomenal!!
I absolutely love working behind the scenes at Dragon’s Den! It’s a wonderful organization that deserves only positive recognition. The staff is hardworking and is sure to leave an impact on all those who visit!
Both my kids loved it!! From just doing the course to hunting easter eggs and summer camps, they enjoyed it all. Made friends and had great support from the staff. Everyone was happy to be there helping the kids.
What a wonderful place for children or adults. My time there meant so much to me because I had grown up spending a great deal of time in the former church. I was so glad to see it repurposed for such a unique experience. The couple who developed the idea and run it are lovely people who really care about children. I highly recommend it to anyone.
My team from work came to Dragon’s Den for a fun team-building activity and we got so much more than we expected from it! The ropes course challenging and fun and, even though we had various skill and confidence levels, we all made it through and felt a huge sense of accomplishment! Lots of laughs along the way, too!
What we didn’t expect to find was that, while we were up on the ropes, there were a bunch of kids hanging out down below us. They were there after school and totally made the ropes course awesome for us! They were watching and shouting “pro-tips” to us and laughing at a few of us as we tried to navigate, and they were awesome. The whole place had such a cool vibe and a great feeling of community. My entire team really enjoyed it. I can’t wait to take my kids there!
My daughter loved Dragon’s Den so much we came back with friends. Great fun for all ages, and such kind and caring staff. Definitely a gem for the local community and greater Pittaburgh area.
I bring my 7 year old grandson, who has autism, to the Dragons Den for confidence and agility building. The staff is always wonderful with him. On our last visit, he had a panic attack, and he was gently encouraged, and then gently helped off the course. It could not have been handled better. Over our multiple visits, we have seen the wonderful work done by Dragons Den and its staff for all ages of people of many different backgrounds. The Dragons Den does so much work with the community and the children in our area. They provide an amazing experience for children who otherwise would not have an opportunity to be challenged and to succeed. Our community and its children have been greatly enriched by the Dragons Den in tangible and intangible ways that will last a lifetime.
I was a bit hesitant on what my abilities would be on the course, but the staff was patient in explaining the course, and assured me that everything was very safe! Having completed the lower course, I then used the zip line - such a great experience! Double advantage is that you never need to worry what the weather would be on a ropes course outdoors - this one is all indoors! I highly recommend this venue.
As an artist finding spaces that support new work and artistic work that is built for community connection is a gift. Thankful for the ways that Dragons Den is creatively supporting artists and allowing their space to be used in a variety of creative ways to support the community.
Turning this historic church into some thing that is, once again, the center of the community is truly magnificent. 100 years ago the church was an anchor in the thriving historical town of Homestead, and once again it is providing refuge to the community. The moment you walk in to see the course you are stunned at the beauty of the church, and the “cool factor” of the course.
It’s such an amazing place, we celebrated my son’s birthday party there and all the kids loved it! They had the opportunity to do a new exciting experience in a safe environment, helped from skilled and kind staff.
It is fun; it is scary; it is challenging; it is rewarding. It is the Dragon’s Den, a unique ropes course housed in the former Mary Magdalene Church in Homestead. In this venue I have observed kids who were afraid to attempt the course gain confidence as they master it, and I have seen children and adults eager to try the course who feel challenged and exhilarated by it. The course offers something for everyone. This brainchild of founder, Giulia Lozza Petrucci, brings a fantastic new resource to Homestead and provides an awesome community space for children to conquer their fears, make new friends and learn a new skill. The opening of the Dragon’s Den has been a triumph amidst the darkness of 2020.
December 28, 2020
RE: Letter of Support
The Homestead District Lions Club has been a guest of the Dragons Den in Homestead on a few different occasions. The Dragons Den hosted two meetings for the Lions Club in 2019 and made it possible for the club to understand the complexities of the ideas behind its mission. We were given first hand examples of their goals and found it to be a worthwhile program relative to the kind of support that we offer. We have followed the construction and the organizational procedures that have made this wonderful facility a reality. Please accept this letter as a measure of the Homestead Lions Club support for the Dragons Den.
Sincerely,
Rita Slava, Secretary
Dear Dragons Den,
Visiting the Dragons Den with my grandchildren I was surprised with the number of stations that fit comfortably into our old church. First I found it to be very organized with a priority on safety, sanitation and instruction. My three girls who ranged in age from 10 - 15 were nervous at first but walked away with sense of confidence. At each station they realized their accomplishments was much more than their anticipation. By the end, nervousness was lost to exhilaration, happiness and praise for each other. We will definitely be back and thank you for providing this arena for increasing children's self confidence and accomplishments.
Denise Kelly
As the Mayor of Homestead, I are pleased a facility such as the Dragons Den has decided to repurpose an abandoned church in my community. When I visit, I am encouraged by the positive atmosphere where youngsters thru teens are learning that they can overcome peer pressure and learn self esteem methods through physical means. One teen ager I watched whom I would have considered a marginal product of our society delighted me when he yelled from the zip line " Hey Mayor, I am doing it". His self pride was contagious.
As a partner of the Dragon's Den, our students have and will continue to have meaningful experiences that pertain to resilience, courage, and self-discipline.
Great place all around! Course tests you physically but nothing too challenging, and the staff members were great!
An absolutely memorable experience. From the setting, in a beautiful repurposed church, to its mission, there is no space like a Dragon’s Den. My children and I felt challenged and supported. We left empowered. -Gisele Fetterman, Second Lady of Pennsylvania
This unique non profit adds an element of entertainment into its mission to help children gain confidence and be more productive citizens of their community. Adding to its uniqueness is a devoted Executive Director and Founder who has a plethora of additive ideas and the ability to implement the ideas to further help the children and the community. Over the past few years great strides have been made to secure and repair a discarded church and build a challenging high and low rope course for children and adults of all ages. Underserved children of all ages can use the course for free.
Dragons Den is an extremely fun place! I liked it alot and so did everyone I went with. What a unique and cool idea!