We know it’s still winter, but believe it or not, summer camps are filling up fast. Whether you have a future scientist, explorer, athlete, or artist on your hands, our guide can help you plan your family’s summer.
For the scientist
Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series at USC
Give your academically talented student a taste of college life while they explore topics like forensic science, graphic design, and robotics in these week-long courses.
Challenger Learning Center
Blast off into a summer of rocketry, robotics, and aviation. These hands-on STEM camps take kids on an out-of-this-world adventure.
EdVenture Children’s Museum
If your kiddo loves to tinker, create, or cook up a storm, EdVenture’s hands-on labs are the perfect place to explore.
GoSciTech at SC Governor’s School
Future engineers, coders, and space enthusiasts can take a deep dive into STEM at this residential camp for rising 8th–10th graders.
SC State Museum
Blast off into astronomy, dive into robotics, or get hands-on with STEAM experiments in these weeklong camps.
For the explorer
Camp Impact at Camp Cole
A free overnight camp for kids facing homelessness, foster care, or financial hardship. Campers swim, play games, and enjoy campfires, glow dances, and movie nights, with meals included.
City of Columbia Parks and Recreation
From swimming to arts and field trips, kids will stay engaged with different activities each week.
Camp Discovery
From hands-on STEAM projects to wilderness survival and nature exploration, each week offers exciting activities that inspire curiosity, teamwork, and a love for the outdoors.
YMCA of Columbia
With a mix of outdoor adventure, sports, and team-building fun, this camp keeps kids active all summer long.
Set sail on Lake Murray and learn about bow, boom, and beam. | Photo via Columbia Sailing Club
For the athlete
Columbia Sailing Club
Set sail on Lake Murray and learn boating basics in these hands-on camps.
Dawn Staley Basketball Academy
Future ballers + Gamecock stars can sharpen their skills with the help of the Gamecock’s Hall of Fame coach.
USC Gamecock athletics camps
Want to train like a Gamecock? USC’s coaches and athletes offer sport-specific camps for kids of all ages.
For the artist
Columbia Children’s Theatre
Young performers can take center stage with acting, improv, and stage production camps.
Columbia Museum of Art
Creativity runs wild in these hands-on workshops covering painting, sculpture, and mixed media.
For the animal lover
Fur Friends at Pawmetto Lifeline
Got a future vet on your hands? This camp is all about caring for animals, from adoption to rescue work.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Calling all animal lovers — get up close with wildlife, explore nature, and learn what it takes to care for exotic creatures.
Across the state
Camp Sewee
Dive into SC’s coastal ecosystems at Camp Sewee. Campers explore marine science, engage in salt marsh studies, and encounter local wildlife, all while enjoying the coastal beauty.
Camp Voyager
Tech-savvy kids can dive into activities like LEGO Spike Prime, drone piloting, and Oculus VR adventures. This camp merges technological exploration with outdoor fun.
Camp Wildlife
Outdoor enthusiasts can immerse themselves in activities like archery, riflery, fishing, and wildlife ecology. Campers build a foundation in shooting sports and outdoor survival skills, all while enjoying the great outdoors.
If camps aren’t on your little one’s summer itinerary, check out our guide to kid-friendly activities in Columbia.
