As busy moms ourselves, we know that finding summer camps in the Columbia area is on the top of every mom’s list of things to figure out. While summer makes many think of ice cream, parks and water play we KNOW as moms that it can also be a frustrating time where you are struggling to piece childcare and entertainment together week-by-week and month-by-month. We hope that this guide to summer camps in and around Columbia provides the insight that you need to plan a fun and stress free summer.
A special thanks goes out to all of the sponsors who helped make this guide possible. If you would like your camp included in this guide, let’s chat.
We invite you to hang out with us this summer … When it comes to camps, we have got the perfect fit!
We have planned a wide array of high-individualized camps and programs that provide something exciting for every age and grade — from three years-old through adult.
Join us to develop talents, acquire new skills and knowledge, or explore something that piques your interest. Whatever you are looking for, look no further. If you are seeking a full-day summer program, looking for supplemental academic programs, an athletic workshop, or want to try your hand at an arts class, you will find it Hammond.
Whether you are a Hammond family or simply interested in spending some time with us, we invite you to hang out with us this summer!
Dates :: June 3 – August 2 (closed the week of July 1 – 5)
Ages :: 3 – Adult
Price :: $30 – $425
854 Galway Lane
Columbia, SC 29209
Heathwood Summer Camps run from June 10 – July 31 and serve kids age 2 – 19. Prices for most camps range from $120 – $400.
In addition to our weekly Highlander Day Camp, which features both half-day and full-day options, we offer more than 100 specialty camps in everything from fine arts to athletics to STEM to academics. New this year are SCUBA, sailing, and swim lessons, as well as convenient lunch options. Popular favorites include PEAK outdoor adventure programs, Safe Sitter class, American Girl Doll Camp, and Run the Hall cross country camp.
As previous campers can attest, our sprawling green campus is a great place to spend your summer—and it’s conveniently located close to downtown, I-77, and I-26. Our goal is to provide a superior camp experience for kids of all ages while providing educational, flexible, and affordable childcare and summer enrichment options for parents.
Come join us for all the fun and excitement at Heathwood this summer!
Dates :: June 10 – July 31
Ages :: 2 – 20
Price :: $120 – $400 per week
3000 S Beltline Blvd
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 231-7799
This summer, the Columbia Museum of Art is offering a variety of unique camps to capture the interest of any young artist. Having your child participate in summer camps is a great way for them to think creatively, practice problem-solving skills, and have fun! With three brand-new studios, the CMA has more summer camps than ever before!
Dates :: June 10 – August 9
Ages :: 4 – 18
Price :: $160 – $200 per week (Solo Members and above.) $200 – $250 per week (non-members.)
1515 Main St
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 799-2810
Our summer camp will inspire your child to learn the value of fitness, build confidence, practice focus, increase self-discipline, socialize in a safe atmosphere, and create lasting, fun memories. Your child is going to have a blast in…
- Martial Arts
- Dance
- Tumbling
- Outdoor Sports
- Educational Lessons
- Field Trips
- …and More!
Your child is going to have fun participating in a variety of indoor and outdoor activities each week, including soccer, basketball, kickball, tumbling, dance, and more!
These activities will help your child learn teamwork and coordination skills, while building strength and flexibility.
And for your child’s creative side, Legacy Summer Camp includes painting, drawing, 3D modeling, exciting science experiments and much more!
Are you ready for your child to experience the BEST summer camp in the Midlands? They’re going to love it! Spaces are limited, so register to save your child’s spot today!
Dates :: June 10 – August 16
Ages :: 4 – 12
Price :: $30 registration $119/week ($129/week late registration)
2627 Millwood Ave
Columbia, SC 29205
and
7579 St. Andrews Rd
Irmo, SC 29063
(803) 407-4422
The Quest Summer Camp at The Sunshine House
You’ll never hear “I’m bored” this summer! New field trips, new weekly adventures, new friends, and – 4 can’t miss headliner weeks (Medical and Mechanical Engineering, Creative Art, Community & Leadership.) Each week is a new quest with a different theme, so there’s always something new and exciting going on. We also take at least 1 to 2 field trips a week! Water parks, zoos, aquariums, planetariums, amusement parks, museums, ballparks, and so much more. Ask for your school’s field trip calendar for more details.
Camp also includes the Think Stretch Summer Learning Program (a parent favorite) and NFL Play 60. And when you register, your camper will receive a free Swag Bag – cool t-shirt, reusable water bottle, and backpack to carry all their gear! Guarantee your child has a summer to remember! Spaces are limited, so register today. With 8 Columbia-area locations, there’s a Sunshine House near you!
Dates :: June 4th – August 21st. Dates vary by center; contact a school near you.
Ages :: 5 – 12; Junior Summer Camp for 4 year olds
Price :: Varies by location. Full-day, part-day and drop-in programs available.
(800) 551-1561
TNT Martial Arts Summer Camp
Our summer camp can provide the solution to keep everyone happy. Kids get to attend a fun summer camp that keeps them active and gives them plenty of activities to do while making new friends and connecting with old ones. You get the reassurance of knowing that your kids are learning respect, discipline, and self-control, all of which will help them when they go back to school in the fall. Our camp also offers 11 weekly themes and field trips!
Dates :: June 3 – August 16
Ages :: 4.5 – 12
Price :: $149/weekly; after May 31 cost will be $169/weekly
1330 Knox Abbott Dr.
Cayce, SC 29033
Edventure
Dates :: June 10 – August 9
Ages :: 4 – 12
Price :: $195/week; members receive a 15% discount
211 Gervais St.
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 779-3100
Summer at FIRST
At FIRST we know how to do summer right, which is why we’ve got so many unique and diverse opportunities for kids! Whether you’re into sports, arts, music, or dance, there’s an adventure waiting for you. So go ahead and start exploring our camps and let’s dive into summer!
- Play a musical instrument for a week in Worship Arts
- Practice table etiquette in Manners Camp
- Run wild and explore the safari in VBS
- Bring your creativity to life in Art Camp
- Get the most out of summer with our FREE camps
The bulk of our camps are for kids that are rising 4K through the 5th grade, but we do have some great options for middle school! Our season kicks off at the start of June and will conclude after the first week in August. To learn more details about our summer camps please click the ‘Register’ button below or go online to SummerAtFirst.com.
Dates :: June 17 – August 9
Ages :: 4K – 8th graders
Price :: $40 – $98/week (some camps are FREE)
1306 Hampton St.
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 256-4251
The South Carolina State Museum
The South Carolina State Museum is excited to offer week-long thematic summer camps, sponsored by Aflac! Available throughout June, July and August, State Museum camps cover a wide variety of topics from art to robots to astronomy and even superheroes. Extended day add-on options are also available. Registration is now open!
Dates :: June 3 – August 16
Ages :: 6 – 14
Price :: $200 per camper per week / $180 for any additional weeks of camps for the same student. Museum members get a discount: $160 per member camper per week / $145 for any additional weeks of camps for the same student.
301 Gervais St.
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 898-4999
Sylvan Learning Center
Beat summer learning loss and make the most of your child’s summer by having them spend it at Sylan Learning Center’s EDGE and Academic camps! Our popular EDGE programs feature Robotics, Game Design, Math EDGE and Engineering. Or enroll in one of our Academic Camps and put your child ahead for school this fall, all while they build skills and confidence. Sylvan even offers College Prep for your older children. Spots are filling quickly, so register at one of our two locations today!
Dates :: June 17 – August 16
Ages :: 4 year old PreK – 12th Grade
Price :: Prices start at $145 per camp
Two Locations in The Midlands – Northeast Columbia and Irmo
(800) EDUCATE
Camp Chatuga {Overnight Camp}
Camp Chatuga, located in Mountain Rest, SC, is a traditional summer camp for boys and girls. Owned and operated by the same family since 1956, Chatuga fosters lifelong memories and friendships in a wholesome, family-oriented community. Session options range from three days to four weeks. Campers choose from over 30 incredible activities including horseback, water-skiing, BMX bikes, arts/crafts, outdoor living skills, archery, animal care and sports. Depending on the camper’s number of years at Chatuga and session choice, exciting day trips are offered which include rafting Section 3 of the Chattooga River, taking a canopy zipline tour, visiting a water park or showing one’s speed and skills at an all-camp rollerskating party. 4:1 camper:counselor ratio for safety and personal attention. Under the guidance of mature and caring staff, each camper thrives in our technology free, rustic environment; a perfect atmosphere for fun and personal growth through relationships and nature. Come to Chatuga to make new friends, gain independence and self confidence, make lifelong memories and experience your best summer ever!
Dates :: June 16 – July 31
Ages :: 6 – 16
Price :: Mini-Camp – $440; One-Week Sessions – $920; Two-Week Sessions — $1850; Three-Week Sessions – $2920; Four-Week Session – $3850; Horse-Camp – $475; Senior Camp – $575
291 Camp Chatuga Rd.
Mountain Rest, SC 29664
(864) 638-3728
Covenant Summer Camp
Covenant summer camp is a safe, fun filled environment where campers are nurtured and encouraged physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Led by an experienced, dedicated staff, campers will enjoy activities each week including cooking, swimming, art, movies and other exciting off campus activities. Weekly mini camps are offered to all campers! Mini camps include music, drama, dance, sports and science. All campers will participate in a summer reading program. For more information please call the number below or email [email protected].
Dates :: June 4 – July 27
Ages :: 5 years to rising 9th graders
Price :: $120 weekly, $35 daily; military and multi-child discounts
3120 Covenant Rd
Columbia, SC 29204
My Gym
At My Gym camp, we activate the fun every single day, so let the fun begin! Energizing games, exciting gymnastics, cool arts and crafts, and music that guarantees to keep them moving and engaged. Our drop-off program, pay-by-day options, and multi-day and sibling discounts make My Gym camp an awesome, affordable, no-stress option.
Camps offered Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Early drop off 9 – 9:30 a.m. Lunch Bunch 12:30 – 1 p.m. (parent must provide lunch)
Dates :: June 10 – August 20
Ages :: 3 – 10; Junior Summer Camp for 4 year olds
Price :: 1 – 9 Camps – $32/Camp; 10 – 19 Camps – $30/Camp; 20 – 29 Camps– $27/Camp; All Camps – $24/Camp
Early Bird Special: Register before June 7th and save 20% off your total camp cost!
110 Forum Dr., Suite 1
Columbia, SC 29229
(803) 877-7010
PAC Summer Camps
Great for boys and girls that want lots to do this summer! Located in Lexington SC, our 22,000 square foot air conditioned facility offers summer day camps full of imPACtful activities. PAC campers have so many options from swimming in our onsite pool, to gymnastics, basketball, cheerleading, trampolines, video games, arts & crafts, laser tag, inflatables, obstacle courses, dance parties, and dodgeball for a super fun summer. Daily and part time rates also available. Additional costs to add instructional camps gymnastics, ninja, dance, basketball or cheerleading camp. PAC also offers swim lessons, dance and karate lessons at discounted rates for all full time campers. Multi program and multi student discounts are also available.
Dates :: June 6 – August 16
Ages :: Rising kindergarten to rising 6th graders
Price :: One time camp fee of $35. Camp $125 per week for full time students.Early Bird Special – Register before May 24th and receive a Free night of FUN at our Parents Night Out, Friday nights 6:30 PM-10:00 PM.
(803) 951-2090
YMCA of Columbia Summer Camps
YMCA of Columbia camps offer a mix of fun and educational activities aimed at improving kids’ well-being. Our programs center on three areas proven to impact kids’ development: friendship, accomplishment and belonging. Campers will: learn and master skills that help them realize their passions, talents and potential; build friendships with new friends and staff role models, adding to their well-being; feel like they belong so they feel safe, welcome and free to express their individuality.
Dates:: June 10 – August 16
Ages :: 3 – 16 (varies by location)
Price :: Traditional full-day camp starts at $120/week for Y members
Phone numbers vary by location and are listed online
The Pitter Platter Summer Arts Camps
Kids attending Summer Art Camp at The Pitter Platter will experience wheel throwing, clay handbuilding, canvas painting, drawing and so much more! Our 8 weekly art camps include materials and snack. All classes are taught by Art Education Teachers who value teaching Fine Art Fundamentals while having fun. Some examples of our upcoming camps are the “Make It Work Craft Camp,” where it’s all about hand-made clay crafts and wheel throwing, and braving pirate seas in our “Braving The Seas Camp,” plus much more!
Dates :: June 10 – August 9
Ages :: 5 – 13
Price :: $150/week
112 E Main St.
Lexington, SC 29072
(803) 996-3857
Junior Sailing Program Summer Camps at Columbia Sailing Club
Water – Wind – Fun – Learning! That is our promise for the amazing 2019 Summer Camps at Columbia Sailing Club! With sessions for all experience levels, ages 7 – 17, and a fleet of club-owned sailboats, this will be a perfect summer to start or expand youth sailing adventures. We offer multiple courses for beginner, intermediate and advanced sailors during our full-day, one-week sessions. All sessions are open to the public, you don’t have to be a member to learn to sail!
Sailing is not just a fun sport, it also teaches your child confidence, teamwork, determination, grit, and adventure! These are all valuable lessons your child can apply at school and in life! You can read course descriptions and learn more about what we offer on the CSC website. Lunches will be available through the registration process. Each session is limited so students can enjoy an outstanding student/coach ratio of 4:1. Please register early to guarantee a spot. Let’s Sail!
Dates :: Weekly Sessions run June 3 – July 26
Ages :: 7 – 17
Price :: To learn more about each sailing course and pricing, please visit our website.
292 Shuler Road
Columbia, SC 29212
Columbia, SC Baseball Camp
Youth Baseball Camp run by Scott Wingo (2011 CWS MVP with USC) at SC Baseball Academy in Lexington, South Carolina. The emphasis of this camp: Developing character traits in young Benbrook TX area ballplayers with a confidence-building, teammate oriented, self-esteem building baseball program over 4 days. We want to challenge ballplayers in all facets of being a baseball player including being coachable, being a good teammate, talking to coaches and umpires correctly, appreciating the sacrifice of parents and understanding the benefits of working hard.
Dates :: July 22 – July 25
Ages :: 6 – 12
Price :: $199.99; early-bird price is $179.99 and rises on April 1
SC Baseball Academy
2656 Augusta Hwy
Lexington, SC 29072
(803) 785-7222
Camp Innovate at La Petite Academy
Invent your summer. Camp Innovate, at La Petite Academy®, is a great place to discover all the joys of summer. Your child will enjoy weekly themed experiences (exploring interesting subjects such as science, art, animals, history, and games), engaging activities, fun field trips, and healthy meals and snacks. Choose your favorite weekly camp themes, or spend the whole summer with us. Plus, campers will get a brand-new T-shirt, water bottle, and backpack for summer adventures! Sounds great, right? Then, what are you waiting for? Visit LaPetite.com/summer to learn more—and find your local school.
Dates :: June 10 – August 17
Ages :: 5 – 12
Price :: Varies by location
(877) 217-9530
Mendoza Volleyball Camps
Come learn, develop or perfect your volleyball skills with us! We have options for boys and girls starting with 5-year-olds up to seniors in high school. Each camp and clinic is designed to develop volleyball players in a fun, active, and competitive environment.
Dates :: July 8 – July 27
Ages :: Kindergarten – 12th graders
Price :: $60 – $350
1051 Blossom St.
Columbia, SC 29201
River's Edge Retreat
Join us for 2019 Summer Camp at River’s Edge Retreat – a camp where children are nurtured and encouraged physically, spiritually and emotionally. We offer 10 weeks of swimming, IT (with STEM projects), sports, cool arts & crafts, character building with Scripture memory, music, dance, field trips, access to the Saluda River and much more, with a new theme each week. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are provided.
Dates :: June 10 – August 9
Ages :: 5 – 17
Price :: $149 per week with Early Bird special of 10% off until May 1. $49 registration fee until May 1.
1019 Garden Valley Lane
Columbia, SC 29210
(803) 772-2500
St. Michaels' & All Angels Summer Camps
Summer camps at St. Michael’s Early Learning Center offer a variety of fun for children who have completed 5K – 5th grade. We are offering Music, Amazing Athletes, Mad Scientist STEM, Art, Survivor Ninja Challenge/Flip Fly Gymnastics, and Animal Planet themed weeks. Summer camps will also include scavenger hunts, nature walks, water play, outdoor fun, summer reading, arts & crafts, cooking activities, movie days, games, puzzles, and much more. Our camp counselors are CPR/FA certified and have been through all required background checks to be employed by a DSS licensed center. All instructors conducting activities are certified in their perspective areas. Our hours are 7:15 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Children do not need to attend all day but need to be present by 9:00 a.m.
Dates :: June 10 – August 16
Ages :: 5K – 5th graders
Price :: $100 – $145 per week
6408 Bridgewood Rd.
Columbia, SC 29206
(803) 782-8800
WinShape Camps for Communities
Whether you like soccer, science, or anything in between, there is something for everyone at WinShape Camps for Communities! Come be a part of this incredible adventure where we combine sports, recreation, arts, Bible study and worship into one incredible week. WinShape Camps provides a professionally trained staff to help create the most meaningful, unforgettable and fun-filled day camp experience you’ll find anywhere… right at home in Columbia, SC!
Winshape Camps for Communities provides an unprecedented day camp experience for campers that have completed K-8. Registration is now open!
Dates :: June 10 – June 14
Ages :: Completed Kindergarten students through completed 8th Graders
Price :: $219; 10% discount is applied if you register all of your children at the same time. For more information about registration or scholarship applications, please visit our registration page.
6515 N. Trenholm Road
Columbia, SC 29206
(803) 787-2133
Genova Family Karate of Lexington
What makes our summer camp so awesome is the kids — obviously — but also our experience in teaching children. Genova Family Karate has been serving the community for 17 years now. If you want your child to have a blast, sign them up for a fun filled week of activities that keep your child engaged. Some of the activities we will be doing are Physical Fitness, Karate, Crafts, and Fun Games. The camp hours are 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with half-days available as well. Please check out our website for more information. We hope to have your child join us this summer!
Dates :: June 17 – August 9
Ages :: 4 – 14
Price :: $150 per week, $95 half-day mornings, $85 half-day afternoons.
(803) 358-2500
Carolina Show Choir Company
Your child will love our positive, high energy singing and dancing stage experience that promotes confidence in performance. The first camp begins this August 12th – 16th from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m at the Tapp’s Art Center. Our camp will conclude on August 16 with an open to the public performance by our campers at 12 p.m. Visit our website for more information and feel free to contact us with any questions!
Dates :: August 12 – August 16
Ages :: 5 – 18; campers are separated into one of three groups by age.
Price :: $150 per camper
121 Silver Lake Road E
Columbia, South Carolina 29223
(334) 444-7076
Girls Go for I.T. Coding Camp
Design games and interactive stories that you can share with your friends – while secretly mastering basic coding skills and learning about IT. Our goal is to encourage girls to consider IT and STEM careers in a fun and hands-on environment.
(803) 777-1240
Shelley Smith's Carolina Soccer School
South Carolina Women’s Soccer is excited to invite you to our 2019 summer camps, we hope you can join us this year.
Dates :: Full and half-day camps are June 10 – June 14 and July 15 – July 19; Overnight/Team Camps are July 11 – July 14
Ages :: 5 – 12 year olds for full-day or half-day camps; overnight/team Camps are for Rising 4th – 9th Graders
Price :: $175 (half-day); $275 (full-day); $470 (overnight/team commuter); $540 (overnight/team residential)
(803) 777-7829
Broadway at USC: Musical Theatre Workshop
(803) 777-0823
Fur Friends at Pawmetto Lifeline
This is the perfect camp for a child that can’t get enough of animals or wants to learn more about caring for them, because your child will learn how to properly interact and extend care to cats and dogs as we utilize the adorable rescued fur-babies that are available for adoption here at Pawmetto Lifeline. Let us nurture your child’s love of pets while they make friends, crafts, and life-long memories with an all-day, week-long camp at Pawmetto Lifeline.
(803) 465-9173
Camp Gesher at The JCC
Camp Gesher at the JCC provides a safe, vibrant, and enriching day camp experience for ALL Midlands area children, successfully blending value-based character education and community leader presentations with traditional summer camp activities. Each camper will enjoy a range of creative programming, including swim lessons, sports activities, drama and dance, music, arts and crafts, gardening, fitness, all-camp events, playing in our gymnasium and swimming in our “state of the art,” heated salt water pool.
Dates :: June 10 – August 16
Ages :: 2.5 – 14
Price :: $190 – $260
(803) 787-2023
South Carolina Summer Dance Conservatory Dance Camps
Give your youngsters a fun and truly moving summer experience that introduces them to the joy and love of dance!
(803) 777-7264
Kelly's Gymnastics
Gymnastics is just one of the many fun activities your child will love about summer camp at Kelly’s Gymnastics. Our summer camp activities range from a survivor ninja challenge, to circus gymnastics, to sports, cheer, Nerf games and more!
(803) 359-0433
STEM Summer Camps
STEM Summer Camps offer programs in Robotics, Entrepreneurship, Game Making (Minecraft and Kodu), Computer Programming, Biomedical Engineering, Website Design, Roller Coaster Design, and Mechanical Engineering. Our programs focus on learning different STEM curriculum and mastering the 4C’s: Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity — seats are very limited so register now, and come join us in building a great STEM Future for kids here in Columbia, SC!
(803) 575-2068
Saint Joseph Summer Camp
Full-day campers will take part in field trips, water play, music, arts and crafts, games, exercise and sports, and free play, with all camp activities carefully organized according to age group, and led by caring and responsible camp counselors. Saint Joseph Summer Camp provides a safe and rewarding summer experience for all participants, so whether you choose to spend mornings with us or full days, we are confident your child will have a summer filled with smiles, laughter, new friends, and great memories.
(803) 254-6736
Camp Van Gogh Go at The Mad Platter
(803) 771-8080
Chesterbrook Academy
(877) 959-4181
The Little Gym
Day camp at The Little Gym of Columbia, SC gives your kid the summer camp experience without the bug bites, poison ivy and week-long commitments. Combining fun physical activity, games, and arts & crafts, we’ll help your child beat the summer heat by staying cool at The Little Gym.
Dates :: May 29 – August 16
Ages :: 3 – 8 years for Summer Quest Camps, 6 – 12 years for Grade School Skill Thrill Camps. Younger children must be fully potty trained.
Price :: $37.50 – $45 per day depending on how many days booked and membership status. Flex passes are also available that give you the flexibility to purchase days but schedule later.
(803) 738 – 1115
Victory Sports Camp
(803) 420-2836
My duaghter really would want the go to a summer camp she knows she can treat other people the way she wants to be treated and have fun with making friends and meeting new people but the money is way to much and last summer I let her down so this summer I want her to go but the money and so yeah I wish the money could go down even though just for one child and thas mine but I love her and she loves me I even sometimes make the backyard into a little camp and play with her. She can imagine going and sometimes she will ask me Am I ever going to go to a summer camp? And I say i dont know. We have a lot of fun.
Thanks for your comment Amy! We love sharing these great programs, and several of them are offering discounts for early registration that might be helpful. The other thing you could look into are local Vacation Bible School options that give a great Summer Camp experience and are typically free. Hope this helps!
Amy, The Richland County Recreation Commission is offering a free camp for children 5-12 at select parks. Also, Camp Bethel offers one week overnight camps with scholarships available.
My children attended some of the Firefly Toys and Games day camps and LOVED them!
https://www.fireflytoysandgames.com/summer-camp.html