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Summer Camp Application
Many of these are listed below. This list is based on our latest information and isn’t meant to be exclusive (you’re welcome to find others) or to imply recommendations for specific programs. You’ll need to check individual camps’ Websites or call their contact numbers for the most current information.
If you find a program you can afford for your child or children and your worker is in agreement, great! Just follow the program's directions to apply. If you can't afford the fees, then do the following: First, let your worker know what you want and ask for suggestions. Second, approach the program director, explain your situation, and ask if the program can offer you a free slot or reduced fee. Third, if you still don't have what you need, ask your local FPA for ideas on getting help. (And please share information that may help other foster parents and children.) Fourth, if you still need help, contact Jean W. Ross via email: jean@scfpa.com or call her at (803) 790-1194. Applications will be considered on a first come, first served basis and limited to one approval per child annually. Funding is dependent on what we have available, and this is dependent on donations. We'll do our best for you.
- Overnight Programs
- Camps for Children with Special Needs
- Work-Learning Programs
Camp Low Country. Cordesville. Girl Scout Camp, partial-week and full-week sessions with traditional camping activities. Girls 7-17. (843) 336-3251; www.girlscoutsesc.org
Camp St. Christopher. Seabrook Island. Episcopal Diocese camp; variety of traditional activities with worship included. Sessions by age group. Coed grades 3-12 (rising). (843) 768-0429; www.stchristopher.org
Ripley's Aquarium Marine Science Camps. Myrtle Beach. 2-day to week-long exploration of ocean life in the aquarium, on the beach, in the ocean. Other activities too. Coed 6-16. (843) 916-0888 x 3226; myrtlebeach.ripleyaquariums.com/education/marine_science_camps
Camp Pinehill. Bennettsville. Mission of the Pee Dee Baptist Association. Sports, other traditional activities, and challenge courses. Information on coed, ages missing. (843) 479-9681; www.PinehillBaptistRetreat.org
Francis Marion University Summer Camps. Florence. Variety of programs including baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball. Coed 5-12 depending on program. (800) 368-7551 or (843) 661-1231; www.fmupatriots.com/news/Summer_Camps_GENERIC
Wildlife Action Adventure Camp. Mullins. Outdoor experiences at Fort Retch Wildlife Action Refuge to raise awareness of natural resources; traditional camping activities. Coed 6-16. (843) 464-8473 or (800) 753-2264; www.wildlifeaction.com/advencamp.htm
Check also in Clemson Sports and Scholastic Academies, listed under UPSTATE.
Bethel Christian Camp. Gaston. Traditional activities and Christian worship; sessions by age. Coed 7-17. (803) 926-5511; www.bethelchristiancamp.org
Bethelwoods Camp. York. Traditional activities, with emphasis on developing relationships. Programs geared to developmental ages of campers. Coed grades K-12, depending on program. (803) 366-3722; www.bethelwoods.org
Camp Gravatt. Christian environment, focused on "spiritual learning and growth." Coed grades 1-12. (803) 648-1817; www.bishopgravatt.org/camp.asp
Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series. University of South Carolina's academic enrichment programs for talented and gifted students. Opportunities in forensic science, social work, law and criminology, robotics, exercise science, writing, Web design and development, medicine. Day option as well as residential. Coed grades 6-12 (rising). (803) 777-9444; saeu.sc.edu/adventures/index.html
Cross Creek Rodeo Riding Camps. Trenton. Livestock handling, cowboy poetry around the campfire, riding, team skills building. Girls' and boys' sessions separate, 8-14. (803) 275-3151 or (864) 993-6516; www.crosscreekrodeoranch.com
Check also in Clemson Sports and Scholastic Academies, listed under UPSTATE.
Asbury Hills Camps. Cleveland. Methodist; traditional activities plus band, workshop, and teaching. Coed grades 2-12. (877) 255-7559 or (864) 458-2071; www.asburyhills.org
Bob Jones University Summer Camps. Greenville. Programs focusing on fine arts, music, drama, sports, and academic and technical subjects. Coed grades 4-12, depending on program. (864) 242-5100; www.bju.edu/events/youth/summer-camps
Camp Chatuga. Mountain Rest. More than 30 activities, including animal care, creative writing, mountain biking. Coed 6-16. (864) 638-3728; www.campchatuga.com
Camp Cherith in the Carolinas. Pendleton. Christian oriented camp at Clemson Outdoor Laboratory; horseback riding, water-skiing, target sports, and more. Coed grades 3-12 (rising). (423) 991-3419; www.carolinacherith.com
Camp Fellowship. Waterloo. Campers grouped by age in "family units" to help focus on living in community, conflict resolution, and team work. Nature awareness and outdoor experiences, along with worship and Bible study. Some financial help a possibility, depending on client need and available funding. Coed grades K-12, with day camp for the Ks, though they may be able to stay overnight by arrangement. (864) 998-3400; campfellowship.org
Camp McCall. Sunset. SC Baptist Convention mission camp with more than 20 activities in different programs. Boys 7-14+. (864) 878-6025; scbaptist.org/campmccall. Additional camp opportunities provided through the South Carolina Baptist convention include: Recreation Adventure Camps www.scbaptist.org/link/article122017.htm and Summer Music Camps www.scbaptist.org/link/article119120.htm.
Camp Thunderbird. Lake Wylie. Water programs including wakeboarding and water skiing; many more land opportunities. Coed 7-18. (800) 732-3855 or (704) 716-4100; www.campthunderbird.org
Camp WaBak. Marietta. Girl Scout camp with traditional activities and art and team sports programs. Vegetarian. Girls 7-17. (864) 836-3932; www.campchannel.com/summer-camps/Camp-WaBak-3576.html
Camp Wildwood. Kings Mountain. South Carolina Wildlife Federation camp; teaches understanding and protection of natural resources, self-reliance, self-discipline, and independence. Coed grades 10-12 (rising). (803) 609-1072; wildwoodfamily.com
Clemson Sports and Scholastic Academies. Clemson and other locations including Lake Marion. Soccer, baseball, golf, tennis, "high-tech adventure," academic and special-interest subjects. Coed grades 2-12 depending on program.
- Football Camp: Football-L@clemson.edu
- jennife@clemson.edu
- Summer Science Camp: www.clemson.edu/summerscience
- Youth Leadership Institute Camps: www.clemson.edu/yli/pages/summercamps.php
Converse College Summer Programs. Spartanburg. Residential programs focusing on a range of topics including crime scene investigation, theater, writing, and visual arts. Early registration necessary. Coed grades 10-12 depending on program. Various phone contacts, depending on program (see Website for specifics); www.converse.edu/summerworkshops
Furman University Summer Youth Camps. Greenville. Choices include Summer Scholars program (rising high school juniors and seniors) in academics and arts; tennis, soccer, and other programs. Coed 5-18 depending on program. For all, (864) 294-6000; www.furman.edu/campsandconferences
Goat (Great Outdoor Adventure Trips). Greenville-based. Outdoor adventures including hiking, rafting, climbing, and camping out, one day or longer, designed to get our children away from cell phones, televisions, and other distractions so they can “find out who they really are, what they’re capable of, and who God created them to be. Scholarships may be available. Boys and girls, ages variable. http://www.goattrips.org/about/
Red Ray Tennis Camp at Wofford College. Spartanburg. Several programs led by Rod Ray to teach both technique and tactics. Coed 7-18. No phone number given on Website; www.rodraytenniscamp.com
YMCA Camp Greenville. Cedar Mountain. Wide variety of traditional and adventure activities and emphasis on teaching self-reliance and decision-making away from home. Coed 7-17 with Mom and Me program for ages 5-6. (864) 836-3291; www.campgreenville.org
Camp Buc. Sapphire. Traditional camp activities, trekking, and Service Corps. Family camp also offered. Coed grades 1-12. (828) 966-4715; www.bucandfellowship.org
Camp Joy. Hickory. Christian outreach camp with a registered nurse on site; has served SC foster children and is accustomed to meeting their needs. Don't have information on coed, ages. (828) 328-3920; www.angelfire.com/nc3/valleyhaven
Camp Kanuga. Hendersonville. Episcopal program with traditional camping activities. Coed 7-15. (828) 692-9136; www.kanuga.org
Camp Burnt Gin. Wedgefield. DHEC-hosted, for children with physical disabilities and a range of chronic illnesses. Coed 7-15. www.scdhec.gov/health/mch/cshcn/programs/cbg/index.htm
Camp Can Do. Johns Island. MUSC's camp for children who have been treated for serious burn injuries. Coed 6-17. (843) 792-3852 or (843) 792-7065; www.musckids.com/health_library/burns/campcando.htm
Camp Courage. Greenville. Offering, through Greenville Hospital, a variety of recreational experiences for children and teens with cancer or blood disorders. Coed 5 and older. (864) 455-5160; www.ghs.org/Content.aspx?id=332
Camp Happy Days. Charleston. Residential (week-long) for children with cancer and their siblings ages 4-16. Children must have been treated for cancer within past 5 years, but once they're part of the organization, can continue to attend to age 16. All programs free. (843) 571-4336; www.camphappydays.com
Camp Sertoma. Clemson. Residential, for children with speech and/or hearing impairment and other disadvantages. Coed 7-12. toll free: (866) 737-8662 or (864) 654-4945; www.campsertomasc.com
Intercept by Outward Bound. Charleston. For youth "struggling with family, social groups, and/or educators and work environments." Last 4 weeks include parent or guardian or life-skills seminar. Coed 14-20. (866) 496-8792; www.outwardbound.org
Rocky Bottom Camp of the Blind. Sunset. Free 2-week camp at Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind; uses blind counselors to teach and facilitate traditional camp activities. Coed 6-16. (803) 254-5655; www.nfbsc.net/rockybottom.html
There are likely to be many other opportunities near you-more than we can keep up with for all the counties. Try checking with your worker, other parents, and the following:
- Colleges, technical colleges, and university extensions
- Churches, including Sunday School classes and circles
- Youth organizations such as YMCA, Scouts, and 4-H clubs
- Parks and Recreations Department as well as specific city, county, and state parks
- Equestrian facilities
- Dance, music, and art studies; museums
- Carolina Wildlife Care and a zoo if your community has one
- Sports organizations, civic clubs, United Way, area Urban League
- Newspaper (even small ones!) and radio and television listings
- Out-of-state sources if other states' camps would be convenient
