Your guide to Lowcountry summer camps
The school year just ended– which means it’s only a matter of time before kids start muttering the words “I’m bored.” Luckily, the Lowcountry is bustling with plenty of indoor + outdoor activities for your young ones to stay busy all summer long.
In addition to the traditional sleepaway camp, kids have the opportunity to explore their specific interests– with camps focused on gymnastics, art, animal care, marine life, STEM, cooking, + s’more.
So bundle that sleeping bag + pack those water wings– here are ten local + regional summer camps where your kids can HAGS (a.k.a. have a great summer, in yearbook slang).
Sports
🎾 Tennis Camp– For beginner + intermediate players, the I’On Club offers daily instruction on stroke development, point play, + good sportsmanship. Half-day camps + early drop-offs are available.
Where: 252 Ponsbury Rd., Mt. Pleasant
When: June 4- Aug. 17
Ages: 2.5+
Price: $200- $420 per week. Attend three or more weeks to receive a 10% discount.
🤸 Gymnastics Camp– This day camp includes gymnastics, supervised activities + games, and flexible scheduling with late pick-up available.
Where: 2220 Old School Dr., North Charleston
When: June 4- Aug. 17
Ages: 5-18
Price: $30- $50 per day or $120-$200 per week. Discounts offered for multiple classes purchased + for siblings attending camp together.
Arts
🎨 Art Camp– Have your children to explore their creativity– in the visual arts, drama, music, + dance.
Where: Olde Village Community Building at 4820 Jenkins Ave., North Charleston
When: Offered in June + July
Ages: 5-13
Price: $100
🎵 Music Camp– The American Music Camp includes a full day of classes (based on experience level) focused on string instruments (violin, viola, cello, + bass). Additionally, students can select electives in jamming, various genres & styles, dancing, orchestra, + more. Separate classes will be held for clawhammer banjo, guitar, + mandolin.
Where: Classes will take place in several historic buildings in downtown Charleston.
When: July 23-27
Ages: 5-18
Price: $100 per adjunct class; $350 for the half-day youngster program; + $550 for the full-day string program.
Science
🤖 STEAM Explorers Camp– Campers get to experiment with themed robotics models; participate in creative free build and LEGO® group play, STEAMoriented challenges, + more.
Where: Bees Landing Recreation Center; 1580 Ashley Gardens Blvd., West Ashley
When: July 9-13
Ages: 6-12
Price: $185 per week
Animals
🐕 B.A.R.K Summer Camp– Hosted by the Charleston Animal Society, this summer camp invites kids to interact with the animals, listen to guest speakers, + play games. Advanced levels are also available for students looking for an academic camp focused on veterinary medicine.
Where: 2455 Remount Rd., North Charleston
When: Various dates June- August.
Ages: 5-17
Price: $155- $365
Magic
🔮 Wizardry Camp– Harry Potter fans will take on spellbinding STEM challenges, build Hogwarts’ castles, + mix-up mystic potions.
Where: James Island Recreation Complex; 1088 Quail Dr., James Island
When: August 6-10
Ages: 6-12
Price: $150
Teens
🚣 Teen Venture Camps– For the most adventurous teens, the camp focuses on skateboarding, kayaking, paddle boarding, mountain biking, + rock climbing.
Where: James Island County Park
When: Various dates in June- July
Ages: 13-16
Price: $275- $495
Sleepaway camps, outside of the Lowcountry
🏕 Camp Chatuga– A co-ed sleepaway camp with 60 acres of private forests, a private lake, + over 30 activities– including: BMX (bikes), outdoor living skills, riflery, dance, + water skiing/wakeboarding.
When: Dates range from June 17- August 1
Where: 291 Camp Chatuga Rd., Mountain Rest
Ages: 6-16
Price: $425 for a half-week; $3,750 for a 4-week session
🏕 Camp Gravatt– This faith-based co-ed overnight camp is nestled in 270 acres of wilderness for the traditional camp experience. Campers can partake in archery, canoeing, environmental education, worship, + more.
Where: 1006 Camp Gravatt Rd., Aiken
When: Various dates June- August
Ages: Elementary- high school
Price: $530- $1,225
For more extensive lists of summer camps, click the links below:
Charleston County Parks Summer Camps
2018 Ultimate Guide to Summer Camps in Charleston
Lowcountry Parent 2018 Camp Guide
YMCA
Summer Music Camps
When I think of summer camp– I think back to my own experience of sleeping in cabins, fishing, singing songs around a campfire, miserably failing at archery, painting rocks, + eating at picnic tables.
If a sleepaway camp is not your kid’s jam, or you’re just looking for more ways to connect as a family at home, here are some of my personal favorite summer activities:
☀Have an outdoor movie night
☀Make s’mores
☀Go to a RiverDogs game
☀Have a sandcastle building contest out on Folly Beach
☀Use a baby pool + a hula hoop to make giant bubbles
☀Go berry picking
☀Plant a garden
☀Play mini golf at Frankie’s Fun Park
☀Visit the SC Aquarium
When all end fails, just remember– there are only 74 more days until school starts again.
– Justine
