Best South Carolina Leadership Camps Summer 2024 Directory

CAMP FACILITIES: 32 cabins, covered outdoor lodge with with stage and sound system, recreation hall, dining hall, infirmary, outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, rustic amphitheater (council ring), barn, lake for swimming and water sports, football/soccer field, slip-n-slide, climbing wall, volleyball area, gaga pit.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Established in 1956, Camp Chatuga is a privately owned traditional summer camp offering over 30 daily activities including horseback, water skiing, BMX bikes, crafts, drama, archery, riflery and sports. Depending on the camper's number of years at Chatuga and session choice, exciting day trips 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.

Each evening at Camp Chatuga includes a fun-filled, entertaining activity for all to enjoy. These may include theme parties/dances, carnivals, a Counselor Hunt, showing off your talent at Chatuga's Got Talent, or a giant shaving cream fight during Icky Olympics. 4 to 1 camper to counselor ratio for safety and personal attention. Wholesome, family atmosphere perfect for fun and personal growth through relationships and nature! Accredited by the American Camp Association.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Rising 10th and 11th graders do not register online. Rising 10th graders must apply to be Leaders-in-Training and rising 11th graders must apply to be Service Campers. Service Campers get discounted fees in exchange for some work. You may print and submit the LIT/SC application found under Dates, Rates and Forms on our website as these spots fill quickly.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): May 1 - 3

This active weekend for parents and children includes activities like Canoeing, Archery, Horseback, Crafts, evening programs, and porch time. Why should only kids have all the fun?! If you grew up attending camp, this is a wonderful way to share it with your child; if you are new to camp, come see what it’s all about. Family Camp is a great opportunity to spend quality time together in our beautiful rustic setting with all scheduling, cabin assignments, and hot meals included.

Family Camp runs Friday night May 1, through Sunday morning May 3. Registration is $180 per parent-child couple, plus $90 per additional adult. Each additional child receives a $40 discount after registration. We assign lodging based on family make-up; please let us know at registration if you want to room with a particular family.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Camp Chatuga accommodates retreat groups in the fall and spring.

Group Rental Includes:
Covered outdoor lodge with stage and sound system
Large 50 x 100 yard ballfield for athletic events
Dining hall that seats 200 with audio/visual capabilities
Large outdoor council ring with bench seating and campfire pit
Smaller campfire pit for a more intimate gathering
Recreation hall with games
Tennis courts
Basketball court
Volleyball net
Lake for swimming and canoeing

Lodging:
Cabins hold 4 to 10 guests, many with their own interior bathroom. We offer many different set-ups of cabins, from duplex-style to single units, all with bunk beds. Many of the cabins are “winterized” for fall and early spring reservations.

Meals:
Meal service is provided for groups of 30 or more for an additional fee per meal/per person. Groups of less than 30, meals can be negotiated.
For groups fewer than 30, we offer an outdoor grill, refrigeration, ice machine and sinks at no extra cost.

Rates:
Lodging: $25 a night per person
Meals: $8 per meal per person (all-you-can-eat)
For groups of 70 or more, additional activities are available, including archery, riflery, leader-led hikes, team-building, and swimming with certified lifeguards. Call for fee details.
We have a no-alcohol policy.

OTHER CAMP INFO: Rising 10th and 11th graders do not register online. Rising 10th graders must apply to be Leaders-in-Training and rising 11th graders must apply to be Service Campers. Service Campers get discounted fees in exchange for some work. You may print and submit the application found under Dates, Rates and Forms on our website as these spots fill quickly.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Horse Camp
June 7-13 (Girls only ages 12-15) $945

One Week (ages 6-16):
A1 June 14-20 $945
A2 June 21-27 $945
B1 June 28 - July 4 $945
B2 July 5-11 $945
C1 July 12-18 $945
C2 July 19-25 $945

Two Weeks (ages 6-16):
A June 14-27 $1890
B June 28 - July 11 $1890
C July 12-25 $1890

Three Weeks (ages 6-16):
BC1 June 28 - July 18 $2985
B2C July 5-25 $2985

Four Weeks (ages 6-16):
BC June 28 - July 25 $3930

CAMP FACILITIES: 18 platform tents and cabins, 2 lakes for swimming, blobbing, canoeing and fishing, hiking trails, outdoor basketball court, high and low ropes adventure course, climbing tower, gardens and chicken coup, dining hall, screened in pavilion/game room, archery course.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Camp Gravatt is an affirming, Christian community where campers of all backgrounds and ages make friends, learn responsibility, become leaders, and grow in their understanding of themselves, their community, and their God-given gifts.

Specially selected and trained staff members work to nurture and develop campers' self-esteem, rather than competitive expertise in a particular sport or skill.

Elementary / Junior High / All Ages Camp Sessions: First through ninth graders are grouped by similar ages and participate in traditional summer camps activities. Sessions vary in length from six to ten nights.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Leaders-in-Training Leadership Development Program: Rising tenth graders live together in a cabin and participate in traditional camp activities. LIT's also participate in special leadership training and teambuilding. As skills and confidence increase, LIT's assist with leading some aspects of camp programs.

The LIT Program is a stepping stone for becoming a member of Camp Gravatt's staff but does not guarantee selection as for staff in future summers. The program spans two sessions with a break in between.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Faith camp is an experience that should be readily available for all children. A limited number of scholarships are available for campers with demonstrated financial need on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit our website or contact the office to obtain an application. Return prior to May 1 for priority consideration.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Family Camp: Open to all ages from infant to senior citizen, Family Camp provides an opportunity for campers to experience a sample of camp life with a parent or trusted adult by their side. Make it a mother/daughter or father/son weekend or bring the whole family along for an overnight adventure. Sessions are one or two nights.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Spring Break Camp
April 14-18 1st-8th graders
$350

Family Camps
May 23-25, July 11-13 Children and Adults $180 for two family members; $60 for each additional ($300 max)

Elementary Camps June 25-July 1, July 3-9, July 26-August 1 Rising 1st-6th graders $485

Junior High Camps June 14-23 Rising 7th-9th graders $695

All Ages Camp August 3-9 Rising 1st-9th graders $460

Leaders In Training Leadership Development Camps June 25-July 9, July 26-August 9 Rising 10th-11th graders $750

CAMP FACILITIES: We offer cabins with heat and bathrooms as well as fresh-air cabins.

30 cabins with heat, bathroom and bunk beds. 6 fresh-air (screen) cabins with bunk beds and access to a bath house.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Camp Thunderbird is an unforgettable experience that includes adventure, fun, and friendship! Located just 17 miles from Charlotte, N.C., Camp Thunderbird has nationally recognized water programs, including wakeboarding and water skiing.

We offer 28 land activities including horseback riding, skating, high and low ropes courses, sports, and crafts. Our resident camp provides boys and girls an exciting, safe experience that they will remember for a lifetime.

American Camping Association accreditation and a 4:1 camper-to-counselor ratio creates an environment that helps children grow in spirit, mind, and body.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: The Counselor In Training (CIT) program at YMCA Camp Thunderbird is designed to provide leadership experiences specific to camp counseling to rising high school juniors. Though most program participants have attended camp as campers, this is not necessarily a prerequisite.

However, it should be noted that CIT selection is competitive. Candidates must submit a written application (available upon request through the camp office) by December 31, and will be interviewed by telephone during January and February. Candidates are advised of their status early in March.

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Contact office for availability.

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): Labor Day Weekend

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Camp Thunderbird's Environmental Education program is conveniently located at YMCA Camp Thunderbird on Lake Wylie and offers more than 20 class topics taught by knowledgeable, exemplary staff.

During retreat weekends we offer an excellent team building program that can boost your team's productivity and morale while building upon each other's strengths. Our facilitators customize programs that accomplish your goals. Our team building experience focuses on communication, cooperation, and having fun as a team.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Please visit our website for dates and rates: Our Camp Website Link: www.campthunderbird.org

CAMP FACILITIES: We have both online art camps/workshops and in-person camps for our 2021 summer art program. Go to Our Camp Website Link: IchenArtAcademy.com for more information.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Becoming an Ichen Art Academy student means that you have the opportunity to learn from the best art school with a long proven record of success to develop your creativity, foundational skills and artistic talents that will propel you to reach your full potential.

Best Quality Art Program
Since its inception in 1997 (formerly known as Ichen Art Studio), Ichen Art Academy has been putting relentless focus on developing high-quality art programs, reflected through its students’ artworks and measured by its students’ achievements. Many of its art-major students have now gone on to renowned art colleges and most prestigious majors such as CalArt’s Character Animation, ArtCenter’s Entertainment Design and Rhode Island School of Design. Some art-major students from early years have found employments in high-tech companies such as Google, Facebook and Netflix. Similarly, its non-art-major students have been accepted by nation’s top universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Princeton and MIT with the help of submission of a strong supplemental art portfolio. By consistently winning large numbers of national level awards in art competitions, Ichen Art Academy students’ skill levels and artworks are among the best in every age group.

Systematic and Comprehensive K-12 Art Education
Ichen Art Academy offers systematic and comprehensive art education to K-12 students and adults. All of its instructors are highly accomplished artists with many years of teaching and industry experience. Currently the following programs are offered
(Click the respective link to view students' artworks from that age group):

--Children’s Creative Art (Ages 5 to 8)
--Chinese Painting and Calligraphy (Ages 8+)
--Drawing and Sketch Level 1-Basic (Ages 8 to 10) Level 1 (Ages 10-11), 2 and 3 (Ages 12+)
--Oil Painting and Watercolor (Ages 12+)
--Digital Art for Beginner (Ages 9+), Intermediate and Advanced Levels (Ages 12+)
--Cartoon, Manga and Character Design (Ages 11+)
--AP Art Prep (Ages 14+)

Art Consultation Service for College Applications
The art counselor team at Ichen Art Academy specializes in helping art-major students prepare strong college art portfolios and apply for top art colleges and majors in the US. The team is also responsible for helping non-art-major students develop robust supplemental art portfolios for applying top private universities.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: We partner with Youth Art Foundation, a non-profit organization to help our students develop leadership and utilize their art talents and skills to make positive contributions to their communities.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Ichen Art Academy provides comprehensive and systematic art education for K-12 students on a yearly basis. Please check our curriculum webpage for a detailed description:

Our Camp Website Link: www.ichenartacademy.com

OTHER CAMP INFO: Oil Painting, watercolor, Portrait/Figure Drawing, Illustration, Chinese Painting, Drawing and Sketching, AP Art Boot Camp, Open Studio, Fashion Design, UI/UX Design, Architectural and Interior Design, Animation and Game Design, Digital Art, Creative Comic Books, Manga and Anime, Cartoon and Character Design, Perspective Drawing, Graphic Design, 3D Modeling and much more.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Art Camps for kids ages 5-9:
Our Camp Website Link: www.ichenartacademy.com

Digital Illustration Art Camp for ages 9+:
Our Camp Website Link: www.ichenartacademy.com

Summer Art Workshops for ages 11+:
Our Camp Website Link: www.ichenartacademy.com

CAMP FACILITIES: We have 7 modern cabins, dining facility, two large buildings for indoor activities, initiative games area, outdoor pool, crafts building, covered play court, gaga ball, volleyball court, outdoor chapel, labyrinth, picnic shelters, and a lake for canoeing and fishing.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Bethelwoods Camp and Conference Center was founded in 1965 in affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Built on a foundation of love and faith, Bethelwoods is nestled on 157 wooded acres in York, SC, just minutes southwest of Charlotte, NC. Bethelwoods welcomes all visitors year-round: from adults attending a business conference, to youth groups on a weekend retreat, to Scouts on their first tent camping experience.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: LIT is a two week program focusing on developing Christian based leadership skills and spiritual gifts. Our LITs spend a full two weeks immersed in a spirit filled environment where our highly trained staff help them discover their gifts, calling, and direction in addition to participating in our classic camp activities. The LIT program culminates in an opportunity to participate in a service based project and shadow groups of campers to learn how to lead in a camp setting.

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Refer to: Our Camp Website Link: www.bethelwoods.org

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Do you love kids, have a passion for sharing your faith, and feel energized spending time in God's creation? If so, we may have a job for you! Each summer a collection of amazing people come together to form an intentional Christian community here at Bethelwoods. Together, we endeavor to provide life changing experiences for the campers who attend our programs by showing them radical Christian hospitality. We believe each child deserves to be loved as the child of God they are. We are looking to hire the very best people for our resident and day camp programs. Positions available include; Leadership Staff, Counselor, Lifeguard, Photographer, Food Service Staff and Grounds Crew. If you think you have what it takes, apply with this link: Our Camp Website Link: www.bethelwoods.org

CAMP FACILITIES: Camp La Vida's cabins are arranged into 4 units. Within each unit is 1 unit building and 4 cabins with their own attached bathroom facilities. We also have a dining hall, staff housing, camp store, canteen, Multipurpose Building, World Mission Center, Administration Building, archery and riflery range, swimming pool, rock wall, flying squirrel, amphitheater, prayer garden, lake for fishing and canoeing, nature hut, pottery station, and recreation field.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Camp La Vida is a missions education camp located in the White Oak community between Winnsboro and Chester in Fairfield County, SC. Owned and operated by Woman’s Missionary Union, Auxiliary to South Carolina Baptist Convention, it has served Southern Baptist churches in our state since 1983.

Summer camps are held each summer for our WMU organizations: Girls in Action, Children in Action, Acteens, and Youth on Mission

Camps are held for girls only (5½ weeks) and coed (1½ weeks). We also have two Mother/Daughter Overnights and one Mother/Daughter Minicamp.

Camp La Vida is a missions education camp which seeks to provide an outdoor experience while educating children and youth about missions. While at camp, campers get to meet missionaries and hear about their experiences, while also getting to do fun outdoor activities like swimming, canoeing, riflery, archery, rock wall climbing, nature exploration, pottery, interpretive music, puppetry, camping out, and more!

Camp La Vida is open to churches and individuals affiliated with the South Carolina Baptist Convention.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: Camp La Vida offers multiple summer staff positions. Included in that is our Cabin Leader-in-Training, a paid position for rising Freshman in college. These staff get to help lead campers in Bible Study, activities, worship and more! Junior Staff positions are also available for rising Juniors and Seniors in High School. Junior Staff attend one week as a camper, and then can volunteer up to three weeks following. More information can be found at Our Camp Website Link: www.camplavida.org

FAMILY CAMP SESSION(S): We offer two Mother/Daughter Minicamps and one Mother/Daughter Overnight camp. These are intended for 1st-3rd grade girls to attend camp with their mother/guardian to help introduce them to camp life.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: Camp La Vida can be used by churches and groups within the South Carolina Baptist Convention for retreats, picnics, get aways, and more! Visit our website at Our Camp Website Link: www.scwmu.org to see all that Camp La Vida has to offer!

OTHER CAMP INFO: For Contact Information: Our Camp Website Link: www.scwmu.org

For other Frequently Asked Questions: Our Camp Website Link: www.scwmu.org

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
2016 Camp Costs
Rates are per person
Week camp: $230
Minicamp: $115
Overnight camp: $55

June 6-10 Girls 3rd-12th grade
June 13-17 Girls 3rd-6th grade
June 17-18 Mother/Daughter Overnight, girls 1st-3rd grade
June 20-22 Mother/Daughter Minicamp, girls 1st-3rd grade
June 22-24 Girls 2nd-12th grade
June 27-July 1 Girls 3rd-12th grade

July 8-9 Mother/Daughter Overnight, girls 1st-3rd grade
July 11-13 Girls 2nd-12th grade
July 13-15 Girls and Boys 2nd-12th grade
July 18-22 Girls and Boys 3rd-12th grade
July 25-29 Girls 3rd-12th grade

For more info visit: Our Camp Website Link: www.scwmu.org.

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Camp summer staff is needed. Summer staff positions for women (8 weeks employment) and men (1 1/2 weeks employment)  are open for college freshman and up.

Junior Staff volunteer positions (up to 3 weeks volunteer service) are also available for rising Juniors and Seniors in high school.

Hiring begins each January. Visit Our Camp Website Link: www.scwmu.org to find applications and reference forms.

For Contact Information visit: Our Camp Website Link: www.scwmu.org.

CAMP FACILITIES: Our home away from home each summer is the Clemson University Outdoor Lab. With a beautiful view of Lake Hartwell, this site gives Camp Cherith in the Carolinas access to many activity choices, including several unique to our camp. Visit Our Camp Website Link: www.clemson.edu for more information.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Camp Cherith in the Carolinas is accredited by the American Camp Association. What does that mean? Among other things, accreditation means that we meet or exceed standards set by the American Camp Association. It means that our staff is fully trained, our camp is inspected by experts, and our program is safe. Accreditation means that we provide a safe, quality camp that your child will enjoy.

Camp Cherith in the Carolinas is the camping ministry of Pioneer Clubs and is licensed by Pioneer Clubs, and is a member of the Association of Camp Cherith Camps. We are one of six Camp Cherith camps in North America. Camp Cherith in the Carolinas is also a member of the Association of Cedarbrook Camps. Even though we don't use the Cedarbrook name, we are one of 15 Camp Cedarbrook camps in North America. How does this affect you? By working with other camps, Camp Cherith in the Carolinas has access to a network of camps, bringing the best ideas from each together to provide campers with the best time possible. Camp Cherith in the Carolinas is a member of the Christian Camp and Conference Association.

Our volunteer staff is made up of parents and past campers who are dedicated to the mission of our camp. We are an interdenominational Christ-centered camp striving to teach and model "Christ in every aspect of life." Camp Cherith in the Carolinas strives to provide a safe, exciting, enjoyable camp experience for children and adults; encouraging them to establish and strengthen a lasting personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: The Camp Cherith in the Carolinas Camper in Leadership Training Program (C.I.L.T.) is a three-year program for high school aged campers to learn the skills needed to become a staff member. In addition to spending a week at camp each year, C.I.L.T.s attend a weekend retreat during the winter. To be a C.I.L.T., you:
* Must be 16 years of age or finished 8th grade
* Must have at least one week experience as a Cherith camper (exceptions made only with the approval of the director)
* Must display a vital Christian testimony
* Must display leadership ability
* Must demonstrate cooperation and dependability and show a willingness to learn
* Have a desire to minister to children and young people
* Must obtain at least two recommendations - one from the applicant's pastor/youth pastor and one from an adult who has observed the applicant in a position of leadership

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Scholarships are available upon request. Visit Our Camp Website Link: carolinacherith.com to apply.

OTHER CAMP INFO: At Camp Cherith in the Carolinas, safety is a top goal. That's why everyone, from the camp director to our counselors, are given training in how to keep our campers healthy and safe. Our medical staff consists of a licensed nurse on-site 24 hours a day, and Red Cross certified lifeguards ready to provide care at any time. Camp Cherith is a unique place where our campers have testified that they feel they can truly be themselves. Find us on Facebook and see what we are all about!

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Registration is Open for our camp week of July 30-August 5, 2017. Session Fee: $450 (include room, board, and activities for 7 days and 6 nights).

SUMMER CAMP JOBS:
Our staff is volunteer only. 

CAMP FACILITIES: Our facility offers 1,600 sf+ of climbing wall space, 14 top rope stations, a bouldering cave, picnic area, party room, and a weight room.

CAMP PROGRAM INFO: Our camps are led by instructors with over 50 collective years of climbing experience, 30 collective years of camp experience, and 20 collective years of leadership education. Our staff has a minimum of First Aid/AED/CPR certifications, and have trained with North Greenville University's ODEL program, Vertical Engineering, SOLO Southeast, American Red Cross, Glendale Outdoor Leadership School, Highest Goals Leadership School, USC Upstate's, and Palm Beach Atlantic University's Graduate Leadership Program.

CAMP LEADERSHIP CIT/LIT PROGRAMS: We incorporate leadership development into each activity, however we bring in instructors each day from Highest Goals Leadership School to share practices and lead activities.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMS: We are open to the public year round, offer Fall, Winter, and Spring seasons of our Jr Rock Climbing Team, and offer events such as Home School Day, Rock Climbing Competitions, Parties, Groups, and more!

OTHER CAMP INFO: Summer Session I: June 11 - 15, 2018

Summer Session II: July 9 - 13, 2018

Summer Session III: August 6 - 10, 2018

When: Monday - Friday

Morning Half Day: 9 - 12 ($129)

Afternoon Half Day: 12 - 5 ($139)

Full Day: 9 - 5 ($169)

Ages: 6 - 18 (Campers will be grouped by age)

*Each day we will break for morning snack. Due to the risk of allergies, we ask that parents provide these for your children.

The Climb Upstate Rock Climbing Camp is led by dedicated staff excited about seeing kids and youth climb to greater heights, not just on the climbing wall but in every day life.

We strive to:
- boost confidence
-introduce new skill sets
-prove to kids that they can do anything

These camps are perfect for beginners and advanced alike. Our staff will focus on each individual and help them accomplish their goals for the week, understanding that participant's goals may range greatly.

Not only will campers have the opportunity to learn about and experience multiple types of indoor rock climbing, they will also get to participate in fun and active games and activities!

Each day will be filled with a mixture of:
-light, non-spiritual yoga
-a new style of climbing
-team building and leadership
-playing climbing and non-climbing games
-optional crafts.
-setting up campsites
-learning about Leave No Trace
-friendly mini climbing competition
-Team Olympics!

For more information email ClimbUpstateEvents[AT]gmail.com!

CAMP SESSION DATES & FEES:
Check our site for updated information at: Our Camp Website Link: www.climbupstate.com

Summer Session II: July 9 - 13, 2018

Summer Session III: August 6 - 10, 2018

When: Monday - Friday

Morning Half Day: 9 - 12 ($129)

Afternoon Half Day: 12 - 5 ($139)

Full Day: 9 - 5 ($169)

Ages: 6 - 18 (Campers will be grouped by age)