Enrich Your Summer Camp

Enrich the experience of your summer campers by incorporating learning into a day at the park with exciting programs offered by professional naturalists and historians. Choose experiences for your campers that explore the mysteries of nature, relive the history of the Lowcountry, or challenge them to climb to new heights! Space is limited, so book your programs early. Programs are appropriate for youth ages 6-12 and are available at your county parks. Select programs may be brought to your camp.  

For more information or to make reservations for your camp, please call the Environmental Education staff at 843-762-8015.

Pond Poking

Beetles that use SCUBA skills and underwater dragonfly larva with harpoon-like jaws are just a few of the surprises waiting for campers as they survey a freshwater pond by using dip nets to capture insects, fish, and amphibians before releasing them.

  • Program Length: 30 minutes
  • Locations: James Island County Park and Palmetto Islands County Park
  • Fee: $75 per group of up to 25 campers

Secrets in the Sand

You have heard of digging for clams, but have you heard of clams digging? Thousands of animals live beneath and between the sand grains. We use trowels and strainers to discover them and release them unharmed.

  • Program Length: 30 minutes
  • Locations: Isle of Palms County Park, Folly Beach County Park, and Kiawah Beachwalker Park
  • Fee: $75 per group of up to 25 campers

Seining the Sea

You would be surprised to discover what’s swimming, crawling, and floating by you at the beach! We pull a huge net through the surf to catch fish, crabs, jellies, and other sea life to observe and later release.

  • Program Length: 60 minutes
  • Locations: Isle of Palms County Park, Folly Beach County Park, and Kiawah Beachwalker Park
  • Fee: $100 per group of up to 25 campers

Barrier Island Ecology

Students of ecology study the relationships between organisms and their environment. In this program, we do just that on a barrier island. Participants build barrier islands out of sand, collect animals in the swash zone, and use a seine net to collect fish in the ocean. Through these activities, campers gain an understanding about the ties that link living things with their environment.

  • Program Length: 90 minutes
  • Locations: Isle of Palms County Park, Folly Beach County Park, and Kiawah Beachwalker Park
  • Fee: $130 per group of up to 25 campers

Insects

It has 6 legs and its skeleton is on the outside; what is it? An insect of course! Enter the miniature yet mesmerizing world of insects as we learn about their characteristics.

  • Program Length: 60 minutes
  • Locations: James Island County Park, Palmetto Islands County Park, Wannnamaker County Park, and Caw Caw Interpretive Center
  • Fee: $100 per group of up to 25 campers 

Marine Mammal Maniacs

Discover the unique features of marine mammals and discuss their importance. If this program takes place at a beach park, we go for a walk to try and find dolphins swimming nearby.

  • Program Length: 60 minutes
  • Locations: Isle of Palms County Park, Folly Beach County Park, and Kiawah Beachwalker County Park
  • Fee: $100 per group of up to 25 campers

Loving Loggerheads

Learn more about South Carolina’s state reptile: the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. Understand its life cycle, discover its importance, and create a mock Loggerhead nest.

  • Program Length: 60 minutes
  • Locations: : Isle of Palms County Park, Folly Beach County Park, and Kiawah Beachwalker County Park
  • Fee: $100 per group of up to 25 campers

Nature Detectives

Help your campers discover natural wonders found in a park or playground. We share our nets, binoculars, and sense of adventure with children to engage their natural curiosity about common plants and animals.

  • Program Length: 60 minutes
  • Locations: James Island County Park, Palmetto Islands County Park, Wannamaker County Park, and Caw Caw Interpretive Center
  • Fee: $100 per group of up to 25 campers

For more information or to make reservations for your camp, please call the Environmental Education staff at 843-762-8015.

We reserve the right to use photos or videos taken of visitors while they are at Charleston County Park & Recreation Commission facilities or events for publicity purposes. Please lock your vehicle, and remove valuables from view. CCPRC is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen property. Park fees, operating schedules, and hours are subject to change without notice.