Summer camp planning gets into full gear

The respective final school bells for summer will ring June 4, 5 and 10 for students in Horry, Georgetown and Brunswick counties.

That also signals the good time of summer camps and memories coming around the corner, especially for parents who want to plan ahead to ensure their children have something gainful and safe to pass the time until school resumes in late August.

The choices in camps across the region are numerous and include sports, the arts and academics.

For three years, Lance Cpl. Felix Cruz has coordinated the Horry County Police Department’s Camp PRIDE (privilege, respect, independence, diligence and excellence), which he said has been in place “at least 16 to 19 years.” Each session, free for participants and funded mostly by private donations of services and food from local community partners, lasts three weeks, with the first week at a local school, then two more at Coastal Carolina University.

He cited Camp PRIDE’s mission, geared to boys and girls ages 11 to 15, and an accent on “teamwork, working together and being good role models and peers.”

“It’s also about discipline, respect and making sure they have these tools to succeed,” Cruz said, “not only in school, but in life.”

Cruz, one of 12 Horry County school resource officers who team up to carry out Camp PRIDE, said he enjoys seeing youth from different backgrounds meet, mingle and bond, so much so that by the end of the third week, at the culmination ceremony, “they’re crying on stage because they don’t want it to end.”

He treasures how the children “gel with us and one another,” and build so much passion in these camps.

“We see it work,” Cruz said. “We see the results in school and out of school as well.”

Usually about 50 to 60 youth turn out for each session, he said, and even with the physical training segments, begun slowly and built up gradually, the participants drive the momentum and “earn” the multiple aforementioned rewards.

“They’re more demanding on their peers than we are,” Cruz said of the leadership emanating every year from the program.

Old school still teaching

The Historic Myrtle Beach Area Colored Museum Education Center has maintained a summer program for youth for about five years, said April L. Johnson, office assistant senior for Myrtle Beach’s planning department. The outreach will continue for 2015 through a summer camp and lunch schedule for ages 6 to 12 Monday through Friday mornings, June 15-Aug. 11, with different themes by day and a meal afterward, all for free.

Johnson praised the museum’s Fannie Brown, a retired schoolteacher for 30 years in Horry County, for preserving history and engaging youth of today.

“Miss Fannie is the executive director and a volunteer,” Brown said. “She’s the extraordinary woman behind the programs, which was the original vision of Mary Catherine Canty, who died in January.

“It was her vision to open the school … not only to preserve history, but also to remain as an education training tool and education facility for youth.”

Revving up a new road

The Palmetto Academy for Learning Motorsports, or PALM Charter High School, near the Myrtle Beach Speedway, will steer into summer a Five-Day Camp, giving children ages 11 to 14 a taste of motorsports with such aspects as welding, graphics and collision technology in either of two weeklong sessions, June 22-26 and July 13-17.

Brandy Guinn, who handles marketing for the school, said this starts a new road traveled for the school, because younger children who would tour the site with their older high-school-age siblings were interested in the specialized subject matter.

“We thought this camp would be something neat to offer students who are younger,” Guinn said.

With PALM as a pioneer vocational charter school for motorsports, Guinn said, the curriculum not only revs up interest among boys, but girls as well.

“Girls tend to go more for graphics,” Guinn said. “One of our girls at the school, a junior, is one of our best welders.”

A crew of students at the school will help the campers this summer, Guinn said, happy to see older teens share their drive with the younger guests — and maybe future PALM enrollees.

Check out this sampling of camps spanning various themes. With so many places, including day cares and places of worship, making summer camp available, maybe this list also will spur ideas to find other places with something special for a youngster in your life:

Camp PRIDE

By | Horry County Police Department, with school resource officers

For | Ages 11-15

When and where | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, in three-week sessions, each with second and third weeks at Coastal Carolina University in Conway:

▪ June 8-26, with first week at St. James Middle School in Burgess community

▪ July 13-31, with first week at Black Water Middle School in Conway

How much | Free

Registration ends | June 2

Information |

▪ From any county school resource officer

▪ Lance Cpl. Felix Cruz, coordinator, 215-5384, 915-5350, or email fcruz@horrycountyschools.net

Summer camps and lunch

Where | Historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum and Education Center, 900 Dunbar St., Myrtle Beach, close to Mr. Joe White Avenue

For | Ages 6-12

When | Programs 9-10:30 a.m., and lunch 10:30-noon, June 15-Aug. 11:

▪ Mondays – music

▪ Tuesdays – Freedom Readers

▪ Wednesdays-Thursdays – mentor programs through June 25, garden club July 1-Aug. 6

▪ Fridays – arts and crafts

How much | Free

Information | 918-4900 or www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/coloredschool.html

Five-Day Camp

What | Hands-on instruction from host site’s instructors in motorsports, welding, graphics (vinyl) and collision technology; also, students will be able to take home a project from each class.

For | Ages 11-15

When | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. June 22-26 and July 13-17

Where | Palmetto Academy for Learning Motorsports (PALM Charter High School), Rodeo Drive, near the Myrtle Beach Speedway, off U.S. 501, northwest of the city

How much | $150 per week, including lunch, and field trip planned for final day

Information | 903-6600 or www.palmsc.org

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Camp

By | Communities In Schools of Brunswick County and Brunswick County Parks and Recreation

For | Students entering grades 2-3

When | 8:30 a.m.-noon Mondays-Thursdays, June 15-July 24

Where | Lincoln, Supply and Jessie Mae Monroe elementary schools in Brunswick County, N.C.

How much | Free

Also | Other camps for students entering kindergarten-fifth grade available at all CIS After School elementary schools across Brunswick County, most for $110 weekly

Information | Call respective school or 910-253-5327, ext. 1432, and www.cisbrunswick.org

11th annual ‘Reach for the Stars’ PSAT-SAT Camps

For | Students entering grades 9-12

With | Bill McKenzie of Socastee, a longtime PSAT-SAT preparations tutor

When, where and how much | Register by calling 293-7551, unless noted otherwise:

▪ 10 a.m.-1 p.m. June 22-26 and July 20-24 at Florence-Darlington Technical College (843-661-2715), each week for $199

▪ 9 a.m.-noon July 13-16 at Waccamaw High School in Pawleys Island, $169

▪ 9 a.m.-noon July 27-30 at Socastee High School, $169

▪ 9 a.m.-noon Aug. 10-13 at Myrtle Beach High School, $169

Information | 293-7551 or email billmck@sccoast.net

Summer Scholars Program

For | Students in grades 3-11

When | Two sessions daily: 8:30 a.m.-noon and 12:30-4 p.m. June 15-18 and 22-25

Where | Horry County Schools’ Academy for the Arts, Science and Technology, 895 International Drive, just west of Myrtle Beach and S.C. 31 (903-8460 or aast.horrycountyschools.net)

How much | One class $125, two for $225, three $325 and four $425; some specialized classes might require extra $10 fee each.

Registration ends | May 8 at apps.horrycountyschools.net/SummerScholars/

Information | 488-6740, www.horrycountyschools.net or email broberts001@horrycountyschools.net or tmcmullin@horrycountyschools.net

Camp Invention

For | Students entering grades 1-6

When | 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. July 6-10

Where | Palmetto Academy of Learning and Success charter school, 3012 Fred Nash Blvd., Myrtle Beach, along U.S. 17 Bypass, between Farrow Parkway and Shetland Lane (near Joe’s Airport Diner)

How much | $220; also, $15 discount available with online registration (promo code: SPRING) by May 12.

Information | 293-1725, 800-968-4332, www.campinvention.org or email trockhill@palmettoacademy.com

WinShape Camp for Communities

For | Students who have completed grades 1-6

Where | Seaside Elementary School, Garden City Beach.

How much | $199

Also | Scholarship money available by contacting Low Country Community Church in Murrells Inlet.

Information | 651-3111 (aforementioned church) or www.winsshape.org

Mad Science camps

By | Mad Science of Myrtle Beach

What, when, where and how much | All 9 a.m.-noon:

▪ “Red Hot Robots,” for ages 7-13, June 22-26 at Carolina Forest Community Church, and July 13-17 at Surfside Presbyterian Church, each for $155, including build-your-own-take-home robot

Also at Surfside Presbyterian Church, on Glenns Bay Road, just west of Surfside Beach | Each $129:

▪ “NASA’s Journey Into Outer Space,” for ages 6-12, Aug. 3-7, $129

▪ “Rock’n Rockets,” for ages 7-12, July 27-31 at Surfside

Information | 651-7505 or myrtlebeach.madscience.org

Ripley’s Aquarium

For | Ages 6-14

Where | Ripley’s Aquarium, at Broadway at the Beach, off 29th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach

What, when and how much | Each rate plus tax:

▪ “Kids Night Out,” weekly: 7 p.m. Wednesdays-8 a.m. Thursdays, $49.99, bring sleeping bag

▪ “Beach Explorers Camp,” 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays, $49.99

▪ “Mermaid Camp,” 9 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays, $49.99

▪ “Marsh Explorers Camp,” 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays, $49.99

▪ Kids Club Weekly, for ages 6-12. 7:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Mondays-Fridays starting June 8. $135 weekly, $125 for current members, plus one-time $15 registration fee. Also: Bring own lunch.

▪ Two-day Adventure Camps (reservations due at least two days in advance): Shark Week Adventure, for ages 7-14, July 9-10 and Aug. 13-14; Kayak Eco-adventure, for ages 8-15, June 18-19 and July 23-24; “A Magical Mermaid Experience,” for ages 6-12, June 25-26 and Aug. 6-7. Each $159.

Information | 916-0888 or 800-734-8888, ext. 3226, and www.ripleyaquariums.com

N.C. Aquarium Camp

For | Ages 5-14

What and when | 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, most for ages 5-6, 7-8 and 9-11

Where | N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher, on U.S. 421, just south of Kure Beach, N.C.

Session details |

▪ “Carolina Creatures,” June 22-26 and June 29-July 3

▪ “Senses and Defenses,” July 6-10 and 13-17

▪ “Animal Keepers,” July 20-24 and 27-31

▪ “Planet Patrol,” Aug. 3-7 and 10-14

▪ “Coastal Crusaders,” for ages 12-14, June 29-July 3, July 13-17 and Aug. 3-7

How much | Weekly: $240 for ages 5-11, $290 ages 12-14

Information | 910-458-7468 or www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher

Camp Brookgreen

Where | Brookgreen Gardens, on U.S. 17, between Murrells Inlet and Litchfield Beach, across from Huntington Beach State Park

What and when | Mostly Mondays-Fridays, for students entering:

▪ Kindergarten and grade 1, each 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: “Fur, Feathers, and Scales” June 15-19, and “Plant-astic!” June 22-26. Each $100.

▪ Grades 2-3, each 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: “Animal Adaptations” July 6-10, and “You Choose the Adventure” July 13-17. Each $185.

▪ Grades 4-5., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: “Junior Zookeeper” July 20-24, and “Environmental Super Heroes” July 27-31.Each $185.

▪ Grades 6-7: “Let the Sun Shine In – an exploration of light in artwork” 10 a.m.-1 p.m.J une 29-July 2. $150.

Information | 235-6049 or www.brookgreen.org

Coastal Ecology Camps

For | Students students entering grades 2-5

When | 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, June 2-July 10 (but June 29-July 3, week of Independence Day)

Where | Hobcaw Barony, on U.S. 17, just north of Georgetown

How much | $100 weekly

Information | 546-4623 or www.hobcawbarony.org

Girl Scout Camps

By | Girl Scout Council of Eastern South Carolina

For | Girls entering grades 1-12, and Scouts membership not required

Where | Sandy Ridge Girl Scout Program and Training Center, 3680 Girl Scout Road, near Bennettsville

What | Many weeklong session choices, at various prices

Information | 479-6742 or www.girlscoutsesc.org

Junior Golf Program

By | Classic Swing Golf School

For | Ages 5-14

Covering | Putting and chipping, pitching and short irons, woods, rules, sportsmanship and etiquette, with tournament on Fridays

When | Weeklong sessions 1-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays: June 8-12, 15-19, and 22-26; June 29-July 3; July 6-10, 13-17, 20-24 and 27-31; and Aug. 3-7 and 10-14

Where | Legends Resort, 1500 Legends Drive, off U.S. 501, northwest of Myrtle Beach

How much | $129 per week or $30 day, or choose three for $300

Information | 903-5560, 800-827-2656 or www.classicswing.com

Junior Summer Golf Camp

For | Ages 8-21

When | Weeklong sessions, May 24-Sept. 25

Where | Greg Norman Champions Golf Academy at Barefoot Resort, near North Myrtle Beach

How much weekly | $1,250 or $1,900 with boarding

Information | 399-1551 or www.gncga.com/junior-summer-golf-camp.php

British Soccer Camps

By | Challenger Sports

When and where |

▪ June 15-19, each at Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex

▪ July 20-24 at Stables Park Field Complex, 2400 Petigru Road, Pawleys Island

How much | Various prices, per level

Information | 800-739-9441 or www.challengersports.com

Youth Sailing Camp

For | Ages 8-14, in Optimist Prams

When | 9 a.m.-noon and 2-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays in weeklong, half-day sessions: June 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, or 22-26; June 29-July 3; July 6-10, 13-17, 20-24 and 27-31; and Aug. 3-7

How much | $200 per week

Where | S.C. Maritime Museum, 729 Front St., Georgetown, on Sampit River

Information | 520-0111 or scmaritimemuseum.org/scysp-registration

Calvary Christian School

What and when | Prices vary:

▪ Sports camps, in basketball, volleyball, baseball and an all-sport camp, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. daily, June 15-July, for $90 weekly, including lunch

▪ Music/Orchestra Camp, for students entering grades 3-8, June 15-19

▪ Reading/Creative Writing Camp, for grades 3-8,June 22-26

▪ Drama Camp, for grades 2-6, June 29-July 1

▪ Day Camp, for ages 4 to students entering grade 7, June 1-Aug. 7. $120 weekly or $80 for 1-2 days weekly, including lunch, and $75 registration fee.

Information | 650-2829 or www.ccsmb.com

Gymnastics-based camps

▪ “Camp Kidnastics,” at Gymnastics Inc., 579 Burcale Road, near Forestbrook community, 236-9021 or www.gymnasticsincmyrtlebeach.com/summercamp_home.html

▪ Olympia Gymnastics, 539-C Sandy Lane, Surfside Beach. $109 weekly. 238-0282 or www.olympiagymnasticsmb.net

▪ Terry & Don’s Gymnastics, 290 Hidden Woods Drive, off S.C. 544 in Socastee. 650-6731 or www.terryanddonsgymnastics.com

▪ Thomas Gymnastics, based in X Gym Sports Mall, 568 George Bishop Parkway, between U.S. 17 Bypass and U.S. 501, just west of Myrtle Beach. 236-6630 or www.thomasgymnasticsatthebeach.com

YMCA Summer Fun Camps

When | Mondays-Fridays, June 8-Aug. 14

Where |

▪ Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA in Myrtle Beach and Christ Church, serving Murrells Inlet and Burgess community (449-9622)

▪ Through Georgetown County Family YMCA, 529 Browns Ferry Road (S.C. 51), a mile west of U.S. 701, just north of Georgetown, at Maryville Elementary School (545-9622)

How much weekly | $79 member/$64 sibling, otherwise $99/$84 sibling, plus registration fee of $35/$50 with siblings

Information | www.coastalcarolinaymca.org

County camps

What | Each with a slew of choices:

Who and when |

▪ Horry County Parks and Recreation. 915-5330 or www.horrycounty.org/Departments/ParksandRecreation.aspx

▪ Georgetown County Parks & Recreation, 545-3275 or www.georgetowncountysc.<code_dp>org/parks_recreation

Conway Summer Camp

For | Ages 5-13

By | Conway Parks, Recreation & Tourism

When | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays

With | Various themes, including swimming Wednesdays, and field trips Thursdays

How much | $65 weekly and $10 registration fee

Information | 488-1950 or www.conwayparksandrecreation.com/summercamps.html

City of Myrtle Beach camps

What | “Camp Cool Out” and “Camp Friendship” day camps, at Canal Street and Pepper Geddings recreation centers, respectively

How much weekly | Each with weekly fee, plus $20 registration for city resident, otherwise $50

Information | 918-2290, 918-2291 or http://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/youthprograms.html

North Myrtle Beach camps

For | Ages 6-12

When | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.:

▪ Summer Camp, June 8-Aug. 19, each in different theme weekly; $100 per week for members, otherwise $125 – with $5 discount weekly for sibling

▪ Funtastic Fridays Day Camps, June 12-Aug. 14, each day $25 members, otherwise $30, and $12 per sibling

Where | North Myrtle Beach Aquatic & Fitness Center, 1100 Second Ave. S.

Information | 281-3744 or afc.nmb.us/Page.aspx?id=40

Coastal Carolina University camps

▪ Kids Camp, for ages 6-10, weekly sessions, June 8-Aug. 14, but not June 29-July 3, in CCU’s Myrtle Beach Education Center, at 79th Avenue North and U.S. 17 Bypass, and Litchfield Education Center, 14427 Ocean Highway, Litchfield Beach, for $75 half-day or $150 full day

▪ Athletic camps, on main campus, covering baseball, softball, football, basketball, lacrosse, soccer and volleyball, each for various fees

Information | 349-2767, 349-5003 or coastal.edu/summercamps/camps.html

Dance camps

For | Ages 3 and older

Themes by week | “The Little Mermaid,” “Cinderella,” “Frozen,” “Sleeping Beauty” fairy princesses, “Dress Up and Dance Princess Ballerina,” “To Neverland with Peter Pan,” Broadway Kids Dance Camp,” beginners’ ballet, and jazz workshops and classes

When | June 15-Aug. 7

Where | Coastal Dance Centre, 3070 DeVille St., Myrtle Beach, in The Market Common (839-5678), and 3554 Old Kings Highway, Murrells Inlet (651-2006)

Also | “Summer Intensive Program,” July 6-Aug. 1, for serious ballet students

How much | Prices vary

Information | www.coastaldancecentre.com

Coastal Youth Theatre

By | Theatre of the Republic, with Lunda Cornelius

Where | Main Street Theatre, 335 Main St., Conway

When | Mondays-Fridays starting June 22, closing with performances of “Shrek Jr.,” July 10-12

How much | $475, including costumes

Information | 488-0821 or www.theatreoftherepublic.com/coastal-youth-theatre-application.html

‘Summer KidsArt’ Workshops

For | Ages 5-12

Where | Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, 3100 S. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach

Information | 238-2510 or www.myrtlebeachartmuseum.org

This story was originally published May 2, 2015 at 11:00 AM with the headline "Summer camp planning gets into full gear."