2026 Ultimate Guide to Summer Camps Around Columbia

#1 Guide to Summer Camps in Columbia Since 2013

It’s time for the number one resource utilized year after year by Columbia area families – the Ultimate Guide to Summer Camps Around Columbia!

As busy moms ourselves, we know that finding summer camps in the Columbia area is on the top of every mom’s list of things to figure out. While summer makes many think of ice cream, parks and water play we KNOW as moms that it can also be a frustrating time where you are struggling to piece childcare and entertainment together week-by-week and month-by-month. We hope that this guide to summer camps in and around Columbia provides the insight that you need to plan a fun and stress free summer.

Summer camps in Columbia include programs for all ages, budgets, and interests – from nature and the arts to academics and athletics. There really is something for everyone!

A special thank you to Hammond Summer Programs and all of the featured camps who helped us in the production of this guide. If you would like your camp included in this guide, let’s chat.

At Hammond, summer is always just around the corner.

In fact, we plan all year long, so you’re guaranteed plenty of cool camps to make your summer hot!

Join us to develop talents, acquire new skills and knowledge, or explore something that piques your interest.  Whether you’re seeking a full-day summer program, looking for supplemental academics, an athletic camp, or want to try your hand at one of our art classes, you’ll find it at Hammond.
 
Come spend some time with us this summer … we promise it’ll be cool, regardless of the weather!

We’re excited to welcome all families to our expansive campus, just minutes from downtown, for fun-filled days of learning and adventure. Plus, enjoy chef-prepared hot lunch every day! Visit heathwood.org/summer-programs for more details. 

Dates :: June 1 – July 24
Ages :: 3 – 18
Price ::$150 – $575 per week

Dates :: June 1–July 31, with different camps offered each week
Ages :: 5 – 10
Price :: $289 + $12/day for extended care; Member Price: $245 + $12/day for extended care

Get ready for an unforgettable summer of adventure—open to all girls, not just Girl Scouts! From the vibrant heart of downtown Columbia at Camp Cathy to the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Camp WaBak, our camps offer something magical for every type of explorer. At Camp Cathy, girls dive into creativity, courage, and hands‑on fun with activities centered around the outdoors, STEM, life skills, and entrepreneurship. They’ll climb rock walls, enjoy the splash pad, create imaginative art projects, and take on team challenges that build confidence and connection. At Camp WaBak, campers step into a nature‑immersive world where archery, canoeing, swimming, creek hikes, slacklining, hammocking, and visits to beautiful WaBak Falls help them discover new strengths. With themed adventures, nature experiments, long‑standing traditions, and choice‑based activities tailored to their interests, girls at both camps build friendships, experience community, and grow their confidence in themselves and the outdoors. Whether your girl is brand‑new to camp or already a seasoned adventurer, she’ll make memories—and friendships—that last a lifetime.

Dates :: June 1 – July 24
Ages :: Ranges vary by week but generally rising 1-8 grade
Price :: $175-280 for day camp/$350-550 for overnight camp in North Greenville

WinShape Camps at North Trenholm Baptist Church is the “best week” your kids will have this summer. We are not just talking about fun in the sun…this is where hundreds of campers come together to experience the life-changing, memory-making, fun-playing awesomeness that will impact their lives forever. The WinShape staff creates the most fun and meaningful camp for completed K5 through 5th grade. Whether your kids like soccer or science there is something for everyone. WinShape Camps combines sports, recreation, arts, Bible study, and worship into one unforgettable week.

Dates :: June 8 – June 12
Ages :: K5 – 5th grade (completed)
Price :: $275 per camper with 10% discount for each additional child

Dates :: June 1 – July 27
Ages :: 4 – 18
Price :: $140 – $250

At YMCA Summer Camps, every week is a new discovery. Each session features an activity-packed theme where kids explore arts, sports, science, and the outdoors while building lifelong friendships. This is more than just summer fun—it’s where your child will grow, connect, and find their next great adventure.

Our camps provide a supportive environment where swimming, sports, and outdoor games spark joy. We fuel imagination through hands-on STEM projects and creative arts, ensuring that every child has an opportunity to achieve new skills. Weekly field trips turn into unforgettable memories, providing new experiences and build confidence.

Dates :: May 27 – August 7
Ages :: 3 – 15 
Price :: $30 – $210

Does your child LOVE animals? Then they’ll go wild for Fur Friends — the ultimate pet lover’s adventure for kids ages 7–12! Campers will interact with adoptable pets, dive into hands-on games and creative crafts, win paw-some prizes, meet real-life animal heroes from our community and discover how to become true champions for animals. It’s fun. It’s furry. It’s unforgettable! Registration includes a camp t-shirt and daily snacks.

Dates :: June 15 – 18, June 22 – 25, July 13 – 16, July 20 – July 23
Ages :: 7 – 12
Price :: $300 per session

Dates :: June 7 – August 7
Ages :: 8 – 16 
Price :: $995 – $1075

The STEM Lab‘s award-winning Summer Camps go beyond traditional camp activities with immersive STEM projects in robotics, game design, biomedicine, engineering, and Minecraft. Kids collaborate, create, and explore cutting-edge technology while having an unforgettable summer.

Dates :: May 25 – August 6
Ages :: 7 – 15
Cost :: $259 – $289 per week

Next Level Adventure Camp at The Sunshine House delivers a summer full of excitement with weekly themes, field trips, outdoor play, hands-on activities, and special guests. Book a tour today at one of our convenient Columbia locations – space is limited!

Escapology Game Master Training camp will allow campers to play and learn to game master several of our escape games. Campers will learn the importance of theming, electronics and puzzle design as their group works together to create their own exciting escape game. 

Dates :: Camp will run 8:30am-1:00pm the weeks of June 1, 15, 29 and July 13 and 27
Ages :: 8 – 14
Cost :: $375 for first camper, $275 for each additional sibling

Dates :: June 1 – July 31
Ages :: 3 – 8
Cost :: $120 per week

Designed to keep athletes active and progressing all summer long, each camp blends speed, agility, strength training, and sport-specific skill development in a high-energy, structured environment led by our coaching staff. With a balance of training, competition, and skill work, athletes will continue to improve while having fun and staying engaged.

The Mad Platter

Pony Gang Camps

Riverbanks Zoo

WinShape Camp for Communities

YMCA of Columbia