What ages does Summer Explore Camp accept?

Summer Explore Camp is open to children ages 5–12. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.

How much does Summer Explore Camp cost?

Summer Explore Camp publishes $90/week for the standard session. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.

What are Summer Explore Camp's hours?

Summer Explore Camp runs 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.

Who runs Summer Explore Camp?

Summer Explore Camp is operated by the local parks department. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.

Does Summer Explore Camp provide lunch?

Summer Explore Camp does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.

▌ Traditional Day Camp · Ages 5–12

Summer Explore Camp

Multiple Locations · $90/week

Richland County Recreation's Summer Explore Camp offers a variety of activities for children aged 5-12 across multiple locations, focusing on fun and explora...

▌ Editor's read The Richland County Recreation website loads successfully and details their Summer Explore Camp, a day camp program for children aged 5-12. The camp runs from June 10th to August 2nd, 2024, with a weekly fee of $90. There are multiple locations listed, including Blythewood Park, Caughman Road Park, and St. Andrews Park. The camp is operated by the Richland County Recreation Commission, indicating a municipal-parks owner type. No specific staff-to-camper ratios or mentions of background checks were found on the website. The camp is not listed in the ACA directory. Google reviews for 'Richland County Recreation' show a 4.2-star rating from 163 reviews, with many positive comments about the facilities and programs, though specific reviews for the Summer Explore Camp were not readily available. The Facebook page for Richland County Recreation is active and linked from their website.

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Parks-department programPublic, often subsidized

Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 5–12

Summer Explore Camp fits middle-elementary campers — old enough for skill-building to land, young enough that friend-group dynamics and counselor warmth still matter more than program rigor. Parents at this age band tend to prioritize a balanced rhythm of structured activity and unstructured play, which is the actual differentiator inside any given traditional day camp program.

Facts & Credentials

Program type: Day camp
ACA accredited: Not verified
Established: Not listed
Operator: Municipal parks department
Staff-to-camper ratio: Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

Category: Traditional Day Camp
Ages: 5–12
Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Address: 7473 Parklane Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
Phone: (803) 741-7272
Cost notes: USD. $90/week for afternoon session. Morning session is free.

Logistics

Lunch provided: No
Transportation: No
Financial aid: No
Setting: mixed

Frequently asked about Summer Explore Camp

What ages does Summer Explore Camp accept?: Summer Explore Camp is open to children ages 5–12. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does Summer Explore Camp cost?: Summer Explore Camp publishes $90/week for the standard session. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are Summer Explore Camp's hours?: Summer Explore Camp runs 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Who runs Summer Explore Camp?: Summer Explore Camp is operated by the local parks department. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Summer Explore Camp provide lunch?: Summer Explore Camp does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare Summer Explore Camp with other camps.

How to choose a summer camp · Use the decision checklist before you compare finalists.
Financial aid and scholarship camps · Compare aid policies, discounts, and application timing.
Summer camp pricing in 2026 · Benchmark weekly cost before you commit a deposit.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Summer Explore Camp.

City of Columbia Summer Camp · Multiple Locations · Ages 5–12 · $85/week
Columbia Art Center's Art Camp · Columbia Art Center · Ages 5–16 · $95/week
Golf Camp · James E. Clyburn Golf Center · Ages 8–16 · $60/week
Kayak Camp (Ages 8-11) · Riverfront Park · Ages 8–11 · $125/week
North Springs Elementary School - Camp Invention: Spark · North Springs Elementary School · Ages 5–12
Richland County Summer Day Camp at North Springs Park · North Springs Park · Ages 5–12 · $125/week
Richland County Summer Day Camp at Polo Road Park · Polo Road Park · Ages 5–12 · $125/week
Richland County Summer Explore Camp at Killian Park · Killian Park · Ages 5–12 · $90/week