Spring Break & Summer Camp registration is open for everyone.
CML camps provide important educational enrichment opportunities through PLAY during school breaks: Spring Break Camp, Summer Camp, Turkey Time Camp and Winter Wonderland Camp! Children ages 4 – 10 engage in developmentally appropriate, hands-on STEAM activities (that include science, engineering, math, literacy and the arts) built around exciting weekly themes. Campers explore the Museum’s hands-on experiences, developing their communication, problem solving, and creativity skills.
CML campers forge friendships as they work on collaborative projects and unlock their potential as they tackle fun mental and physical challenges. Children are grouped according to age and in groups of 6 – 8 campers. Junior Campers are ages 4 – 6 and Senior Campers are ages 7 – 10. Every day of camp delivers a set of unique experiences that keep children learning through PLAY!
To receive communications about upcoming camps and registration, sign up for our email list.
See below for full camp details.
october sky camp
2022 October Sky Camp Dates
October 17-18
October Sky Camp Times
Full Day: 9am – 4pm
Morning: 9am – 12:30pm
Afternoon: 12:30pm – 4pm
AM Extended Care: 8am – 9am
PM Extended Care: 4pm – 5pm
Boldly go where no one has gone before… our newest camp! This space-themed camp for ages 4 -10 that will spark the imagination and stimulate curiosity in all children. Campers will discover the night sky while creating their own mission control, fix a station during a spacewalk via radio communication, create a space lander, and design their own 2.5D moon!
pricing
October Sky Camp Pricing
Full Day (9am – 4pm)
Member: $113.40
Non-Member: $126.00
Morning (9am – 12:30pm) or Afternoon (12:30pm – 4pm)
Member: $81.00
Non-Member: $90.00
Extended Care Pricing
Extended Care Pricing Per Week:
Member AM (8am – 9am): $20.00
Member PM (4pm – 5pm): $20.00
Member AM and PM (8am – 9am & 4pm – 5pm): $36
Non-Member AM (8am – 9am): $22.50
Non-Member PM (4pm – 5pm): $22.50
Non-Member AM and PM (8am – 9am & 4pm – 5pm): $40
*Sibling Discount of 25% off sibling ONLY if they are both signed up for the full week.
turkey time camp
2022 turkey time Camp Dates
November 21-23*
*Camp will end at 12:30 on November 23rd
Turkey Time Camp Times
Full Day: 9am – 4pm
Morning: 9am – 12:30pm
Afternoon: 12:30pm – 4pm
AM Extended Care: 8am – 9am
PM Extended Care: 4pm – 5pm
Let us take care of your little turkeys over Thanksgiving break! This fall-themed camp for ages 4-10 will include STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) concepts. Please note that camp will end at 12:30 on Wednesday, November 23rd.
pricing
Turkey Time Camp Pricing
Full Day – 2.5 days (9am – 4pm)
Member: $153.90
Non-Member: $171
Morning – 3 mornings (9am – 12:30pm)
Member: $121.50
Non-Member: $135.00
Afternoon – 2 afternoons (12:30pm – 4pm)
Member: $81.00
Non-Member: $90.00
Extended Care Pricing
Extended Care Pricing Per Week:
Member AM (8am – 9am): $30.00
Member PM (4pm – 5pm): $20.25
Member AM and PM (8am – 9am & 4pm – 5pm): $45
Non-Member AM (8am – 9am): $33.75
Non-Member PM (4pm – 5pm): $22.50
Non-Member AM and PM (8am – 9am & 4pm – 5pm): $50
*Sibling Discount of 25% off sibling ONLY if they are both signed up for the full week.
Winter Wonderland camp
2022-23 Winter Wonderland Camp Dates
December 19-22
December 27-30
January 2-3
Winter Wonderland Camp Times
Full Day: 9am – 4pm
Morning: 9am – 12:30pm
Afternoon: 12:30pm – 4pm
AM Extended Care: 8am – 9am
PM Extended Care: 4pm – 5pm
At our Winter Wonderland Camp, children ages 4-10 will have the opportunity to participate in winter-themed STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities. At CML, because we know all children are capable, creative, and full of promise, we are committed to challenging children’s imaginations and potential through our camps.
pricing
4-Day Camp Pricing
Full Day (9am – 4pm)
Member: $226.80
Non-Member: $252.00
Morning (9am – 12:30pm) or Afternoon (12:30pm – 4pm)
Member: $162.00
Non-Member: $180.00
2-Day Camp Pricing
Full Day (9am – 4pm)
Member: $113.40
Non-Member: $126.00
Morning (9am – 12:30pm) or Afternoon (12:30pm – 4pm)
Member: $81.00
Non-Member: $90.00
Extended Care Pricing: 4-Day Camp
Extended Care Pricing Per Week:
Member AM (8am – 9am): $40.00
Member PM (4pm – 5pm): $40.00
Member AM and PM (8am – 9am & 4pm – 5pm): $72
Non-Member AM (8am – 9am): $45
Non-Member PM (4pm – 5pm): $45
Non-Member AM and PM (8am – 9am & 4pm – 5pm): $80
Extended Care Pricing: 2-Day Camp
Extended Care Pricing Per Week:
Member AM (8am – 9am): $20.00
Member PM (4pm – 5pm): $20.00
Member AM and PM (8am – 9am & 4pm – 5pm): $36
Non-Member AM (8am – 9am): $22.50
Non-Member PM (4pm – 5pm): $22.50
Non-Member AM and PM (8am – 9am & 4pm – 5pm): $40
*Sibling Discount of 25% off sibling ONLY if they are both signed up for the full week.
Spring Break Camp April 10th -14th : Campers are invited to PLAY with hands-on experiences that promote the arts and sciences at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry’s Spring Break Camp! Some of our many activities include science experiments with Peeps, Easter Egg Launchers, and building The Perfect Nest! April showers are no match for our Umbrella Design Challenge! Every day has different activities so your child can learn through PLAY all spring break long! Campers will also enjoy PLAY and special camp activities in the Museum exhibits. The full-day session is available for ages 5-10 and half-day sessions are available for ages 4-10.
Camp Tuition
-
Weekly Full Day (9:00 am – 4:00 pm)$345 non-members$310 members
-
Weekly Half Day (9:00 am – 12:30 pm) or (12:30 pm – 4:00 pm)$265 non-members$239 members
-
2023 Extended Care Pricing Per Week
-
Morning Care (8:00 am – 9:00 am)$45 non-members$40 members
-
Afternoon Care (4:00 pm – 5:00 pm)$45 non-members$40 members
summer camp details
2023 Summer Camp Dates
June 5 – 9
June 12 – 16
June 19 – 23
June 26 – 30
June 27 – July 1
July 3 – 7
July 10 – 14
July 17 – 21
July 24 – 28
July 31- Aug 4
August 7 – 11
Summer Camp Times
Full Day: 9am – 4pm
Morning: 9am – 12:30pm
Afternoon: 12:30pm – 4pm
AM Extended Care: 8am – 9am
PM Extended Care: 4pm – 5pm
This summer, CML offers a variety of camps for ages 4 -10 that will spark the imagination and stimulate curiosity in all children. At CML, because we know all children are capable, creative, and full of promise, we are committed to challenging children’s imaginations and potential through our camps. STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) concepts are woven into all camp themes.
Camp Orientation
**Required for parents or guardians of younger campers that have not attended camp previously.**
Younger children who have not experienced a classroom setting prior and/or have not attended camp previously and their caregivers are required to attend a camp orientation session. Camp orientation will be held Thursday, June 1st from 4-6 pm. Please feel free to drop in between the hours of 5 pm and 7 pm to meet the education staff, tour the Museum and ask any questions you may have prior to the start of summer camp.
pricing
Weekly Camp Pricing
Extended Care Pricing
*Sibling Discount of 25% off sibling ONLY if they are both signed up for the full week.
weekly themes
Picture Book STEM—June 5th-June 9th
DESIGNED FOR PRE-K CAMPERS. Please select Morning Only OR Afternoon Only. Campers will have the same activity for both sessions. Have a blast exploring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts inspired by our favorite picture books! Activities are developmentally appropriate for Pre-K campers.
Tiny Tinkerers Mighty Makers –June 12th-16th
Inspired by Caine’s Arcade, campers use real tools such as hammers and screwdrivers (with adult supervision) to take apart toys and equipment. Campers then reuse the materials to design and build fun, inventive contraptions in this engineering and tinkering camp. Campers also utilize maker equipment in BrightLab! Activities are developmentally appropriate and different each week. The full-day session is available for ages 5-10 and half-day sessions are available for ages 4-10.
Heroes—June 19th-23rd
It’s time to find your superpower! Campers will become the heroes of their own story while designing their own hero and outfit. They will use STEM skills to create contraptions and gadgets to take on crime and save their city. Campers will then code robots to pilot their superhero vehicles and solve riddles to save Doo Dash. Activities are developmentally appropriate for different age groups. The full-day session is available for ages 5-10 and half-day sessions are available for ages 4-10.
Adventures in Time—June 26th-June 30th
Roads? Where we’re going, we won’t need roads! Join our team of courageous time travelers to build a time machine! Together we will explore paleolithic art, ancient feats of engineering, pirate transportation technology, the future of robotics, and more! The full-day session is available for ages 5-10 and half-day sessions are available for ages 4-10.
Padawans & Jedis—July 3rd-7th
Strong with you, the force is! Brave Padawans will build droids and complete challenges that are out of this world to become powerful Jedi in this camp. Costumes are encouraged! (No camp on July 4th).) The full-day session is available for ages 5-10 and half-day sessions are available for ages 4-10.
Catch ‘Em All—July 10th-14th
Oh, no! Team Rocket plans to capture DooDash the Dragon! But there are “pocket monsters” throughout the Museum that can help protect DooDash. Gotta catch ‘em all! Campers will capture the helpful monsters, create their own trading cards, and train the monsters to protect DooDash! This camp infuses science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) with a popular trading card game. The full-day session is available for ages 5-10 and half-day sessions are available for ages 4-10.
Mini Masterpieces—July 17th-21st
Michelangelo is SO five centuries ago! This year, we will explore the works of living, local artists! Campers will get the chance to meet (and create!) with several Charleston-based artists who use found and recycled materials to create new pieces of art! Activities are developmentally appropriate for different age groups. The full-day session is available for ages 5-10 and half-day sessions are available for ages 4-10.
Harry Potter—July 24th-28th
Muggles are invited to explore the wizarding world! Make your own wand, attend classes in potions, charms, and alchemy, and go on a horcrux scavenger hunt. The full-day session is available for ages 5-10 and half-day sessions are available for ages 4-10.
Mission STEMPossible—July 31st- August 4th
DooDash the Dragon is missing! Campers must find clues and use their problem-solving skills and creativity to complete science, technology, engineering, and math challenges to find and rescue DooDash! Activities are developmentally appropriate for different age groups. The full-day session is available for ages 5-10 and half-day sessions are available for ages 4-10.
Level Up—August 7th-11th
Level up your STEM game with our newest camp! Campers will create their own retro game levels like Sonic and Donkey Kong, race their own Mario Karts, design and build Fortnite forts, go gem hunting with their Minecraft multitools, as well as code Pacman, and also work together as a team to solve Engineering challenges while trying to find the traitor Among US! The full-day session is available for ages 5-10 and half-day sessions are available for ages 4-10.
Junior STEAM into Space Camp – Ages 4-5
Junior STEAM into Space Camp, August 14th – 18th – Ages 4-5: With STEAM into Space campers will plan trips to our universe’s celestial bodies and figure out everything from recovering samples to building a colony before they safely return. Campers will create mission control systems, rockets, rovers, space landers and more. Campers will have play access to mobile museum exhibits as well as play space based games and learn about exploration and space travel.
STEAM into Space Camp – Ages 9 to 12
STEAM into Space Camp, August 14th – 18th – Ages 9 to 12: With STEAM into Space campers will plan trips to our universe’s celestial bodies and figure out everything from recovering samples to building a colony before they safely return. Campers will create mission control systems, rockets, rovers, space landers and more. Campers will have play access to mobile museum exhibits as well as play space based games and learn about exploration and space travel. This camp will be held at Blackbaud’s Headquarters at 65 Fairchild Street, Charleston, SC 29492. Hours will be 9-4 with no early arrival or late care provided.
At CML, our goal is to spark imagination and stimulate curiosity in our community’s youngest citizens of ALL backgrounds.
Donate today to give a child an incredible learning opportunity! CML Camps provide unique and beneficial STEAM education. We need your help to cover the costs of camp tuition to overcome financial barriers so that everyone can have a high-quality educational experience!
Important Information
Please review the files below prior to registering for camp. You will be required to accept the 2023 CML Camp Terms and Conditions to register for camp.
Camp Policies and Procedures are subject to change. Any changes will be posted here.
Full Day Campers: Lunch
CML provides mid-morning and late-afternoon snacks. Full Day Campers must bring a lunch that is NUT FREE (no peanuts or tree nuts). Acceptable peanut butter substitutions include soybutter and sunbutter. Lunches may be ordered from and delivered to CML by FoodforThoughtCharleston.com.
Young Campers
While CML accepts campers starting at age 4 (must be 4 by the first day of camp), young campers must be preschool-ready. Campers are expected to respond to their name, follow two-step directions, and stay with the counselor and their assigned group. All children attending camp must be fully independent in the bathroom. It is important to remember that there are no refunds or credits given if a child is asked to leave camp due to unacceptable behavior.
Camp Counselors
All CML Camp Counselors receive training in positive behavior management techniques, Darkness to Light Child Sexual Abuse Prevention and First Aid/CPR.
All counselors and volunteers over the age of 16 undergo a criminal background check and National Sex Offender Registry check.
updates related to COVID-19:
**READ PRIOR TO REGISTERING: At this time, CML cannot determine its general public admission policy for the spring and summer, and therefore cannot guarantee private use of the museum for camps. Several factors including the daily infection rate for the area, vaccination efforts, local government and DHEC recommendations, and staffing will be considered when determining when and at what capacity CML can open to the public during the weekdays. If there are concerns over our public admission policy, CML encourages families to wait to register for camps as the Cancellation Policy will remain in effect.**
If there are concerns over our public admission policy, CML encourages families to wait to register for camps as the Cancellation Policy will remain in effect. Based on guidelines and recommendations of experts in and out of our industry, the following procedures and expectations will be implemented. For more detailed information, please refer to the above 2023 Policies and Procedures document.
- Face coverings (masks, gaiters, or shields) will be recommended but not required for all indoor spaces at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.
- All CML staff will continue to wear face coverings when interacting with the public to lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission, especially to unvaccinated young children.
- Frequent handwashing or sanitizing is encouraged throughout the building.
- CML strongly encourages masking at all floor programs when children are in close proximity to each other. Masks will be available for all children in attendance.
- Harassment of any visitor or staff member for either wearing, or not wearing, a face covering will not be tolerated. Visitors who behave in an aggressive or harassing manner will be asked to leave the premises. No refunds will be offered.
- This policy change is based on guidance from the CDC that places Charleston County, SC in the ‘medium’ range for risk of COVID-19 transmission and hospitalization needs. Should the range change, CML will revert to a mask-required status immediately.
- CML continues to use nontoxic, hospital-grade cleaner to frequently clean all spaces. We also employ UV light sanitizing wands and sanitizing air filtering systems. Health, safety, and prevention of communicable disease remains a priority.
- We are a private, nonprofit organization and reserve the right to alter policies to best serve our constituents.
Tax Information
The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry Tax ID # is 57-1014498.
Registration
CML uses Active Network to host its camp registration. Using this platform has many benefits for families, including payment plans, registration protection, and account access to view existing registrations and receipts. Active charges a 6.25% fee for their services.
After registering online, you will receive an automatically generated email confirming receipt of your registration. An additional confirmation with camp details and forms will be emailed the Wednesday before camp starts. A car tag will be available for download via the confirmation email.
To receive communications about upcoming camps and registration, sign up for our email list.
member discount
Current CML Members are eligible for early registration as well as discounted rates. We offer special rates for current CML Members. To receive the discounted rate, current CML Members will be emailed a 10% discount to be applied at checkout. Memberships will be confirmed with our system. If you do not have a membership, the discount will be removed and the difference will be added to the balance due. To become a member, visit explorecml.org/membership.
Payment Plan Policy
If selecting a payment plan, a deposit is due with registration and the remaining balance is due two weeks before the camp start date. Each camp session will have its own payment due date.
Cancellation Policy
Except when Active Refund Protection is purchased, cancellations made two weeks or more prior to the first day of camp are eligible for a CML credit. Any cancellation after this time will result in a loss of the entire amount paid. As a nonprofit, these costs have been allocated towards materials and staffing for the program. Please keep in mind as long as there is availability, you may switch programs up to one week prior to the beginning of the originally registered program. CML credit may be applied for on-site CML activities including programs, admissions, and parties.
health & wellness policy
Campers may have their temperature taken at any time during the day if camp staff feel it is warranted. If a camper registers a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, he/she will not be able to attend camp until a written medical clearance by a physician is provided.
Families are responsible for notifying CML staff if their child or someone with whom their child has recently had close contact: (1) exhibits symptoms of the Coronavirus, including but not limited to: fever, chills, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and/or new loss of taste or smell; (2) tests positive for the Coronavirus, and/or has been diagnosed by a medical professional as having the Coronavirus.
I understand that my child will be sent home immediately if they meet any of these criteria and no refund or credit will be given.
Furthermore, if a camper tests positive for COVID-19 all camp families will be notified of the exposure and asked to monitor their child closely for symptoms. The CDC recommends that anyone exposed to a positive COVID-19 case wear a mask for 10 days following the exposure, and that children who are not up to date on vaccines should quarantine for 5 days. The positive individual and other children in their household will be required to quarantine from camp for 5 days. All campers will be required to wear a mask for 10 days following exposure. The following week’s campers will be notified and required to mask until the 10 days are completed. If you choose to keep your child home from camp following an exposure alert, a refund will NOT be provided.
CML staff reserves the right to notify a parent for immediate pick up if the child exhibits any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Persistent cough
- Congestion or runny nose
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Fatigue, body ache and/or headache
For the health and well-being of all, a child with other contagious illnesses within 24 hours of the camp date may NOT attend camp. Contagious illnesses include a cold, cough, sore throat, excessively runny nose, fever, chills, conjunctivitis (pink eye), diarrhea or vomiting. Should a child exhibit any symptoms of a contagious illness, CML Staff will call the child’s contacts to have the child picked up from camp.
CML Day Camp Details
CML Day Camp Dates
(coincides with CCSD’s e-Learning days)
Monday, February 22
Monday, March 15
Friday, April 30
Monday, May 17
CML Day Camp Times
Full Day: 9 am – 4 pm
Half Day – Morning: 9 am – 12:30 pm
Half Day – Afternoon: 12:30 pm – 4 pm
CML Day Camp
Children ages 3 – 10 are invited to PLAY with hands-on experiences that promote the arts and sciences at the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry’s Camp! Campers participate in CML educator-led activities in the morning and afternoon and have time to PLAY in the Museum exhibits. Morning and afternoon snacks are provided. Full Day campers will bring a nut-free lunch. Please note camp hours are 9am-4pm. Half Day camp is an option.
Pricing
1-Day Pricing
Full Day
Member or BundleGIVE Holder: $63.00
Non-Member: $70.00
Half Day
Member or BundleGIVE Holder: $45.00
Non-Member: $50.00
Registration
CML uses Active Network to host its camp registration. Using this platform has many benefits for families, including payment plans, registration protection, and account access to view existing registrations and receipts. Active charges a 6.25% fee for their services.
After registering online, you will receive an automatically generated email confirming receipt of your registration. An additional confirmation with camp details and forms will be emailed the Wednesday before camp starts. A car tag will be available for download via the confirmation email.
To register for CML Day Camps, click here.