Cola City Homeschoolers

Boys' Club Zoo Meet-Up
2021-02-12 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Firefly Games, 736-C, St Andrews Shopping Center, 736 St Andrews R, Columbia, SC, 29210, United States
Boys’ Club Zoo Meet Up
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Friday, February 12 @10 am
Elementary Boys — FREE/Zoo Admission
Cola City Boys Club is geared to faciliate social connections for our homeschool fellas. This meet-up is at Riverbanks Zoo on Friday, February 12 @10 am. Zoo admission is FREE for Lexington/Richland County Residents (limited tickets are available on 2/2, while supplies last). Click here for FREE tickets, if you don’t already have a membership.
This is not a drop off event. Parents are asked to stay with your participant. We also understand that you might have siblings along–which is ok. Please fill out the form below, so we know to keep an eye out for you. Look for Naima Lewis when you arrive.
Oops! We could not locate your form.

Virtual Fishing Workshop
2021-03-22 13:30 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
Virtual Fishing Workshop
By DNR for Cola City Homeschoolers
Monday, March 22 at 1:30 pm
All ages — Free
Click HERE to register with SC DNR
Join SCDNR for a virtual family fishing clinic especially for Cola City Homeschoolers! This clinic will teach basic skills on how to tie fishing knots, how to rig a rod and reel, casting and how to fish!
PLEASE NOTE:

+ A member of the family must RSVP and complete the application through Eventbrite.
+ Materials and tackle will be provided if needed. Must pickup and drop off in Columbia, SC. Tackle pickup: March 15th-March 19th. Tackle drop off: March 29th- April 1st.
+ If you need to pickup equipment and materials, it will be available in downtown Columbia at the Dennis Building located at 1000 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201

If you are 16+, you will need a fishing license to go out on location. But, you do not need a fishing license for this workshop. Supply list for fishing equipment is listed, if you already have your own fishing gear.
Questions about the workshop, contact Will at SCDNR: MundhenkeW@dnr.sc.gov

Girls' Club Virtual Meet-Up
2021-04-29 12:00 - 13:00, 2021-05-06 12:00 - 13:00, 2021-05-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2021-05-20 12:00 - 13:00, 2021-05-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Girls’ Club Meet-Up
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Thursdays @noon
Ages 8-12 — FREE
Let’s talk “girl stuff” and make new friends. Come hang out on zoom with us for “Yarn Barn”, Thursday, January 28 at noon. Help plan for more meet-ups and topics. This is an informal, unstructured time for participants to talk with each other.
Hosted by Kim Kelley (parent volunteer) and Alyssa Kelley (student volunteer). Fill out the contact form to get the zoom link–and also updates about future club meet ups!
Bring:

your yarnable crafts to work on and show/tell about. Crochet, knit, macrame, even cross-stitch or embroidery or something else similar.
your own snack or lunch

Oops! We could not locate your form.

Solar Ovens Project
2021-09-29 13:00 - 14:00 | Firefly Games, 736-C, St Andrews Shopping Center, 736 St Andrews R, Columbia, SC, 29210, United States
Solar Ovens Make-it-Take-it
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Wed, Sept 29 @ 1 pm
All Ages — $3/participant
This project is part of our ongoing environmental education series with Green Steps. Participants will create a solar oven and learn about the clean energy possibilities of solar energy. Make-it-Take-it–all supplies included!
Ages: All ages can participate (but younger participants may need parental assistance).
Location: Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Lane, Columbia, SC 29210
Note: Masks or face shields recommended while seated in the picnic pavilion, while participating in the project activity.
Cost: $3/participant
Note: S’mores supplies will be provided (graham cracker, chocolate bar, marshmallows). If you have allergy issues, please bring your own snack to heat up/melt in the solar oven.
Contact Kim with questions: colacityinfo@gmail.com or 803-307-4880

Geocache Club
2021-10-01 14:00 - 15:00, 2021-10-08 14:00 - 15:00, 2021-10-15 14:00 - 15:00, 2021-10-22 14:00 - 15:00, 2021-10-29 14:00 - 15:00, 2021-11-05 14:00 - 15:00, 2021-11-12 14:00 - 15:00, 2021-11-19 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
Geocache Club
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Virtual Meet ups: Fridays at 2 pm
Ages 10+ — FREE
Geocachers of all experience levels (ages 10+ and parents) are invited to hang out together: learn more about geocaching, share favorite finds, and just have fun! This club is hosted by Pamela and Elijah Drayer on Fridays at 2 pm. It’s free to participate, but please register to get the zoom link via email.

Where have you been geocaching?
What have you found in the cache box?
What about trackables?
More tricks, tips and hints for success.
Let’s inspire each other each week so you have more stories to share about.

Contact: Pamela Drayer padrayer6@aim.com
New participants sign up here. If you’ve already signed up, you will automatically get meeting reminders each week.

Social Studies Share Fair
2021-10-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Firefly Games, 736-C, St Andrews Shopping Center, 736 St Andrews R, Columbia, SC, 29210, United States
Social Studies Share Fair
By Southeast Academic Co-op & Cola City Homeschoolers
Tuesday, October 5, 10 am-noon
All Ages — $2.50/participant

Join Southeast Academic Co-op & Cola City Homeschoolers for the 3rd Annual Social Studies Share Fair! 806 Universal Drive Columbia.
Come present projects and information about what you’ve been learning in history, geography, cultural studies, sociology, government, and any other social studies topics. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Dress like Abe Lincoln (and maybe even recite the Gettysburg Address)
Show your salt dough map of South Carolina
Read your report on nomads
Build a model of a pyramid and show what’s inside
Sing a song from another country

Projects can be something you already completed previously. We recommend projects that are hands-on, interactive demonstrations or have samples, hand-outs, give-aways.
Tables are provided, but you can bring your own table for your display. Set up from (10 am-10:20 am). Presentation shifts will begin at 10:30 am. Note: masks are recommended.
All Participants will get certificate and prize. Please pre-register so we can prepare certificates and space.
Presentation format: The presenters get to tell about their project several times, not just a one-time show-n-tell as participants meander and mingle. It’s also very relaxed style of presenting one-on-one, rather than the formal “speech”. (Note: these pictures were pre-pandemic).

More Examples: You can pull together a really cool display by next week…from something you’re previously studied or currently are studying. Siblings can present together…or prepare individual presentations of their own. Either way is fine.

Jr. Forester Badge Program
2021-10-06 11:00 - 12:30 | Firefly Games, 736-C, St Andrews Shopping Center, 736 St Andrews R, Columbia, SC, 29210, United States
Jr. Forester Badge Program
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, Oct 6 @ 11 am
Ages K5-2nd/3rd/5th — $5/parking fee
Cola City Homeschoolers are meeting up at Harbison State Forest to do the Jr. Forester Badge Program together. This is a “self-guided” activity–with a back pack of supplies provided by the rangers.
Activity packs are limited, so we’ll have to share amongst our group. The activities for the age groups go on different trails. So, if your kids are in different ages, you can keep your children all together on the younger trail, or buddy up with another parent who will help facilitate the older trail.
Note: Back Packs are available to reserve for your own family, if you prefer to go alone at your own pace.
The activity is FREE, but there is a $5 parking fee. Please bring cash/exact change to put in the dropbox.
Bring: $5/exact change for parking, sunscreen, bug repellant, comfortable shoes for walking, water.
Optional: magnifying glass and/or binoculars.
Look for Kim to greet you. Call or text if you’re lost along the way or running late. 803-307-4880
Contact colacityinfo@gmail.com with any questions.
Please pre-register so we can anticipate the number of participants and groups.

Parent NameNote: This is not a drop-off event. Please include the name of the adult who will attend with the students.

First

Last

EmailLook for an automated confirmation when you submit the form

Mobile PhoneInclude a number just in case we need to reach you last minute.Participants name and ageUse the plus (+) sign to add rows for additional participants. Include ages of student participants (name only for additional adult participants).

Anti-Bullying Pledge
2021-10-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
Anti-Bullying Pledge Card
by Cola City Homeschoolers
K5-6th — $1/family
Deadline: Wed. Oct 20
We’re mailing out anti-bully pledge cards to promote awareness about standing up to bullying.
We will also be hosting a virtual meeting on Tuesday, November 2 at 1 pm for participants to show/tell about their pledge cards. There will be short video presentation and lesson about what it means to be kind.
Sign up here so we can mail the pledge cards to you:

Compost Make-it-Take-it Workshop
2021-11-03 13:00 - 14:30 | Firefly Games, 736-C, St Andrews Shopping Center, 736 St Andrews R, Columbia, SC, 29210, United States
Compost Make-it-Take-it Workshop
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, Nov 3 @1pm
All ages — $5/family
This class/project is part of our Green Steps Environmental Education series. We have partnered with Harbison State Forest’s Certified Wildlife Habitat Garden as our “school” garden.
You’ll be learning about how composting works, with a vermicompost bin that you’ll be able to take home with you. We will also be looking at a variety of backyard compost bins.
Please bring;

fruit/vegetable scraps or peelings (no added fats or sugars) or a bag of leaves, if you have any–for us to put into the compost bins.
optional: Jack-o-Lanterns are great for composting!

Garden Project from 1-2:30 pm on Nov 3 @1 pm at Harbison State Forest 5600 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212.
Cost: $3/student or $5/family to cover supplies and to help fund our Green Steps projects
We’ll meet behind the Education Center (Note: we will have access to restrooms inside the building). Parking fees are waived for this activity.
Please wear comfortable clothing in case it’s chilly. Water bottles and hats are also advisable.
Contact Kim/Cola City Homeschoolers with any questions.
colacityinfo@gmail.com or 803-307-4880

Virtual Story Time
2021-11-09 13:00 - 13:30 | Virtual Event
Virtual Story Time
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Tuesday, November 9 at 1 pm
FREE — Pre-K-Elementary Kids
We’re doing a story time for youngins about Kindness. October was bully awareness month and November 13th is World Kindness Day.
We’ll be reading a story about emotions and empathy. There will be a kahoot game about emotions. It’s free, but please pre-register so we can email the zoom link.
Questions? Contact Kim: 803-307-4880 or colacityinfo@gmail.com
Oops! We could not locate your form.

Discus for Kids Workshop
2021-11-23 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
Discus for Kids Virtual Workshop
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Tuesday, November 23 @1 pm
Elementary Kids/Parents — Free
Let’s explore the Discus resource together–hosted by Kim Andrysczyk. This is an informal chat to show you some fun things that you could be doing. Spark your curiosity to explore more on your own! If you’re already using Discus, you can show and tell about some of the fun things you found on there.
Games, videos, audiobooks, and activities all for FREE to all SC residents. Come on and see how you could be utilizing this great resource!
Bring a tablet or computer to follow along with the tutorial guide. Read more about SC Discus HERE

Ted Talks for Teens: Volunteering
2021-11-30 13:00 - 14:30 | Virtual Event
Ted Talks for Teens: Volunteering
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Tuesday, November 30 at 1 pm
Teens — FREE
This activity is an “idea dialogue” especially for teens to discuss big ideas. This session will focus on the issue of bullying. We will be watching a Ted Talk on the topic, followed by an open discussion for participants.
It isn’t really meant to be a lesson. It’s more about the chance to discuss difficult subjects and to promote reasoned, logical, and respectful interactions. It may or may not spark some of their own initiatives to activate on their ideas.
Oops! We could not locate your form.

Geocache Virtual Club
2022-01-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
Geocache Club
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Virtual Meet ups: Fridays at 2 pm
Ages 10+ — FREE
Geocachers of all experience levels (ages 10+ and parents) are invited to hang out together: learn more about geocaching, share favorite finds, and just have fun! Younger participants may participate with a parent. This club is hosted by Pamela and Elijah Drayer on Fridays at 2 pm. It’s free to participate, but please register to get the zoom link via email.

Where have you been geocaching?
What have you found in the cache box?
What about trackables?
More tricks, tips and hints for success.
Let’s inspire each other each week so you have more stories to share about.

Contact: Pamela Drayer padrayer6@aim.com
New participants sign up here. If you’ve already signed up, you will automatically get meeting reminders each week.

Cache In -- Trash Out
2022-04-16 03:00 - 17:00
Cache In — Trash Out
By Cola City Geocache Club
Saturday, April 16 @3 pm
All ages — Free with Park Admission
Note this event is hosted by Cola City.
Pam Drayer, padrayer6@aim.com, 240-993-6924 to RSVP
Geocache Event: Aiken State Park. Help clean up the park and keep it beautiful for all to enjoy. You will receive a “find” and a virtual souvenir. There are also additional cache’s to be found that you can locate before or after the clean up event. The event is free but there is a fee to enter the park unless you have a Park Pass.

Holiday Card Exchange 2022
2022-11-28 | Virtual Event
Holiday Card Exchange Project
by Cola City Homeschoolers
$1/donation — All Ages
Sign up deadline EXTENDED: November 30
The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is…SENDING CARDS! It’s also a great way to make connections with other homeschoolers. Back by popular demand! Cola City Homeschoolers is hosting our annual holiday card exchange during the month of December.
Sign up by November 30. We will organize the lists by religious preference and by ages (as much as possible). You’ll get a list of participants to exchange cards with–up to 25 cards to send/receive.
Note: Your mailing address will be shared with other participants and student names, so that the cards can be personalized by the sender.
Some more recommendations:

Send one envelope to each household. Include a small card/note for each child, or small token gift (ie: sticker, tattoos, paperdoll, etc).
Consider your child’s abilities and stamina for their part of the card preparations. They can put a sticker on the card or envelope, if it’s too much to write out the addresses.
Remember this is FUN!

Forest Conservation
2023-02-23 10:00 - 12:00 | In Person
Forest Conservation
by SE Homeschool Co-op
Thursday, February 23 10-noon
Teens 13+ — $3.50
Note: This is a Cola City event in collaboration with Southeast Columbia Homeschool Co-op. Contact colacityinfo@gmail.com with questions.
Come for this ranger-led lesson on forest conservation, prescribed burns, and careers in forestry, led by Ranger Beth Foley. Meet at Harbison State Forest Education Center 5500 Broad River Road Columbia, SC 29212. Parking is free for this event.
Teens ages 13+: $3.50/student. Well-behaved middle schoolers (no running off into the woods) may also attend. Wear close-toe shoes for hiking along the trail. Bring water bottles and picnic lunch for afterwards. Parent chaperones are free.
Families with younger siblings can participate in the Junior Forester program with parent chaperone on a separate trail. Free materials for hands-on activities included and Jr. Badge for completing the trail. The guidebook says it’s geared for K-2nd grade, but we think it’s really appropriate for all elementary ages. Plus it’s more fun to work together as a group.
Look for Angela Hardy to greet you and help organize our participants. Contact her if you are running late or get lost along the way: 803-743-8802
If you cannot reach her, contact Kim 803-307-4880

Parent NameNote: Please include the name of the adult contact for this registration

First

Last

EmailLook for an automated confirmation when you submit the form

Mobile PhoneInclude a number just in case we need to reach you last minute.Teen Participant name and ageTeens 13+/High school. Middle school 11-12 must be well-behaved. Use the plus (+) sign to add rows for additional teen participants. Parent chaperone verificationWill the parent chaperone with the teen group or younger siblings group? Choose one. Teens Only GroupYounger SiblingsTeen Drop-offParent is responsible to check in with Cola City's representative at drop off, and pick up. Student will be respectful and courteous while under supervision of Cola City's volunteer chaperones. I agree to the drop-off policy and request permission for student participant to be supervised by Cola City's volunteer chaperones.How many younger siblings?Please let us know how many participants will participate in the Jr. Forester activity? Please enter a number greater than or equal to 0.Cola City Mailing ListWould you like to be added to our mailing list for information about upcoming homeschool events and activities?

Yes, add me to the mailing list

Yes, I think I'm already on the list

No, thanks anyway
Forestry Tour QuantitySelect the number of middle/high school participants.

Price:
$3.50

Quantity
TotalPlease submit payment to secure space.
$0.00

Play Club Planning Meeting
2023-04-19 15:00 - 16:30 | Virtual Event
Let Grow Play Club Planning Meeting
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Wed, April 19 at 3 pm
Free — Parents
This is not just another playground meet-up group. It’s a new kind of play program. Intentionally designed to foster independence, social development, problem solving.
Come let’s discuss how to implement our own Let Grow Play Club–times, locations, volunteers, and the pledge of independence (for Parents and Kids).
The Club is the brainchild of Let Grow co-founder Dr. Peter Gray, the eminent psychologist who has spent his life studying the crucial role of unstructured, mixed-age “free play” in developing children’s creativity, confidence, and ability to thrive.

By organizing their own games and learning to solve the inevitable spats, kids learn real-world social skills. You can’t solve problems if there’s always an adult right there at recess or in a play group, solving them first!
Mixed-age play benefits all kids. Older students develop responsibility, leadership and empathy. Younger kids learn executive function by trying to be like the big kids.
Kids who are allowed to take small risks and figure things out themselves at home will have more grit and determination at school.

Contact Kim with any questions: colacityinfo@gmail.com
Sign up here to get the zoom link for the planning meeting.

Parent Name

First

Last

EmailLook for an automated confirmation when you submit and follow up info with the zoom link.

Mobile PhoneInclude a number just in case we need to text you the meeting reminder and details. Cola City Mailing ListWould you like to be added to our mailing list for information about upcoming homeschool events and activities?

Yes, add me to the mailing list

No thanks, not right now

Let Grow Play Club
2023-05-16 14:00 - 16:00
Let Grow Play Club
by: Cola City Homeschoolers
Tuesdays, 10-noon
All Ages — FREE
Participation is free, but please Pre-Register HERE
This is not just another playground meet-up group. It’s a new kind of play program. Intentionally designed to foster independence, social development, problem solving–for all ages. Watch the orientation replay click here
The Club is the brainchild of Let Grow co-founder Dr. Peter Gray, the eminent psychologist who has spent his life studying the crucial role of unstructured, mixed-age “free play” in developing children’s creativity, confidence, and ability to thrive.
Our club sessions will be on Tuesdays from 10-noon, with a monthly commitment so we can manage the participants and “lifeguards” for each play club session.
Location: Owens Field 1351 Jim Hamilton Blvd, Columbia, SC 29205
There’s a great playground, nearby restrooms. Also areas for bikes and skateboards, plus ball field. Something for any age.
We hope to see this grow and expand to more projects and activities to develop interpersonal connections as well as personal agency.
Contact Kim with any questions or to brainstorm ideas: colacityinfo@gmail.com

Let Grow Play Club
2023-05-23 10:00 - 12:00 | In Person
