Cola City Homeschoolers

Geocache Club
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 UTC | 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.

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
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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.
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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, 2023-05-30 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-06-06 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-06-13 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-06-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-06-27 10:00 - 12:00 | In Person

POSTPONED! HSF Exploration Trail
2023-09-13 10:30 - 12:30 | In Person
Harbison State Forest Exploration Trail
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, Sept 13 at 10:15am
FREE — Ages 8+
Postponed till Friday, Sept 27 at 10:15
Note: This event is hosted by Cola City homeschoolers as part of the “Let Grow” initiatives to provide our students with opportunities intentionally designed to foster independence, social development, problem solving– especially suited to ages 8+ (younger siblings can also attend).
Harbison State Forest is located at 5500 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. Meet at the Education Center parking lot–follow the signs to the dirt road back there. $5 exact cash for parking (drop box).
We have reserved the Jr. Ranger Backpacks and the ranger will give us a short orientation at 10:30 on the back porch. We also have the option to do the Geocache Scavenger Hunt. We’ll organize the age groups to head out on our self-guided forestry explorations.
Look for Kim to greet you. Call or text, if you’re lost or running late: 803-307-4880
Contact colacityinfo@gmail.com with any questions.
Click here for the rescheduled date: September 27 at 10:15.

HSF Exploration Trail
2023-09-29 10:30 - 12:30 | In Person
Harbison State Forest Exploration Trail
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Friday, Sept 29 at 10:15
FREE — Ages 8+
Note: This event is hosted by Cola City homeschoolers as part of the “Let Grow” initiatives to provide our students with opportunities intentionally designed to foster independence, social development, problem solving– especially suited to ages 8+ (younger siblings can also attend).
Harbison State Forest is located at 5500 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. Meet at the Education Center parking lot–follow the signs to the dirt road back there. $5 exact cash for parking (drop box).
We have reserved the Jr. Ranger Backpacks and the ranger will give us a short orientation at 10:30 on the back porch. We also have the option to do the Geocache Scavenger Hunt. We’ll organize the age groups to head out on our self-guided forestry explorations.
Look for Kim to greet you. Call or text, if you’re lost or running late: 803-307-4880
Contact colacityinfo@gmail.com with any questions.
Pre-register for this Cola City event:

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).

Play Club Meet-up
2023-10-13 12:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
Let Grow Play Club Meet-up
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Friday, October 13 @12-2pm
Ages 8+/Teens — Free
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 (especially 8+).
This week’s meet-up is at the Richland Library Downtown Location 1431 Assembly St., Columbia, SC 29201. Teens 12+ can access the Teens Only area, with a maker space and activities geared especially for that age. Children’s section also has some great activities for kids to implement.
Free parking behind the library in the lower lot and across the street at Park Street. Parking meters also available with mobile pay via passport parking app.
Look for Kim to greet you on the lower level by the sitting area near the Children’s room–and facilitate introductions.
Call or text if you get lost along the way or you’re running late: 803-307-4880.Contact colacityinfo@gmail.com with any other questions.

Native Americans in SC Field Trip
2023-10-18 10:30 - 12:30 | In Person
Native Americans in SC Field Trip
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, October 18 at 10:30
ages 9-14 — $2/participant
Note: This event is organized by Cola City Homeschoolers. Pre-registration is required, see form below.
Native Americans in SC Hands-On Activity geared for ages 9-14 years. At SC Military Museum, 1 National Guard Rd. – Columbia, SC – 29201
Wednesday, October 18 at 10:30 am. The activity will be an hour, followed by self-guided time for participants to explore and socialize in the museum.
Families with younger siblings, can also participate in the hands-on activity or explore the museum while you wait for your participating students to complete the activity.
Workshop Details: Native Americans greatly influenced early life in South Carolina and we still see their impacts today. Discover how native Americans and European settlers interacted and the events surrounding the Yamasee War.
Grab this FREE Native American Heritage guide from SC Military Museum: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/SC-Native-American-Heritage-Month-22-8720501
Pre-register for this Cola City event:

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. Participation Fee QuantitySelect the number of participants to cover overhead costs for this event. Thanks!

Price:
$2.00

Quantity
TotalPlease submit payment to secure space.
$0.00

Let Grow Play Club Meet-Up
2023-11-10 13:00 - 14:30
Park Meet-Up
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Friday, Nov 10 at 1 pm
FREE — All ages
This activity *IS* hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers, but there is no sign up necessary. Just show up to the park after the Veteran’s Day Parade.
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.
BRING: Sharing Table giveaway items. Do you have new/gently used books, toys, or pantry items? One man’s trash is another’s treasure. Sharing builds community and conserves our resources.
We hope to see this grow and expand to more projects and activities to develop interpersonal connections as well as personal agency.
For more infomation about the “Let Grow” initiative, Click HERE
Contact Kim with any questions or to brainstorm ideas: colacityinfo@gmail.com

Holiday Card Exchange 2023
2023-12-01 08:00 - 17:00 | Virtual Event
Holiday Card Exchange Project
by Cola City Homeschoolers
$2.50/family — All Ages
Sign up deadline: Dec. 1
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 December 1. 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–10-25 cards to send/receive. Lists will vary depending on participants registered.
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!
Note the fee covers the cost of one guaranteed card for each family from Cola City Homeschoolers.

Registration is Closed for this event

Forest Conservation Tour
2023-12-06 10:00 - 12:00 | In Person
Forest Conservation Tour
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, Dec 6 10-noon
Teens/tweens — $5/family
Note: This is a Cola City event as part of our Green Steps Environmental Education initiatives. Contact colacityinfo@gmail.com with questions. Register below.
Come for this ranger-led lesson on forest conservation, 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.
The program is geared for 6th grade and up level, but all ages are welcome to participate. Families with younger siblings can listen in and tag along or stroll the path at your own pace.
Program: Survival in the Forest
Students will learn how plants and animals survive in the forest. They will participate in an activity called “Every Tree for Itself” where they will become trees that must collect the basic resources needed to survive. Students will also become deer that need to acquire the four habitat components needed in a forest ecosystem.
Location Street Address: 5600 Broad River Road
Turn in at the sign for Harbison State Forest, not the SC Forestry Commission headquarters which is next door at 5500 Broad River Road. To reach the Environmental Education Center, continue past the first parking lot and bear left through the wooden gate onto a gravel road. Take the first right (at the closed metal gate) onto another gravel road. The Education Center is a log cabin building at the top of the hill on the left. There is ample parking directly in front of the Education Center.
Look for Kim to greet you. Call or text if you get lost along the way 803-307-4880 so we can help you catch up to the group.
Contact colacityinfo@gmail.com with any questions.
Check out more opportunities on the Calendar of Events
Pre-register for this Cola City event by December 1:

Holiday Ornament: Make-it-Take-it Project
2023-12-20 12:30 - 14:30 | In Person
Holiday Ornament: Make-it-Take-it Project
By Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, December 20, 12:30-2:30pm
FREE — All Ages
Note: This is a FREE event by Cola City Homeschoolers. Please register on the form below (scroll down) so we can provide supplies.
Come on out for a FREE Make-It-Take-It Holiday craft project with Cola City Homeschoolers on Wednesday, December 20 from 12:30-2:30 pm at St. Andrews Branch of Richland County Library located at 2916 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210
Each participant will be able to create 2 Holiday Ornaments with #6 Shrinky Dink plastic. Great for gifts or as a commemorative ornament to keep. All supplies included. And card making station will also be available.
The project will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Come and go anytime, or hang out to socialize with others. We will set up several project stations for participants to rotate out and make room for others. It’s coloring with sharpie markers, so hopefully not messy on your clothes.
Register so we can provide enough supplies for everyone:

Ride the Comet: Workshop
2024-01-26 13:00 - 15:00 | In Person
Ride the Comet Workshop
by Cola City Homeschoolers/Let Grow Club
Friday, January 26 from 1-3pm
Free — Ages 12+
Note: This is a Cola City activity as part of the Let Grow Club initiatives to develop agency and autonomy. Scroll down to register (space is limited).
Space is limited, so we will have to prioritize teens (ages 12+) for this event. We hope to schedule another follow-up–with or without the city/community co-ordinator. If you have younger siblings, you can sign up just your teen participant to be chaperoned/accompanied by Cola City.
This is a great opportunity for learning about how to read the bus routes and plan out your own adventure. It’s important to know the transportation options that are available in our area. You may have to save up for a car, have car trouble, lose your ability to drive, want to save gas money or just not have the patience to deal with parking and traffic.
It’s also important to remember that if something happens to your car, bicycle or you can’t afford Uber, Lyft or Taxi, your employer, your doctor, and others will expect you to find another way and show up.
ITINERARY: Meet at 12:45-1 pm at Harbison Walmart SuperStop. Look for Cola City/Kim and Comet/Brittany to greet you. Depart 1:10 pm: We will ride the bus downtown to the Comet Central Station for an orientation/hands-on activity. 2:15 depart back on Comet to the Harbison Walmart SuperStop at 3 pm.
Travel Training Videos to watch before our tour:

“How to Plan Your Trip”-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yia-GXjXZ5M&t=7

“How to Ride”- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwlPOy2l-Nc
“How to Ride DART”- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOfGwu4ZERw

Register HERE to reserve your seat/s for this event:

Pollinator Nest Make-it-Take-it
2024-02-07 13:00 - 15:00 | In Person
Pollinator Nest Make-it-Take-it
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, February 7 @1 pm
All Ages — $3/participant
NOTE: This event is organized by Cola City Homeschoolers–open to all homeschoolers. This is not a drop-off event. Scroll down to register to reserve your space.
This project is part of our ongoing environmental education series with Green Steps. Participants will learn about pollinators important role in nature. Then, we’ll create a pollinator nest to help restore natural habitat for our pollinator friends. Make-it-Take-it–all supplies included!
Ages: All ages can participate (but younger participants may need parental assistance).
Location: Harbison State Forest, 5600 Broad River Road
Facilitated by: Park Rangers, Beth Foley and David Jenkins
Time: Wednesday February 7 from 1-3 pm
Cost: $3/participant
Make-it-Take-it–all supplies are included. But, please bring loppers/pruning tools if you have any.
Parking fee is waived for this workshop: Turn in at the sign for Harbison State Forest, not the SC Forestry Commission headquarters which is next door at 5500 Broad River Road. To reach the Environmental Education Center, continue past the first parking lot and bear left through the wooden gate onto a gravel road. Take the first right (at the closed metal gate) onto another gravel road. The Education Center is a log cabin building at the top of the hill on the left. There is ample parking directly in front of the Education Center.
Look for Kim to greet you. Please arrive a few minutes early. Call or text if you get lost along the way 803-307-4880 so we can help you catch up to the group.
Contact colacityinfo@gmail.com with any questions.
Pre-register for this Cola City event:
