STEM-oween Drop-in
2023-10-31 07:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | In Person
STEM-oween Drop-in
By SC Military Museum
Tuesday, October 31, 11am-2pm
FREE — All Ages
note: this is NOT a Cola City event. Contact SC Military Museum for more info and registration
This is a DROP IN event. Registration is required to ensure adequate goodies for all attendees!
Drop in to explore some fun Halloween-themed STEM activities from 11 am to 2 pm at SC Military Museum, 1 National Guard Road Columbia, SC 29201.
(The goal is never to frighten- we’ll leave the scary stuff for others. Only fun and silly spooky stuff here!)
Grab this freebie Easy STEM activity from SC Military Museum’s Teachers-Pay-Teachers account: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Nano-I-Spy-10240445

Firefly Game Day
2023-11-03 08:00 - 10:00, 2023-12-01 07:00 - 09:00
Homeschool Day
by Firefly Toys & Games
First Friday of the Month
All Ages — Free
Note: This is not a Cola City Event.
This free event is the First Friday of the month from 12-2pm. Open to all ages. Located at Firefly Toys & Games, 736 Saint Andrews Rd Ste C, Columbia, SC
Firefly staff will be highlighting and teaching educational board games which cover a range of subjects, such as: Math, Science, Geography, Chemistry and many more.
Use games for education; come learn about it.
And look for other Cola City Homeschoolers! We’re scheduling this as a meet-up time/location for our “Let Grow Club” initiative.

Home Away From Home School @CSU
2023-11-03 13:00 - 15:00
Home Away From Home School
By Charleston Southern University
Friday, November 3 from 5-7pm
High Schoolers — Free
Note: This is not a Cola City event. Contact Charleston Southern for more information and pre-registration
Your home away from home for homeschool grads! You will feel right at home at Charleston Southern. CSU is home to an exciting Christian environment, with faculty, staff, and coaches who embrace and exhibit a biblical worldview. The small class sizes foster an environment for critical thinking and growth.
Charleston Southern would like to extend an invitation to homeschool families! Come for Home Away from Home School and enjoy a time of food, fun, and fellowship – plus an opportunity to learn more about Charleston Southern University.
Click HERE to register

Homeschool Huddle
2023-11-07 12:30 - 13:30
Homeschool Huddle
by Lexington County Library
Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 5:30pm
FREE — Parent-Educators
The branch manager of The South Congaree-Pine Ridge Branch Library (Lexington County Public Library System) has recently started a program for this area called Homeschool Huddle. Their goal is to provide services and resources for the homeschool families in this area.
On Tuesday, Nov 7 @ 5:30 the homeschool huddle group will meet for a Q & A time with a panel of seasoned homeschool parents in this area. Several new homeschool parents have asked for a time to talk with others who were more experienced to brainstorm and network together.
Kim Andrysczyk (of Cola City Homeschoolers/SC Homeschooling Connection) has been invited as a panelist. So come on out to meet-up and collaborate about these opportunities and resources!
Bring your child/children and the YS staff will provide a craft and storytime for them while the parents are meeting.
South Congaree – Pine Ridge Branch Library, 200 Sunset Drive, West Columbia, SC 29172
Questions about Homeschool Huddle: Contact Branch Librarian, Carol Clark
803.785.3050, CCLARK@lex.lib.sc.us

Southern Wesleyan Preview Day
2023-11-09 - 2023-11-10
SWU Campus Preview
by Southern Wesleyan University
Friday, Nov 10 @9am
Teens/Parents — FREE
Note: This is *NOT* a Cola City Event. Contact SWU for more details and registration
Preview Day is a great way to explore SWU alongside other prospective students and learn more about the campus, community, and what it’s like to attend college there. You’ll have the opportunity to tour campus, interact with students and faculty, learn about our majors, and more!
In an effort to remove barriers, there is no application fee and we are test optional, which means students are not required to take the SAT/ACT for admission to the university.
Click here to register for SWU preview day, located at 907 Wesleyan Dr, Central, SC 29630
Southern Wesleyan University Office of Admissions
(864) 644-5550
admissions@swu.edu

Liberty Live Education Day
2023-11-10 04:00 - 08:00 | In Person
Liberty Live Education Day
by Southern Campaign 1790
Friday, November 10, 9am-1pm
FREE — All Ages
Note: This is *not* hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. Contact Liberty Live for more information and reservations.
Liberty Live encourages you to walk in the footsteps of our ancestors, immersing yourself in the lives of the backcountry colonials as well as militia, Continental, and British soldiers.
Exploration into the conditions in which indigenous, immigrant, enslaved, and indentured populations existed will allow you to evaluate their reasons for either remaining loyal to the British Crown or supporting the cause of becoming a free independent nation.
Every fall, on the second weekend of November, hundreds of 18th C. merchants, demonstrators, and reenactors gather at 1208 Keys Lane, Kershaw, SC for the annual Battle of Camden Reenactment weekend. The kickoff is our signature event, the Liberty Live Education Day. During this FREE Friday event, area students, teachers, and parents spend the morning engaging in various activities of colonial and military life to become better connected with individuals and events that played vital roles in our fight for independence.
This FREE event is open to all public, private and home school students and REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND.
Contact: sdavis@sc1780.org to pre-register

Veteran's Day Parade
2023-11-10 06:00 - 07:00 | In Person
Veteran’s Day Parade
by City of Columbia
Friday, November 10 at 11am
FREE — All Ages
The City of Columbia’s 45th Annual Veterans Day Parade will be held, Friday, November 10, the Columbia Parks & Recreation Department announced.
The Veterans Day Parade, known as one of the Southeast’s largest Veterans Day parades, will begin at 11 a.m. from the intersection of Sumter and Laurel streets, and travel southbound on Sumter Street ending at Pendleton Street near the State House.
This year’s grand marshals will be Vietnam Veterans.
The Veterans Day Parade is sponsored by the City of Columbia.
For more information, call the Parks and Recreation Department at 803-545-3100.

Homeschool Hub
2023-11-13 13:00 - 14:00
Homeschool Hub
by Chapin Branch Library
Monday, November 13 @6pm
Parent/Educators — FREE
Note: this event is *NOT* hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. Contact Chapin Library for more details.
Interested in getting started homeschooling? What about homeschooling high school? Come for this Q/A session at Chapin Branch Library, 129 Columbia Ave, Chapin, SC 29036. Monday, November 13 at 6 pm.
Activities for youth while parents/educators are in the meeting.
Free, open to the public.
Kim Andrysczyk is a 3rd Option Association director at SC TOP.
Also blogs at the SC Homeschooling Connection, which is a free resource hub for all homeschoolers regardless which association you choose.

Building Capacity: an Outdoor Learning Workshop
2023-11-14 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
Building Capacity for Outdoor Learning: Introducing a Digital Tool for Success
November, 14th 2023 – 7:00 PM
With Outdoor Learning Experts Mariana Brussoni & Megan Zeni
Note: This is *NOT* a Cola City event. Please contact The Outdoor Learning Store for more information and registration: CLICK HERE
The Outdoor Learning Virtual Workshop Seasonal Series:

Registration is FREE and there will be plenty of draw prizes for attendees!
All registrants will receive a discount code to access outdoor learning resources when they register
Workshops are 60 minutes and will take place at 4pm Pacific / 7pm Eastern.
For those who can’t attend live these will each be recorded and posted on the Recordings Page
Following the workshop, participants will receive a link through which they can access a certificate of attendance.

Join Mariana and Megan as they share the ‘BE OUT’ digital tool. BE OUT is a new tool for elementary (K-7) school teachers and includes exemplars of outdoor learning from a diversity of teachers organized in a digital format.
The tool is designed with very short (90 second) modules and targets teachers new to teaching outdoors with support in four key areas: understanding risky play in the school context; getting started teaching outdoors; teaching with an emergent curriculum; and assessment of learning.
Dr. Mariana Brussoni is Director of the Human Early Learning Partnership and Professor at the University of British Columbia and BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute. Her research investigates child injury prevention and children’s outdoor risky play with the aim of creating environments where all children can play outside every day.
Megan Zeni is a mom of 3, an experienced elementary school teacher, and a master gardener. Megan successfully re-imagined the prep position in her public school and turned it into her dream job of spending her days with children in the garden classroom. Megan is an advocate for taking children outdoors at school in all kinds of weather to learn, play, and grow. Megan is also a PhD candidate at UBC in curriculum & pedagogy.
All registrants will be entered to win some great draw prizes! After registering you will receive a discount code to access the resources shared, and following the workshop you can access the recording, and a link to access your Certificate of Attendance.
Grow your outdoor educator skills with:

Dirty Teaching
Learn more about Outdoor Learning and Play

Executive Function Empowerment Summit
2023-11-14 - 2023-11-15
Executive Function Empowerment Summit
by GoZen! Mental Health Coach
Wednesday, Nov 15th
FREE — Parents/Educators
Note: This is *NOT* a Cola City event. Please contact Executive Funtion Empowerment Summit for more information and registration.
Raise Focused, Motivated Learners!
Calling all parents, educators, and professionals: Teach kids and teens the skills to focus their attention, self-start, remember instructions, prioritize tasks, and so much more at this FREE one-day event!
DO YOUR KIDS STRUGGLE WITH FOCUS AND ORGANIZATION?
THESE AREN’T JUST CHALLENGES—THEY’RE EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS. EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS ARE LIKE THE BRAIN’S AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS. THEY HELP KIDS GET STUFF DONE. WHILE KIDS MAY NOT BE BORN WITH THE SKILLS TO FILTER DISTRACTIONS, PRIORITIZE TASKS, SET AND REACH GOALS, AND REGULATE EMOTIONS, THEY ARE BORN WITH THE POTENTIAL TO MASTER THESE SKILLS.
SECURE YOUR FREE SPOT FOR THE NOV. 15, 2023 EVENT
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Nutcracker Ballet
2023-11-22 05:00 - 06:30 | In Person
Nutcracker Ballet
by Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet
Wednesday, Nov 22 at 10 am
$10/seat — All ages
Note: This is *NOT* a Cola City Homeschoolers event. Contact Ann Brodie’s studio at 803-771-6303 for more information and tickets.
It’s Nutcracker Season!
Every year during the week of Thanksgiving, Ann Brodie’s Ballet studio performs The Nutcracker at the Township Auditorium in Columbia, SC. This full length ballet also features a live orchestra, and live choir.
Each year, one show is offered to Homeschool Families, Retirement Commmunities, Youth groups at a discounted rate.
This year the production will be On Wednesday, November 22nd @10am
You can save 50% off ticket prices when you reserve tickets by calling the studio at 803-771-6303.
Tickets will be $10 each.
Contact for any questions: Caren Anderson, the Homeschooling Education and Community Outreach Coordinator for Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet. 949-351-4204

FREE Admission SC State Parks
2023-11-23 - 2023-11-24 | In Person
SC State Parks Black Friday
By SC State Parks
Friday, Nov 24
Free Admission — All Ages
Note: Contact SC State Parks for more details and reservations.
FREE ADMISSION TO ALL SC STATE PARKS – Friday, November 24! Including FREE historic home tours!
This year on Black Friday we challenge you and yours to #OptOutsideSC and enjoy South Carolina’s state parks.
Admission will be free at state parks in South Carolina on Friday, November 24 — including tours at our three historic homes. The promotion encourages people to spend some time in the great outdoors the day after Thanksgiving!
Reservations may be made for historic home tours by calling:

Rose Hill Plantation (Tour reservation full)
Redcliffe Plantation
Hampton Plantation

Enjoy some time in our parks, for free. Make sure to post pictures to social media using the hashtag #OptOutsideSC.

Cayce 12000 Year Park
2023-11-25 08:00 - 10:00 | In Person
Civil War Tour
By 12000 Year History Park
Saturday, Nov 25 at 1 pm
FREE — All Ages
Note: Contact Cayce 12000 Year History Park for more details
In today’s world, people are reluctant to step away from their screens and for some reason, we are content with that.
Today, we ask you look away from your screens and look at the history right in front of you. Explore the land where Columbia was conceived.
Explore the 12,000 Year History Park – where history lies at your feet.
Meet at 1 pm for tour, location: 1120 Fort Congaree Trail, Cayce. Parking is free at the Tennis Center.
Questions? Contact 803-739-5385

Spanish Christmas Carols
2023-12-02 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual Event
Spanish Christmas Carols
by Academia Bilingual Bridges
Saturday, Dec 2 at 2pm
FREE — All ages
Note: This event is *not* hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. Contact Academia Bilingual Bridges for details (see below).
Greetings from Academia Bilingual Bridges! You’re invited the annual Spanish Christmas Caroling virtual event on Saturday, December 2nd at 2:00 PM Eastern time.
Anyone who would like to attend should please R.S.V.P. to academiabilingualbridges@gmail.com
More information about classes/tutoring: https://www.academiabilingualbridges.com/

A Christmas Carol
2023-12-02 09:00 - 13:00 | In Person
A Christmas Carol
by Columbia Children’s Theater
Saturday, December 2 @2pm and @6pm
All Ages — $15/ticket
Note: this is NOT a Cola City event. Contact Children’s Theater for more information and tickets
Back by popular demand, A Christmas Carol, returns to the Harbison Theater at Midlands Tech stage! Columbia Children’s Theatre reigns as the 2022 South Carolina Theatre of Distinction and brings their inimitable style to this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ most well-known story. A production filled with local talent of all ages including Best of Columbia-nominated actors Liv Moody and Julian Deleon. Grab your loved ones and enjoy this holiday tradition proven to warm even the Scroogiest of hearts!
*Student, senior (over age 60), or military personnel will receive a $5 discount on signature series shows at check out. Bundled discounts are available when you purchase tickets for three or more shows at a time. Please contact the Box Office at 803.407.5011 for more details.

Christmas Light Boat Parade
2023-12-02 13:00 - 15:00 | In Person
Christmas Light Boat Parade
@Lake Murray
Saturday, Dec 2 @6 pm
FREE — All Ages
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event. It’s a public event–no sign up!
You don’t want to miss this FREE family-friendly waterfront event that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

Admission is FREE and open to the public at the Lake Murray Dam Public Park in Lexington. Watch as brightly decorated boats parade by decked out for the season, enjoy Christmas carols (have your phone or flashlight ready for “Silent Night”), and a fireworks finale. Pack your family, friends, and a picnic, and join us on December 2 at Lake Murray!

Event details & Information:
– Gates open at 4:30 PM and the Boat Parade will begin at 6:00 PM.
– Gates will remain open until the park reaches a 300-vehicle capacity. You are encouraged to come early to ensure a space and exercise patience and courtesy throughout the evening.
– Please leave your pets at home, there are no animals allowed in this park.
– Parade route: Participants will line up at Jake’s Landing and parade over to the Lexington Park Site. The fireworks barge will be between the towers and the park site with a buffer zone for safety.
– The park will close after the fireworks finale.

Gladys Gang Toddler Edition
2023-12-06 05:00 - 06:00
Gladys’ Gang Toddler Tour
by Columbia Museum of Art
First Wednesday of the Month
Toddlers/Preschoolers — $$
Note: Gladys’ Gang is not hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. Contact Columbia Museum of Art for more details and registration. FYI: Solo Memberships are $55 for one adult (and includes admission for all children under 18)
Toddler edition: First Wednesday of every month
Preschool edition: Third Wednesday of every month
10-11am
(Toddler) This program is specially designed for 2-3 year old participants and their adult companions as a way to explore art through movement and play. This program includes story time, gallery exploration, and a creative studio activity related to the art exploration theme. (Siblings welcome!)
(Preschool) This program is specially designed for 4-5 year old participants and their adult companions as a way to explore art through play and inquiry. This program builds skills for kindergarten readiness through story time, gallery conversations, and a creative studio project related to the art exploration theme. (Siblings welcome!)

FREE First Thursday by Columbia Museum of Art
2023-12-07 05:00 - 14:30
Free First Thursday
by Columbia Museum of Art
Thursday, Dec 7th @10am
FREE- All Ages

Note: This is NOT a Cola City Event.
Enjoy free admission courtesy of Dominion Energy and extended hours. Last gallery entry at 7:30 p.m.
Columbia Museum of Art is located at 1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
More info about the Museum and this free event here!

Two Claras: A Nutcracker Story
2023-12-08 14:00 - 2023-12-10 09:00 | In Person
The Two Claras
by Harbison Theater
December 8-10
All Ages — $20/ticket
Note: This is not a Cola City event. Contact Harbison Theater for show times and tickets
CCJ Conservatory has been delighting audiences for over 15 years with our modern rewrite of the Nutcracker Story! Come see this heartwarming Holiday tale about two friends named Clara and the Christmas adventures they share through the years. Appropriate for your entire family!

Lyceum Scholars Application Deadline
2023-12-09 - 2023-12-10 | Virtual Event
Lyceum Scholars Application Deadline
By Clemson University
For Seniors Class of 2024
Due: December 10
Note: This is *not* hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. Contact Lyceum Scholars Program for more details about the application
LYCEUM SCHOLARS PROGRAM:
Open to incoming freshmen of any major, the Lyceum Scholars Program uses a great books approach to studying the moral, political and economic foundations of a free society. All Lyceum Scholars receive a $10,000 scholarship disbursed over their four years at Clemson University.
Those interested in becoming Lyceum Scholars should apply in their senior year of high school to the Lyceum Scholars Program and separately to Clemson University. The deadline to apply for the Fall 2024 cohort of the Lyceum Scholars Program is Dec. 10, 2023.

NCAA Eligibility Virtual Workshop
2023-12-13 05:00 - 06:00
NCAA Eligibility Virtual Workshop
by NCAA Eligibility Center
Wednesday, Dec 13th @10am
FREE — 9th-12th

Note: This is NOT a Cola City Event.
REGISTER here for an email link to this virtual webinar explaining the process of determining eligibility and what documentation is necessary.
The live link to join will not work until 15 minutes prior to the presentation. This webinar is for home-schooled college-bound student-athletes and families only. This webinar will include a live chat function, so please come prepared with questions for the Eligibility Center staff presenters.
More info about NCAA and Homeschooling here.

Seasonal Mood Changes Workshop
2023-12-13 14:30 - 15:30
Seasonal Mood Change Virtual Workshop
by Children’s Mental Health Resource Center
Wednesday, Dec 13th @7:30pm
FREE — Parents

Note: This is NOT a Cola City Event.
The changing of season from fall to winter brings more hours of darkness, temperature fluctuations, changes in the clocks, and behavioral challenges. At this webinar you’ll learn about simple at home techniques you can use to make these seasonal transitions easier on the whole family.
Register HERE for this free virtual workshop.

Homeschool Magazine Submissions Due
2023-12-14 - 2023-12-15 | Virtual Event
Homeschool Magazine
Hosted by TSCHAA
Deadline: December 15
Free — All Ages
Note: This opportunity is not hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. Contact TSCHAA for more information and submission details.
TSCHAA: The Homeschool Magazine is a digital magazine featuring content submitted by homeschools students–open to all homeschoolers no matter which association you belong to.
Guidelines:

Articles must be submitted to admin@tschaa.com as a .pdf or .docx file (Make sure to look over the article formatting guidelines).
Submissions are due December 15, 2023.
There is no guarantee that a student’s article will be used in TSCHAA: The Homeschool Magazine.
Articles must not include profanity or other inappropriate content.
If you have an idea for an article not on the article list, reach out to us at admin@tschaa.com.
A release form must be signed by a parent and included with article/photo. (All forms can be found at the bottom of this document)
Articles that are chosen will undergo an editing process that will require direct email contact with the editor. Should the student fail to maintain contact they may lose their place in TSCHAA: The Homeschool Magazine.

Authors of articles are welcome to submit photos to go along with their article even if the description does not request one (A photo release form must be filled out).
Click here for article ideas and formatting guidelines

Gladys' Gang Preschool Edition
2023-12-20 05:00 - 06:00

Behavior Dysregulation & De-escalation Strategies Workshop
2023-12-20 12:00 - 13:00
Behavior Dysregulation & De-escalation Strategies Workshop
by Children’s Mental Health Resource Center
Wednesday, Dec 20th @5pm
FREE — Parents
Note: This is NOT a Cola City Event.
Clinical Seminar: Fight, Flight, Freeze Part 2: The Limbic System, Behavior Dysregulation, and De-escalation-
This Webinar will focus on how the limbic system contributes to dysregulation and how it can be the key to de-escalation in times of crisis. Traditional behavior modification techniques often don’t work for children and teens with mood disorders, bipolar disorder, and Fear of Harm. This causes frustration for kids, parents, teachers, and their providers. Join us for a two part series to learn about the role the limbic system plays in common symptoms and behaviors associated with mood disorders and bipolar in children and teens.
Register HERE for the link to join.

Winter Solstice Lantern Parade
2023-12-21 12:30 - 14:00 | In Person
Winter Solstice Lantern Parade
a Public Event
Thursday, Dec 21 @5:30 pm
All Ages — Free
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event. There’s no sign-up, just show up. More info about the public event click here.
There is an annual Winter Solstice Lantern Parade at Riverfront Park that has been going on for nearly 10 years now, but it’s only occasionally posted on any social media platforms. Apparently, the regular attendees just know to be there on the Winter Solstice. I’m posting this event so more people are aware of it and to discuss the event in general. I’m not trying to suggest this group is responsible for hosting the event, this is more of a public pointer and I will link the actual event if they post one for it from the Columbia Parks and Recreation page or the Riverfront Park page.
Comment on Cola City Homeschoolers FB group to let us know if you’re going, so we can try to meet-up with others.

FREE New Year's Web Quest Activity
2024-01-01 03:00 - 04:00
New Year’s Web Quest Activity
by Teachers Pay Teachers
Monday, Jan 1st
FREE — 6-12th
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
Those first few days back after winter break, when sleepy students can barely keep their heads off their desks, can be challenging to say the least! This freebie is intended to help ease your classes back into their routines, while providing an opportunity for students to research and find some interesting tidbits about the celebration of New Years. It’s an easy and engaging way to start the new year off right!

The lesson will require internet access, so if you don’t have access to laptops or tablets, student phones will do the trick! Students can work individually or in pairs or small groups to find the information. You might even have them compete against each other in teams–the first group to answer all the questions correctly wins! An answer key is provided.
This is a freebie printable for middle and high school students to celebrate the New Year! It is part of an optional expanded holiday pack for an extra fee ($4).

Gladys' Gang Toddler Edition
2024-01-03 05:00 - 18:00

FREE First Thursday by Columbia Museum of Art
2024-01-04 05:00 - 14:30
Free First Thursday
by Columbia Museum of Art
Thursday, Jan 4th @10am
FREE- All Ages

Note: This is NOT a Cola City Event.
Enjoy free admission courtesy of Dominion Energy and extended hours. Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program. Last gallery entry at 7:30 p.m.
Columbia Museum of Art is located at 1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
More info about the Museum and this free event here!
