Hopes & Dreams Conference
2024-03-21 09:00 - 16:00 UTC
Hopes & Dreams Conference
by Family Connection SC
Thursday, March 21st @ 9am
Prices vary
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
Our 2024 Hopes & Dreams Conference brings together parents, students, professionals, exhibitors, and sponsors for a day of learning and collaboration!
Parents: Apply for a scholarship
A limited number of parent scholarships are available to attend conference at no cost. Parents who have been awarded a scholarship will be notified via email by March 1.
We are planning 15 breakout sessions and two general sessions. Keynote speakers and session topics will be announced soon!

Family Connection is changing lives by making connections, raising awareness, and promoting inclusion for those who have a disability or chronic health condition.
Learn more about our work: https://www.familyconnectionsc.org/our-work/
Pricing:
Attendee: $85

Early bird pricing ends on February 29th. Beginning March 1, ticket price will be $100
Student: $25
The Hopes & Dreams Conference will be held at R2i2 Conference Center: 763 Fashion Drive in Columbia, SC

Purchase Tickets HERE.

SWU Campus Preview
2024-03-22
SWU Campus Preview
by Southern Wesleyan University
Friday, March 22 @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

SC Homeschool Family Day: Canceled
2024-03-22 10:00 - 12:00
SC Homeschool Family Day
Canceled due to inclement weather
by Premier Apps Solutions
Friday, March 22nd @10am
Parents — FREE
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
It’s time for parents to let loose and enjoy some well-deserved time having fun with other homeschoolers! This in-person event is exclusively for homeschool parents like you. Take a break from the daily routine and connect with other homeschooling families in our community. Whether you’re a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, this event is the perfect opportunity to unwind, share experiences, and make new friends. Don’t miss out on this chance to recharge and have a blast with fellow homeschool parents at SC Homeschool Family Day!
*Each vehicle must pay the $5.00 parking fee to enter park to their teller.
Register here!
Leo’s Landing is located at 6071 Saint Andrews Road Columbia, SC

Litter Pick-up
2024-03-23 09:00 - 12:00 | In Person
Great American Clean-up:
Litter Pick-up
by Keep the Midlands Beautiful
Saturday, March 23 at 9 am
Free — 12+/Adults
Note: This is NOT a Cola City Event, please contact Keep the Midlands Beautiful (Click HERE to sign up as a volunteer)

Volunteers Needed: 2024 GAC Kickoff
At Keep the Midlands Beautiful, we’re incredibly proud of the work we do alongside dedicated volunteers like you. Together, we’re not just cleaning up our neighborhoods – we’re transforming them into vibrant, safe, and healthy spaces where everyone can thrive.
Through programs like the Great American Cleanup, an annual nationwide cleanup program initiated by Keep America Beautiful, we can make a real difference in the movement to make our community a better place to live, work, and play.
Although we encourage all of our volunteers to participate in cleanups throughout the program’s length, March 19th – June 20th, we are kicking off this year’s Great American Cleanup initiative with a litter cleanup around Midlands Technical College- Airport Campus to help encourage our community to come together to make a difference.

Sign up for event here!

Ask An Attorney
2024-04-12 13:00 - 16:00
Ask An Attorney
by Richland Library
Friday, April 12th @1pm
FREE — Parents
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event
During the Ask An Attorney event you will have an opportunity to sit down, one-on-one with a lawyer to ask for guidance and direction on any number of legal issues you are facing. Past attendees have had a chance to ask about guardianship, criminal charges, civil
Sessions may be limited to fifteen minutes, and referrals will often be provided if necessary.
Registration is required for your free appointment to see an attorney. Please call the Social Work Department at 803-509-8371 or email socialworker@richlandlibrary.com to secure your reservation.
Disclaimer: This will not establish a client-attorney relationship but can be used as a starting place in your research. The attorney will not owe you any services at the end of the session, unless you elect to retain the attorney.
Richland Library also provides access to Gale Legal Forms, a free collection of South Carolina – specific forms that can be downloaded, completed, and printed. Forms are available on topics such as family law, landlord/tenant matters, and contracts.
More info HERE. The Richland Library is located at 1431 Assembly St., Columbia, SC 29201

SWU Campus Preview
2024-04-19
SWU Campus Preview
by Southern Wesleyan University
Friday, April 19 @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

Open Lab: Audio
2024-04-22 18:00 - 19:30
Open Lab: Audio Edition
by Richland Library St. Andrews
Monday, April 22nd @6pm
FREE — Teens/Parents
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
The makerspace is now open! Working on a new skill or working on your own project or stuck on what to do next? With assistance from our makerspace professionals, you will have access to LogicPro X and Garage Band, professional level recording software based on the Apple OS platform.
Teens and Adults ONLY
More info HERE. The Richland Library St Andrews is located at 2916 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210

Black Hair Panel: Civil Rights
2024-04-27 12:00 - 13:30
Black Hair Panel: A Civil Rights Discussion
by Richland Library Sandhills
Saturday, April 27th @12pm
FREE — Teens/Parents
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.

Come join us for a candid discussion touching on the Crown Act and Hair Discrimination.

Join the Richland Library’s African American History and Culture Events Committee for a candid discussion touching on the Crown Act and Hair Discrimination. The program will have a panel discussion and a Q&A session for the audience to participate in. This will be an in-person and online event. Please visit this event page closer to the event for the zoom link.
Find more info HERE.

Virtual SC Meet-n-Greet
2024-04-30 09:00 - 19:00 | Virtual Event
Virtual SC Meet & Greet
by Virtual SC
Tuesday, April 30 9am & 7pm
Free — Parent/Teen
Note: This is NOT a Cola City Event. Contact Virtual SC with any questions (scroll down to RSVP).
Join the VirtualSC Home School Liaison and the VSC Outreach Team for a meet-and-greet event designed for homeschool families. This event will last 30 minutes.
During the session, presenters will discuss VirtualSC general program information, parent resources, and upcoming outreach events. Presenters will also address questions from attendees unique to homeschool students’ experience with the VirtualSC program.
This session will be offered at 9:00 a.m. and at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Both sessions will contain the same information! To register for this event, please select the
sign-up links below for your preferred session time. If you’re unsure of what time works best for you, you’re welcome to register for both events.
Please feel free to share this
information with fellow families in the homeschool community!
Morning Event Registration Link
Evening Event Registration Link

Homeschool Hub: May
2024-05-09 18:00 - 19:00 | In Person
Homeschool Hub: May
by Chapin Library
Thursday, May 9 @6 pm
FREE — Parents/Educators
Note: This event is NOT hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. Please contact Chapin Library with questions (and to RSVP). Contact Josie Seacrist JSeacrist@lex.lib.sc.us
Homeschool Hub is a monthly meet-up at Chapin Branch Library, with topics and activities specifically geared for homeschool families. It’s a great opportunity to hang out and socialize with other local homeschoolers–and connect with common interests. The goal is to spark a sense of community and belonging.
Chapin Branch Library is located at 129 NW Columbia Ave, Chapin, SC
This meet-up on Thursday, May 9 at 6pm is curriculum/resources share & swap. Bring some of your favorite resources to showcase for others. Find inspiration and encouragement as you start planning your course of study for next year.
Contact Chapin Librarian, Josie Seacrest with any questions: 803.345.5479 or JSeacrist@lex.lib.sc.us Also, contact the branch if an individual with a disability needs reasonable accommodations or support.

Parenting Teens: The Connection Between Technology & Anxiety
2024-05-11 10:00 - 11:30
Parenting Teens in a Smartphone World
by Scholarship Gold
Saturday, May 11th @ 10am
FREE — Parents
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
Scholarship Gold is excited to sponsor this event, bringing our favorite expert, Dr. Scott Hammontree, to share his insight into the unique challenges to teens’ mental health, especially in connection with their smartphone & social media usage.
His engaging delivery and fact-based tips will equip you to help your teen protect and improve their mental health. And he will provide solid tips to help parents protect their teen’s mental well-being as they navigate the steps towards adulthood. Dr Hammontree is, by far, the expert we most trust and admire in this field and we are thrilled to bring his expertise to you.
There is no cost to attend but you do need to register. Save your spot today!
Register HERE for this virtual workshop.

Community Litter Pick-up
2024-05-25 09:00 - 12:00
Community Litter Pick-up
by Keep Midlands Beautiful
Saturday, May 25th @ 9am
FREE — Teens/Parents
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
This month’s cleanup will address Town of Irmo’s Rawl’s Creek on May 25, 2023, from 9 a.m. – 12 noon! We will meet at Irmo Town Hall located on 7300 Woodrow St, Irmo, SC 29063. We will email you prior to the cleanup to verify the meeting location and attendance.
Keep the Midlands Beautiful started the Spotless Service Saturday initiative to address highly littered areas with monthly cleanups hosted by our team! Cleanup locations rotate each month in the areas KMB serves – Richland County, Lexington County, the City of Columbia and the Town of Irmo. This event grew from a collaboration with the USC Service Saturday program. All residents, both individuals and groups, are encouraged to join the KMB team and USC students in these monthly cleanups.
This is a great volunteer opportunity for teens, parents, and kids of appropriate age. REGISTER HERE.

Let Grow Club: Sesqui
2024-06-11 10:00 - 12:00 | In Person
Let Grow Play Club: Sesqui
by Cola City Homeschoolers
TUESDAY, June 11, 10 am-noon
FREE — All ages
This activity *IS* hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers, but there is no sign up necessary. Just show up but there is a sign up form so we can send you a reminder about the location details each week.
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+). Families with younger siblings are also welcome, though.
We hope to see this grow and expand to more projects and activities thru the summer to develop interpersonal connections as well as personal agency. We’re switching up to Tuesdays at 10 am for June/July.
Let Grow Play Club TUESDAY 10 am-12pm–thru June/July
This Week’s Location: Sesquicentennial State Park, 9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
Activities include canoe/kayak/paddle boat rentals, walking trails and splash pad. Fees for parking and rentals.
Look for Angela Hardy to greet you–and facilitate introductions and chaperone locations to assist supervising our youth activities.
Call/text 803-743-8802.

For more information about the “Let Grow” initiative, Click HERE
Contact Kim with any questions or to brainstorm ideas: colacityinfo@gmail.com
Sign up here so we can keep get an estimate of attendees and send you meet-up reminders:

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.Student Participant Name/AgePlay Club is geared for participants age 8 and up (3rd grade and up). Use the plus (+) sign to add rows for additional participants. Younger Sibling Name/AgeList any additional participants under age 8 who will be attending the playground with an adult chaperone. Use plus (+) sign to add rows for additional participants.

Homeschool Expo 2024
2024-06-28 12:00 - 2024-06-29 16:00
Homeschool Expo 2024
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Saturday, June 29 from 10am-4pm
Open to the Public
Mark your calendars, save the date!!
More details coming soon about the Midlands Homeschool Expo and Used Booksale.
Consignment sale will start on Friday, June 28th.
Vendor Hall and Consignment Sale will be open on Saturday, June 29th.
Click HERE for the latest updates

Take Action SC: Teacher Workshop
2024-07-24 08:00 - 12:00
Take Action SC: Teacher Workshop
by SC DHEC
Wednesday, July 24th @8am
Parents — $10
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
SC DHEC and Take Action SC will be hosting their annual environmental educators summer workshop in two locations with an opportunity to tour the landfill in each location plus ‘hands-on’ learning labs to help you find ways to integrate environmental lessons into your everyday teaching all held from 8 am – 12 pm. This years’ experience will include:
SC DHEC educator lesson demonstrations on Natural Resources, Landfills, Energy and Circular Economy with Battery Recycling plus more from the Action for a cleaner tomorrow curriculum.
All participants will start their day with a yogurt bar and receive a copy of the newly updated “Action for a cleaner tomorrow” curriculum supplement, a Take Action SC Artic Stainless Steel Reusable Water Bottle, a Take Action SC insulated reusuable bag, a motherboard clipboard as well as other teacher prizes throughout the day.
Take Action SC workshop admission will be a non-refundable $10 registration fee that includes all activities and classroom materials.
Click HERE to register for this event.
This workshop will be held at Twin Chimneys Landfill at 11075 Augusta Road Honea Path, SC 29654

Take Action SC: Teacher Workshop Horry County
2024-08-07 08:00 - 12:00
Take Action SC: Teacher Workshop Horry County
by Take Action SC & SC DHEC
Wednesday, Aug 7th @8am
Parents — $10
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
SC DHEC and Take Action SC will be hosting their annual environmental educators summer workshop in two locations with an opportunity to tour the landfill in each location plus ‘hands-on’ learning labs to help you find ways to integrate environmental lessons into your everyday teaching all held from 8 am – 12 pm. This years’ experience will include:
SC DHEC educator lesson demonstrations on Natural Resources, Landfills, Energy and Circular Economy with Battery Recycling plus more from the Action for a cleaner tomorrow curriculum.
All participants will start their day with a yogurt bar and receive a copy of the newly updated “Action for a cleaner tomorrow” curriculum supplement, a Take Action SC Artic Stainless Steel Reusable Water Bottle, a Take Action SC insulated reusuable bag, a motherboard clipboard as well as other teacher prizes throughout the day.
Take Action SC workshop admission will be a non-refundable $10 registration fee that includes all activities and classroom materials.
August 7, 2024 will be held at Horry County Solid Waste Authority Administrative Buildings.
Register HERE.

Homeschool Hub: Ice Cream Social
2024-08-12 18:00 - 19:00 | In Person
Homeschool Hub: Ice Cream Social
by Chapin Branch Library
Monday, August 12 at 6 pm
All ages — FREE
The Chapin Branch Library has lots of great resources for homeschool families. Stop by for this social gathering to find out more and to meet/greet with fellow homeschoolers.
Location: Chapin Branch Library 129 NW Columbia Ave Chapin, SC 29036
Brainstorm ideas with the librarian about scheduling more activities to supplement your homeschool studies!
Contact, Josie Seacrist, Branch Librarian
JSeacrist@lex.lib.sc.us
PH 803.345.5479
www.lex.lib.sc.us

Homeschool Huddle: Workshop
2024-08-13 17:30 - 19:00 | In Person
Homeschool Huddle Workshop
By South Congaree Branch Library
Tuesday, August 13 at 5:30pm
Parent/Educators — FREE
This month’s topic is Homeschooling 101. Presentation about getting started homeschooling with Kim Andrysczyk. Bring your questions!
An activity will also be provided for the kiddos.
Location: South Congaree-Pine Ridge Branch Library at 200 Sunset Drive, West Columbia, SC
Contact Carol Clark, Branch Librarian
803.785.3050
CCLARK@lex.lib.sc.us

Picture Book Panel: Virtual Workshop
2024-09-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual Event
Picture Book Panel: Virtual Workshop
By Cardinal Rule Press
Thursday, Sept 5 at 1 pm
FREE — Parent/Educators
Note: This is NOT a Cola City Event. Contact Cardinal Rule Press for more information
Tune in for this vibrant community of authors, parents, families, and friends to hear about Cardinal Rule Press’s newest children’s book Do-It-Yourself Dollhouse & how to transition back-to-school! We look forward to hearing from the author, Shannon Anderson and hope to see you there!

FACILITATOR: Nationally recognized author, publisher and speaker Maria Dismondy is dedicated to inspiring and empowering children. She has authored nine children’s books and made more than 800 speaking appearances. She lives in southeast Michigan with her husband, Dave, and their three children.
PANELIST: Shannon Anderson is an award-winning author and speaker who enjoys traveling the country for author visits and other events and conferences. She taught for 25 years at both the elementary and college level, and was named one of the Today Show’s teachers who “awed and inspired” in 2019.
Moni Ritchie Hadley, a half-Japanese military brat, bounced back and forth from the USA to Japan. Daydreaming was a favorite pastime. She is the author of the forthcoming Miso Magic (‘24), Anzu and the Art of Friendship (‘23), and The Star Festival (‘21), a 2022 Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year.
Kathryn is an award-winning author/illustrator, best known for her character-building number/color book series: One, Zero, and Two. She is also the co-author of Beautiful Hands, a book about possibilities and reaching your dreams. She helps readers find creative methods to engage and connect with their students through the power of reading, art, and literature.

Mental Health Awareness: Virtual Workshop
2024-09-05 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
Mental Health Awareness: Virtual Workshop
by SC Homeschooling Connection
with Butterfly Beacon
Thursday, Sept 5 at 2pm
FREE — Parent/Educators
Note this is a free event by SC Homeschooling Connection. Scroll down to register so we can send you the zoom link and keep an eye out for you.
The workshop will also be recorded for replay.
CLICK HERE to find out more about Butterfly Beacon.
Did you know?
Statistics show that 5000 youth ages 15 to 24 are successful every year at taking their lives. There are 12 successful youth suicides everyday. 1 is too many!
Our goal is that the wings of every youth in the B.U.T.T.E.R.F.L.Y program unfold, revealing the true beauty within themselves and the world around them. Through mindful guidance and real life education, we strive to break through the false sense of reality perpetuated by popular culture, social media, and entertainment. Our vision is to cultivate a generation of respectful, self-loving, understanding, educated, compassionate, resilient, and socially conscious youth who not only recognize their worth, but also understand the profound impact they can have on the world. A purpose only they can fulfill!

Thinking back as an adult…

Did you ever feel misunderstood as a child?
Did you feel like you didn’t fit in anywhere?
Did you ever feel like your voice didn’t matter?
Did you ever feel unsure about whether you were loved or not?
Was there ever something that you felt like you needed, but wasn’t given that could’ve changed the direction of your life?

If you did, then you know how our children are feeling, and you understand them more than you think you do. You also realize that they are dealing with so much worse because of the access at their fingertips. We must listen to what they are saying/not saying and look for any changes in their mood and attitude.
Having been bullied while struggling with feelings of low self-esteem, low self-worth and feeling misunderstood, elementary, middle and high school were hard for me. I felt like how I was feeling didn’t matter, like I didn’t matter. My experiences weren’t isolated. Many youth struggle with these same emotions every single day! Just like a Butterfly, our youth go through different stages. This 12 – week program is designed to help 6th through 12th graders (ages 12 – 18) navigate each stage of their life with love, support, patience and understanding while securing their mental, emotional and social wellbeing. We must advocate for our youth and teach them how to rise above their circumstances.
EMPOWERING YOUTH, UNLEASHING POTENTIAL
In each weekly module students will learn…

Be – how to exist daily, how to overcome suicide and find the value in themselves daily; to live
Uniquely U – that they are the sole example for themselves; they write the story for their lives
Today – to focus on the present time; to not allow their past to decide their future; growth
Tomorrow and – to plan for the future, but not dwell on it; to be prepared for what’s ahead; goals
Everyday – how to be consistent on a daily basis; what it means to stay true to oneself; integrity
Remembering to – how to learn from the past; the importance of forward movement; forgiveness
First – self-care; how to not focus on other’s opinions of them; what it means to be a priority
Love – to build an unconditional devotion to self-love; self-appreciation; self- respect; importance of
Yourself – individuality; to know and love who they are, what they stand for; morals and values

Register here to reserve your space!

Reading Intervention Training
2024-09-13 08:00 - 2024-09-14 17:00 | In Person
Reading Intervention Instructor Training
by Discovery Therapies Inc
Fri-Sat, September 13-14
Note this opportunity is NOT hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. Contact Sharon at Discovery Therapies Inc for more details, 813-842-0844
www.dtiusa.org.
SIGN UP HERE for more information about the reading program and instructor training.
HAVE a STRUGGLING READER?
In 2023, 43-50% of SC students did not meet or
exceed reading expectations on the SC Ready
Reading exam. Students with disabilities scored
even lower with 78-88% of students not meeting or
exceeding reading expectations.
THERE IS HOPE!
Discovery Therapies, Inc. offers a tailored reading intervention in a small group setting to partner with homeschool families in SC. This unique approach allows families to band together and collectively help their children catch up in their reading skills.
Sign up for an informational meeting to learn more about a reading group for your child or how to train to become a reading instructor.
Training for the instructors will be September 13 and 14.
SIGN UP HERE

Virtual Workshop: College Scholarships & Financial Aid
2024-09-17 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
College Scholarships & Financial Aid:
Virtual Workshop
by SC Homeschooling Connection
with Clear Vision College Counseling
Thursday, Sept 17 at 2pm
FREE — Parent/Educators
Note this is a free event by SC Homeschooling Connection. Scroll down to register so we can send you the zoom link and keep an eye out for you.
The workshop will also be recorded for replay.
As you’re looking ahead to college tuition costs, let’s talk about financial aid, grants, loans and scholarships. Clear Vision College Counseling is here to help us understand the various options to consider.
Register here to reserve your space!

Parenting Teens Through Launch Anxiety- Webinar
2024-09-26 02:00 - 15:00
Parenting Teens Through Launch Anxiety
by Roya Dedeaux
Thursday, Sept 26th @2pm
Parents — FREE Virtual
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
30 minute webinar for parents to help with…
Parenting Teens Through Launch Anxiety
Even when it scares the $#$@ out of both of you 😉

Do your teens doubt their own abilities?
Have your teens expressed their worry that they don’t have what it takes to “adult?”
Are they worried they missed out on some vital piece of information?
Do they feel like they didn’t get the growing-up handbook everyone else did?

What do you do when your awesome kid doesn’t believe you when you tell them how capable they are?
This 30 minute parenting webinar is designed to give parents the tools and opportunity to look at their own feelings about their growing-up-kids, and figure out how to best help them through the launching process.

​Will you get tools & language to use right away? Absolutely.
Will it help you communicate with your kids even when you’re both anxious? Yup.
Will your teens benefit from more effective support from you? 100%

If you want to support your teens & young adult kids during this normal-yet-terrifying developmental process, but you’re struggling with how much to push when they feel overwhelmed, while also allowing that “launching” in 2024 looks very different than it did for you back in 19*mumble mumble*… so you aren’t sure what to do… Then this is for you.

Reserve your spot HERE

Exploring Color Theory: Watercolors
2024-09-28 10:00 - 16:00
Exploring Color Theory: Watercolors
by Columbia Museum of Art
Saturday, Sept 28th @10am
Teens/Parents — $80-100
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
Learn how to apply color theory in watercolor painting. This class focuses on getting comfortable with fundamentals like mixing colors, brush technique, composition, and drawing skills, all of which lead to more successful paintings.
Taught by professional watercolorist Constance Manley, a signature member of the South Carolina Watermedia Society. Ages 15 and up. Please bring a reference photo(s) to work from; all other materials and equipment provided.
$100 / $80 for members. Register HERE

Book Recommendations
2024-09-29 | Virtual Event
Monthly Book Recommendations:
Some ideas we’re thinking about to build community. A few of our favorites and a few in the stack by our nightstand. Let’s READ!

Finding Your Third Place, by Richard Kyte
Do you have a third place? Your first place is home, your second place is work, and your third place is where you go to socialize and build friendships. Yet, for several reasons, many people today find themselves without a third place of their own. At a time when our nation is facing an epidemic of loneliness and communities are suffering from a loss of trust, low levels of engagement, despair, and political polarization, what if the answer to many of our problems lies in a simple idea? What if we just need to pay attention to the places where we find ourselves?
Great Good Place by Ray Oldenburg
“Third places,” or “great good places,” are the many public places where people can gather, put aside the concerns of home and work (their first and second places), and hang out simply for the pleasures of good company and lively conversation. They are the heart of a community’s social vitality and the grassroots of a democracy.
Celebrating the Third Place: Inspiring Stories about the Great Good Places at the Heart of Our Communities by Ray Oldenburg
The time has come to celebrate the many third places that dot the American landscape and foster civic life. With 20 black-and-white photographs, Celebrating the Third Place brings together fifteen firsthand accounts by proprietors of third places, as well as appreciations by fans who have made spending time at these hangouts a regular part of their lives.
A Place to Belong: Celebrating Diversity & Kinship in the Home and Beyond by Amber O’Neal Johnston
A guide for families of all backgrounds to celebrate cultural heritage and embrace inclusivity in the home and beyond.
Gone are the days when socially conscious parents felt comfortable teaching their children to merely tolerate others. Instead, they are looking for a way to authentically embrace the fullness of their diverse communities. A Place to Belong offers a path forward for families to honor their cultural heritage and champion diversity in the context of daily family life

Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It by Jennifer Breheny Wallace
In the ever more competitive race to secure the best possible future, today’s students face unprecedented pressure to succeed. The pressure to perform is not a matter of parental choice but baked in to our larger society and spurred by increasing income inequality and dwindling opportunities. As a result, children are increasingly absorbing the message that they have no value outside of their accomplishments, a message that is reinforced by the media and greater culture at large. In an ironic twist, kids who receive consistent feedback that they matter no matter what are more likely to have the resilience, self-confidence, and psychological security to thrive.

Let Grow Play Club: October
2024-10-02 13:00 - 15:00 | In Person
Let Grow Play Club: Owens Field
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednsday, October 2, 1-3 pm
FREE — All ages
This activity *IS* hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers, but there is no sign up necessary. Just show up but there is a sign up form so we can send you a reminder about the location details each week.
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+). Families with younger siblings are also welcome, though.
We hope to see this grow and expand to more projects and activities thru the summer to develop interpersonal connections as well as personal agency. We’re meeting up on WEDNESDAYs at 1 pm in October.
Let Grow Play Club WEDNESDAYS 1-3 pm now thru May
October’s Location: Owens Field Skate Park 1351 Jim Hamilton Blvd, Columbia, SC 29205
Bring: yard games, balls/frisbies, bubbles, nerf blasters, sidewalk chalk, table games/activities, scooters, skate boards, bikes.
Parents also bring beach chairs, sunscreen, bottled water and snacks.
For more information about the “Let Grow” initiative, Click HERE
Contact Kim with any questions or to brainstorm ideas: colacityinfo@gmail.com
Call or Text if you get lost along the way: 803-307-4880
Sign up here so we can keep an eye out for you and send you meet-up reminders:
Loading…

Let Grow Play Club: October
2024-10-09 13:00 - 15:00 | In Person
Let Grow Play Club: Owens Field
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednsday, October 9, 1-3 pm
FREE — All ages
This activity *IS* hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers, but there is no sign up necessary. Just show up but there is a sign up form so we can send you a reminder about the location details each week.
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+). Families with younger siblings are also welcome, though.
We hope to see this grow and expand to more projects and activities thru the summer to develop interpersonal connections as well as personal agency. We’re meeting up on WEDNESDAYs at 1 pm in October.
Let Grow Play Club WEDNESDAYS 1-3 pm now thru May
October’s Location: Owens Field Skate Park 1351 Jim Hamilton Blvd, Columbia, SC 29205
Bring: yard games, balls/frisbies, bubbles, nerf blasters, sidewalk chalk, table games/activities, scooters, skate boards, bikes.
Parents also bring beach chairs, sunscreen, bottled water and snacks.
For more information about the “Let Grow” initiative, Click HERE
Contact Kim with any questions or to brainstorm ideas: colacityinfo@gmail.com
Call or Text if you get lost along the way: 803-307-4880
Sign up here so we can keep an eye out for you and send you meet-up reminders:
Loading…

Let Grow Play Club: October
2024-10-16 13:00 - 15:00 | In Person
Let Grow Play Club: Owens Field
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Wednesday, October 16, 1-3 pm
FREE — All ages
This activity *IS* hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers, but there is no sign up necessary. Just show up but there is a sign up form so we can send you a reminder about the location details each week.
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+). Families with younger siblings are also welcome, though.
We hope to see this grow and expand to more projects and activities thru the summer to develop interpersonal connections as well as personal agency. We’re meeting up on WEDNESDAYs at 1 pm in October.
Let Grow Play Club WEDNESDAYS 1-3 pm now thru May
October’s Location: Owens Field Skate Park 1351 Jim Hamilton Blvd, Columbia, SC 29205
Bring: yard games, balls/frisbies, bubbles, nerf blasters, sidewalk chalk, table games/activities, scooters, skate boards, bikes.
Parents also bring beach chairs, sunscreen, bottled water and snacks.
For more information about the “Let Grow” initiative, Click HERE
Contact Kim with any questions or to brainstorm ideas: colacityinfo@gmail.com
Call or Text if you get lost along the way: 803-307-4880
Sign up here so we can keep an eye out for you and send you meet-up reminders:
Loading…

ACT Webinar: Choosing the "Right" College
2024-10-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Choosing the “Right” College
by ACT & CollegeWise
Wednesday, Oct 16 @7pm EST
FREE — Teens/Parents
Note: This event is *NOT* hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. Contact ACT for more information
Finding Your Fit: Researching & Choosing the Right College
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 – 6:00 p.m. CT/7:00 p.m. ET

About this session: With over 4,000 universities just in the US, it’s no wonder most students feel overwhelmed by the research process to find the right schools. Where do you even begin?
In this webinar, Collegewise admission experts will be sharing top tips on how to effectively conduct college research and solidify a well-rounded list of schools. We want every student to be thrilled about their options.
By the end of the session, you will discover:

How to do robust and effective research
What factors to consider when conducting college research
How to maximize college visits
How to create a balanced college list that includes likely, target, and reach schools
How to find schools that are the right fit for your personality, aspirations, and budget

College research doesn’t have to be so complicated, and with Collegewise expert advice, you’ll be all set to approach it with a greater sense of confidence.
Register now and secure your seat!

Intuitive Painting 101
2024-10-19 10:00 - 16:00
Intuitive Painting 101
by Columbia Museum of Art
Saturday, Oct 19th @10am
Teens/Parents — $72-90
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
Explore the meditative process of painting. Students experiment with paint in a creative environment while taking inspiration from French Moderns and the CMA Collection. Taught by local art educator Mary Hendrix, who holds a bachelor’s degree in art from East Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in teaching from the University of South Carolina. Ages 15 and up. All materials included.
$90 / $72 for members.
Register HERE
