Lyceum Scholars Application Deadline
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 10:00 - 11:00 UTC
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 19:30 - 20:30
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
2023-12-15 | 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 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-01-17 10:00 - 11:00
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!)

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:

Behavior Dysregulation & De-escalation Strategies Workshop
2023-12-20 17:00 - 18:00
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 17:30 - 19:00 | 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 08:00 - 09:00
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 10:00 - 23:00

FREE First Thursday by Columbia Museum of Art
2024-01-04 10:00 - 19:30
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!

Homeschool Hub at Chapin Branch Library
2024-01-04 18:00 - 19:00
Homeschool Hub
by Chapin Branch Library
Monday, Jan 4th @6pm
FREE — Parents
Lisa Baghdady, veteran homeschooling mother of six, co-director and high school English instructor at Dutch Fork Homeschool Resource Center, a tutoring center for homeschoolers, and a freelance copyeditor/proofreader and writer will be here to discuss all things homeschooling English/Language Arts for all ages. Bring your questions— she’s got answers!
Contact the branch if an individual with a disability needs reasonable accommodations or support.
Chapin Branch Library is located at 129 NW Columbia Ave, Chapin, SC
More info on the Chapin Branch Library HERE

Firefly Game Day
2024-01-05 12:00 - 14:00, 2024-02-02 12:00 - 14:00
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.

SC Military Museum STEM: The Darkest Dark
2024-01-11 10:30 - 11:30
STEM series: The Darkest Dark
by SC Military Museum
Thursday, Jan 11th @10:30am
FREE — K-5th

Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
SCMM’s Homeschool STEM series takes place most Thursdays at 10:30am and consists of a short lesson and hands-on activity.
Space is limited to the first 20 registrants. Registration is required for all participants (students)- adults do not need to register.
Adults are expected to stay with and assist their students throughout the class. All ages and abilities welcome, most lessons are appropriate for K through 5th grade.
Classes last approximately one hour.
Registered participants are asked to cancel their registration in a timely manner if plans change or they are unable to fulfil their spot so that other participants may attend.
Please contact Jennifer at 803-299-2730 or jennifer.gossett@scmd.sc.gov with any questions.
SC Military Museum is located at 1 National Guard Rd Columbia, SC 29201

MLK Day at Columbia Museum of Art- FREE
2024-01-15 12:00 - 17:00
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
by Columbia Museum of Art
Monday, Jan 15th @12pm
FREE — All Ages
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the CMA is open with free admission and hosting special MLK Day programming. Don’t miss FAAAC presents A Storytelling Celebration, featuring line dancing on Boyd Plaza hosted by Franklin Jones beginning at 1:00 and a storytelling celebration beginning at 1:30. Free admission supported by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.
Columbia Museum of Art is located at 1515 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
More info about the Museum and this free event here!

Managing Eco-Anxiety- Virtual Workshop
2024-01-16 19:00 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Managing Eco-Anxiety through Outdoor Learning
by Outdoor Learning Store
Tuesday, Jan 16 @7pm
FREE — Parent/Educators
Note: This is NOT a Cola City Event. For more information, contact The Outdoor Learning Store Workshop Series.
The Outdoor Learning Virtual Workshop Seasonal Series

We are excited to offer this series in partnership with Take Me Outside and our Outdoor Learning Partners!

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 7pm Eastern
For those who can’t attend live these will each be recorded and posted on our Recordings Page
Following the workshop, participants will receive a link through which they can access a Certificate of Attendance
Subscribe to our seasonal updates to stay in the loop on these and future workshops

With Educators and Earth Rangers, Stephanie Doyle and Nicole Forsyth

When kids are worried about the environment, they can feel scared, overwhelmed and even hopeless. This is called eco-anxiety. But what can we do about it?
How about turning Eco-Anxiety into Eco-Action? Eco-anxiety is a valid response to the real challenges our kids see around them. As adults, our job isn’t to make their concerns go away; it’s to help channel them into positive action. Join Stephanie and Nicole who will share research and practical ways on how Outdoor Learning and Environmental Action can help to manage Eco-Anxiety.
Stephanie Doyle, PhD, is the Education Programs Manager at Earth Rangers. Earth Rangers Homeroom supports K-6 educators in transforming children’s concerns about the environment into positive action through classroom resources, an eco clubs program and the “Eco-Anxiety to Eco-Action” micro-credential.
Nicole Forsyth is the Managing Director for Earth Rangers, USA, a nonprofit committed to instilling environmental knowledge, positivity, and the confidence to take action in every child in Canada and now the United States.
All registrants will be entered to win some great draw prizes! Following the workshop, you will receive a discount code to access the resources shared, the recording, and a link to access your Certificate of Attendance.
Learn more from Earth Rangers Experts in our:

‘Eco Anxiety to Eco Action’ Podcast Episode

Take Action with Climate Education:

Groundswell: Indigenous Knowledge and a Call to Action for Climate Change
Teaching Kids about Climate Change
Teaching Teens About Climate Change

Kid Inventor's Day FREE Printable
2024-01-17 08:00 - 17:00
Kid Inventor’s Day printable
by Chalkboard Academy on TPT
Wednesday, Jan 17th
FREE — K-5
Note: This is NOT a Cola City Event
January 17 is Kid Inventors’ Day (KID), a day to encourage all the children in your life to think outside the box and invent something. Did you know… that the snowmobile, popsicles, and braille were all invented by children? The unofficial holiday commemorates the birthday of all-around genius and kid inventor, Benjamin Franklin, and celebrates kid inventors around the world. It also aims to encourage children to be curious about the world around them and to be creative when solving problems. Franklin, one of the most prolific persons in history was responsible for inventing the precursor to the swimming flippers at the age of eleven, a year after he stopped going to school. His invention was made for the hands instead of the feet.
This Create Your Own Invention Worksheet combines creative writing, science and math! The creative thinking opportunity makes this the perfect science bellringer worksheet for elementary aged students.
Find the link here.

SC Military Museum STEM: Air Powered Rockets
2024-01-18 10:30 - 11:30
STEM Series: Air Powered Rockets
by SC Military Museum
Thursday, Jan 18th @10:30am
FREE — K-5th

Note: This is NOT a Cola City Event.
SCMM’s Homeschool STEM series takes place most Thursdays at 10:30am and consists of a short lesson and hands-on activity.
Space is limited to the first 20 registrants. Registration is required for all participants (students)- adults do not need to register.
Adults are expected to stay with and assist their students throughout the class. All ages and abilities welcome, most lessons are appropriate for K through 5th grade.
Classes last approximately one hour.
Registered participants are asked to cancel their registration in a timely manner if plans change or they are unable to fulfil their spot so that other participants may attend.
Please contact Jennifer at 803-299-2730 or jennifer.gossett@scmd.sc.gov with any questions.
SC Military Museum is located at 1 National Guard Rd Columbia, SC 29201

Homeschool Skate at Three Fountains Recreation
2024-01-19 13:00 - 16:00
Homeschool Skate
by Three Fountains Recreation
Friday, Jan 19th @1pm
All Ages — $5
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
Come hang out for skating and mini golf with fellow homeschoolers on Friday, January 19th from 1-4pm. Regular skate rental included, bring your homeschool friends and your association card!
More info about Three Fountains Recreation here. This facility is located at 2724 Emmanuel Church Road, West Columbia, SC.

Envirothon Coach's Training
2024-01-22 00:00 - 23:59 | In Person
Envirothon Coach’s Training
Saturday, February 3 from 8:45-2:30
FREE — Educator/Parent
REGISTER by Jan 22: HERE
NOTE: This is not hosted by Cola City homeschoolers, but we are looking for a volunteer who would like to facilitate a team for Cola City.
SC Envirothon (environmental science competition for high school students) will be held on April 26. Training for coaches is on February 3 from 8:45-2:30 (FREE) and lunch is provided. Richland County coaches may be eligible for a $500 stipend.
Details at: https://www.dnr.sc.gov/education/Envirothon/
Anyone want to facilitate a team? The training is FREE, so you can find out what all you need to do (how many students we need to recruit). There’s no obligation to bring a team to the competition in April, either.
SC Envirothon Training Trunks are available for coaches to borrow from local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Trunks are filled with professional environmental tools and activities to prepare students for practical portions of the competition. Plus additional resources, including training videos and PDFs, registration materials, and event information. I could be willing to partner as a support for the coach–if you want, too.
Coaches registration deadline: January 22!

During the Envirothon, high school student teams are tested on their knowledge of five areas of environmental science (wildlife, forestry, soil science, aquatics, and a current topic) and their performance on an oral presentation. Teams consist of 3-5 students plus an alternate (optional) in grades 9-12. Each team must have the support of a team coach.
The 2024 Competition Theme is “Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future.”

The Festival of Storytellers- Virtual Book Festival
2024-01-22 08:00 - 2024-02-04 22:00
The Festival of Storytellers
by Reader’s Magnet
Jan 22nd- Feb 4th
FREE — All Ages
Note: This is NOT a Cola City Event.

Calling all book lovers! It’s time to mark your calendars for the next chapter of the Festival of Storytellers!

From January 22 to February 4, we’ll be bringing back all the amazing features from our last event, but with an enhanced user experience for all ages.

We’re talking about more interactive sessions, immersive experiences, and new ways to connect with your favorite authors and fellow bookworms.

Our team has been working tirelessly to curate an unforgettable two weeks of literary magic, and we can’t wait to share it with you. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of fiction, a history buff, or a lover of poetry and prose, there’s something for everyone at the Festival of Storytellers.

Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as we get closer to the event.

But in the meantime, start making your reading list and get ready to join us for two weeks of storytelling that you won’t want to miss.

See you there, book lovers!
Register HERE for the Biggest Virtual Book Festival

Campus Preview @CSU
2024-01-24 | In Person
A Day in the Life Campus Preview
by Charleston Southern University
Wednesday, January 24
High School Seniors — Free
Note: This is NOT a Cola City Event. Contact Charleston Southern for more details and registration.
This special event is intended for high school seniors who are interested in Nursing or Science/Math majors. Come attend Chapel, sit in on actual classes, and more! This event will allow you to get a taste of everyday life as a Buccaneer. Sign up for A Day in the Life below!
Click HERE

School Choice Rally at State House
2024-01-26 09:00 - 12:00
School Choice Rally at State House
by Charleston RISE & SC Education Choice Coalition
Friday, Jan 26th @ 9am
All Ages — FREE

Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.

Please join Charleston RISE, the South Carolina Education Choice Coalition and National School Choice Awareness Foundation on January 26th, 2024 9:00am – 12:00pm for a celebration of school choice! Hosted at the University of South Carolina Alumni Center, this event will begin with a talent showcase from 9:30am – 10:30am featuring students from across the state. At 10:45am, we will continue with a spirit-filled march to the State Capitol Building for a celebration program running from 11:00am to 12:00pm. We will celebrate students’ access to school choice with a Proclamation from the governor and hear speeches from parents and students to share their school choice story!
Later in the day at the Alumni Center, there will be a presentation for parents on school choice public policy change.
This event is FREE
Check here for more info on this event, and here for a link to a parent workshop!

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:

FREE Black History Month Bite-sized Bios
2024-02-01 08:00 - 09:00
Black History Month Bite-sized Bios
by SC Military Museum
Thursday, Feb 1st
FREE — All Ages
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
Bite-sized biographies of 11 African Americans from South Carolina with military connections.
This is a free PDF lesson offered by SC Military Museum through Teachers Pay Teachers. Find the resource HERE.

SC Black History Icons by SC Military Museum
2024-02-01 09:00 - 10:00
South Carolina Black History Icons
by SC Military Museum
Thursday, Feb 1st
FREE — All Ages
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
This is an interactive resource that can be used directly with students. It highlights 18 Black South Carolinians from all areas of industry.
A FREE PDF lesson is included here, made available by the SC Military Museum to celebrate Black History Month.

Groundhog Day FREE printable
2024-02-02 08:00 - 09:00
Groundhog Day Fact Book
by Teachers Pay Teachers
Friday, Feb 2nd
FREE — K-3
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
This Mini Groundhog Day Fact Book is a fun way to review facts about groundhogs and Groundhog Day! Each page has a topic tab and facts!
This freebie is part of a larger pack that is an optional purchase($4) on the website by The Curious Hippo.

Kroger Chef Junior: Pineapple Salsa
2024-02-03 09:00 - 13:00
Chef Junior: Pineapple Salsa
by Kroger
Saturday, Feb 3rd @ 9am
All Ages — $7
Note: This is NOT a Cola City event.
Join us on Saturday, February 3rd or Saturday, February 17th, and your kids can learn how to make delicious Pineapple Salsa! A Kroger Chef will guide your child as they learn to create this sweet and savory dip. In addition, your child will receive a recipe card, apron, chef hat, recipe box, badge, and Kroger Chef Junior Chopper to add to their kitchen tool collection!
There are several locations and times to choose from, register HERE!
