Book Club for Parents (part 2)
2025-07-29 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Virtual Event
Book Club for Parents
by Cola City PLUS
Tuesdays, July 15 & 29, 1-3 pm
FREE — Parent/Educators
Note: This is a free opportunity with the Cola City PLUS membership. Scroll down to sign up, so you get the zoom link–and more details to get access to the Cola City App!
We’re launching the Cola City PLUS membership with a private app to help streamline communications and activities. This is the chance to get in on the foundation level to build this community resource together!
Book Club topic for July is: A Place to Belong by Amber O’Neal Johnston. If you came to the Expo and got a chance to meet the author, you got a glimpse at her practical ideas of celebrating diversity and kinship in the home and beyond. We want to expand on that to spark meaningful connections with each other locally.
The book is available in print, e-book and audio. There’s a discussion guide to go with it and lots of interactive questions in the book as well.
Get it from the library or with this affiliate referral link.
Zoom discussions on Tuesday, July 15 and July 29 from 1-3pm. Plus, on the Cola City PLUS App. Ready to get started?
Sign up here to reserve your space:

Parent NameThis is an adult discussion group for parents/educators.

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.Are you a BOT or a HUMAN?Please answer this security question to access the submit button. HINT: the answer is HUMAN, Human or human (no space afterwards).
Thanks!

Homeschool Game Day: Firefly
2025-08-01 12:00 - 14:00 | In Person
Homeschool Day
by Firefly Toys & Games
First Friday of the Month
All Ages — Free
Note: This is not a Cola City Event. We are meeting up there–so keep an eye out for other Cola City connections!
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.
We are launching the Cola City PLUS app to streamline communications and registrations. Set up your account to get in on this new opportunity and help build the community together!

Office Hours: Cola City PLUS
2025-08-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Virtual Event
Office Hours: Cola City PLUS
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Friday, August 22 @2pm
FREE — Parent/Educators
Brainstorming, planning and community building time! Come find out more about the *NEW* Cola City PLUS app.
We’ve got lots of ideas–but, we need YOU and your ideas too! Field trips, Clubs, Share Fairs, Market Day, Career Day, Family Dance, Park Meet-ups, and more.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85685414485?pwd=[REDACTED]
Or go to: https://zoom.us/join
Meeting ID: 856 8541 4485
Passcode: [REDACTED]
**************************

If you’re not on the app, yet, set up your free trial account first:CLICK HERE. Once the admin approves your account, you’ll be able to log in to the app. Directions will be emailed to you with instructions.

DISCUS: Open House Workshop
2025-08-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Virtual Event
Discus Open House: Online
by SC State Library
Tuesday, August 26 @2-3pm
FREE — Parent/Educators
NOTE: This is *not* a Cola City event. It’s open to the public. More info click here
Do you know about Discus – South Carolina’s Virtual Library? It’s a FABULOUS resource for your homeschool. Find out more at this Open House Q/A workshop.
Discus Open House: Tuesday, August 26, 2025 2:00PM – 3:00PM Whether you’re new to Discus or a long-time user looking for tips, this is your chance to get personalized support in a flexible, open format. No formal presentation—just answers, demos, and discussion!
Click here to register! https://statelibrary.sc.libcal.com/event/15046270

Minecraft Escape Room Challenge 2
2025-08-29 10:00 - 12:30 | In Person
Minecraft Escape Room Challenge
by Cola City Homeschoolers
Friday, August 29 at 10 am
Ages 7-10 — $10/player
Note: this is a special activity hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. Scroll down to register.
A dangerous presence has infiltrated the SC STATE MUSEUM and your help is needed to defeat it! Search for wandering traders, solve puzzles and collect the necessary supplies to aid you on your heroic journey. Do you have what it takes to save the museum?
** Players: Ages 7-10 can participate in this amazing escape room challenge by Cola City Homeschoolers. Space is limited to 25 players who will be grouped in teams of 5. $10/player/participant.
**Volunteers: We also need volunteers (previous players/teens/parents) to help facilite activities stations as “Wandering Traders.” There’s a question on the sign up sheet to volunteer. Volunteers do not pay the player fee. Any other questions contact: colacityinfo@gmail.com
Recommended: Training/Orientation for Volunteers on Wednesday, August 27 at noonish at Firefly Toys/Games on St. Andrews Road.
**NO DROP-OFFS. Families with younger siblings may explore the museum during the event. But we ask everyone to stay on site. Bring snacks/water if you want. There’s also a cafe/snack bar to purchase refreshments.
**Admission to the museum is free with your homeschool certificate/membership letter. Additional adults or non-homeschooling friends must pay museum admission rates.
We’ll meet on Friday, August 29th at 10 am in the front lobby at the SC State Museum. Located at 301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201.
Look for Angela/Katrina to greet you and to organize into age groups, before you check in with the museum ticket desk.
Registration has closed. Thanks for your interest!
Join the new app, to keep up with the next opportunity:
https://colacity.ourschoolhangout.com/Account-Setup

Firefly Game Day
2025-09-05 12:00 - 14:00 | In Person
Homeschool Game Day
by Firefly Toys & Games
First Friday of the Month
All Ages — Free
Note: This is not a Cola City Event. We are meeting up there–so keep an eye out for other Cola City connections!
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.
We are launching the Cola City PLUS app to streamline communications and registrations. Set up your account to get in on this new opportunity and help build the community together!

Salamander Study part 1
2025-10-16 10:00 - 12:00 | In Person
Salamander Study with Ranger Jay
hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers
Thursday, October 16 at 10 am
$5/participant — Ages 12+
Note: This activity is hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. SCROLL DOWN to reserve your space. It is NOT a drop off event.
Ranger Jay is facilitating a nature study series for ages 12 and up to learn about Salamanders. This project revolves around this important question: How can the presence or absence of salamanders help determine the health of our forest ecosystems?
Data from this study will help the Park visitors understand the value of the salamanders as an indicator species and why our stream habitats are important. This knowledge will help Saluda Riverwalk Park Rangers care and conserve our sensitive stream habitats.
Salamanders’ patterns of population change, when coupled with measurements of their surroundings, will permit the investigation of the effects of geographic location, land management, air quality, vegetation, and associations with other species on salamander population dynamics.
Students will engage in collecting meaningful scientific data about salamander populations. This data will be used as an indication of forest ecosystem health. The series is conducted in 4-parts, continuing thru the seasons of the year.
Part 1: October 16th: Learning about Saluda Riverwalk using maps, biodiversity plots, walking observations and journaling. Students will learn why it is important to study our indicator species such as the salamander to assess the overall health of the ecosystem.
Part 2: November 13th (registration opens after part 1): Introduction to Salamanders. Fieldwork and Data Collection. Students will collect stream data at two to three sites depending on time allowance. We will sample for water quality data such as PH, Temp, and turbidity. Place cover boards for future terrestrial monitoring. Visit stream sites for salamander collection and identification.
Part 3: TBD Winter: 2nd visit for stream data collection. Check cover boards, Check streams for salamander population changes. Develop hypothesis relating to status of salamanders. Is habitat healthy? Are there concerns?
Part 4: TBD Spring: Last Visit for Stream data Collection. Check cover boards. Check streams for salamanders. Record data and draw initial conclusions.
Location: Saluda Riverwalk 650 Candi Lane, Columbia 29210
Restrooms and Parking Lot. Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Sunscreen and water bottles also recommended. Bring your own snacks or bag lunch to hang out on the rocks afterwards, optional.
Look for Angela to greet you–and Ranger Jay. This is not a drop off-event. Parents can chaperone to listen in on the lesson activity too.
Families with younger siblings/non-participants:

You can follow along behind the ranger-led activity–to listen in. There’s a sidewalk if you have younger siblings with a stroller or wagon.
You can go along the walking path for your own nature explorations. Be sure to let Angela (our coordinator) know, so you can meet back when the group activity is concluded.

Sign up below to reserve your space:

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/Tween Participant name and ageTeens/Tweens 12+/High school. Use the plus (+) sign to add rows for additional participants. Parent chaperone verificationWill the parent chaperone with the facilitated group activity or supervise younger siblings? This helps us estimate the total number in the group, as space is limited. Teens/ChaperoneYounger Siblings/Non-ParticipantsCola City PLUS appAre you on the Cola City PLUS app yet? Sign up is free to try now!

Yes, I'm on the app

Not on the app yet
Rander-Led Study Session QuantitySelect the number of middle/high school participants.

Price:
$5.00

Quantity
TotalPlease submit payment to secure space.
$0.00

Nerf Battle & Candy Exchange
2025-10-29 12:00 - 14:00 | In Person
Nerf Battle & Candy Exchange
By Cola City & Akoma Cares
Wednesday, October 29 from noon-2pm
All Ages — FREE
Note: This event is co-hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers and Akoma Cares. Please RSVP here so we know how many are coming! CLICK HERE
💥 Hero vs. Villain Nerf Battle! 💥Get ready for an epic showdown between heroes and villains!
Location: Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Lane. Parking at the lower lot, by the daycare building.
Come dressed as your favorite character (costumes are optional but encouraged!) and bring your own Nerf blasters —just make sure to label your stuff so it makes it home safely.
Some darts will be provided, however, we would love to have more. Please label them if you would like to take them back home.
Eye protection is highly recommended.
Each family should bring a bag of candy to pass out.
Any darts that are not labeled will be collected and saved for our next Nerf event.
>>Click here to RSVP<<

Salamander Study 2
2025-11-13 10:00 - 12:00 | In Person
Salamander Study with Ranger Jay
hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers
Thursday, November 13 at 10 am
$5/participant — Ages 12+
Note: This activity is hosted by Cola City Homeschoolers. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. SCROLL DOWN to reserve your space. It is NOT a drop off event.
Ranger Jay is facilitating a nature study series for ages 12 and up to learn about Salamanders. This project revolves around this important question: How can the presence or absence of salamanders help determine the health of our forest ecosystems?
Data from this study will help the Park visitors understand the value of the salamanders as an indicator species and why our stream habitats are important. This knowledge will help Saluda Riverwalk Park Rangers care and conserve our sensitive stream habitats.
Salamanders’ patterns of population change, when coupled with measurements of their surroundings, will permit the investigation of the effects of geographic location, land management, air quality, vegetation, and associations with other species on salamander population dynamics.
Students will engage in collecting meaningful scientific data about salamander populations. This data will be used as an indication of forest ecosystem health. The series is conducted in 4-parts, continuing thru the seasons of the year.
Part 1: October 16th: Learning about Saluda Riverwalk using maps, biodiversity plots, walking observations and journaling. Students will learn why it is important to study our indicator species such as the salamander to assess the overall health of the ecosystem.
Part 2: November 13th: Introduction to Salamanders. Fieldwork and Data Collection. Students will collect stream data at two to three sites depending on time allowance. We will sample for water quality data such as PH, Temp, and turbidity. Place cover boards for future terrestrial monitoring. Visit stream sites for salamander collection and identification.
Part 3: TBD Winter: 2nd visit for stream data collection. Check cover boards, Check streams for salamander population changes. Develop hypothesis relating to status of salamanders. Is habitat healthy? Are there concerns?
Part 4: TBD Spring: Last Visit for Stream data Collection. Check cover boards. Check streams for salamanders. Record data and draw initial conclusions.
Location: Saluda Riverwalk 650 Candi Lane, Columbia 29210
Restrooms and Parking Lot. Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather appropriate clothing. Sunscreen and water bottles also recommended. Bring your own snacks or bag lunch to hang out on the rocks afterwards, optional.
Look for Angela to greet you–and Ranger Jay. This is not a drop off-event. Parents can chaperone to listen in on the lesson activity too.
Families with younger siblings/non-participants:

You can follow along behind the ranger-led activity–to listen in. There’s a sidewalk if you have younger siblings with a stroller or wagon.
You can go along the walking path for your own nature explorations. Be sure to let Angela (our coordinator) know, so you can meet back when the group activity is concluded.

Sign up below to reserve your space:

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/Tween Participant name and ageTeens/Tweens 12+/High school. Use the plus (+) sign to add rows for additional participants. Parent chaperone verificationWill the parent chaperone with the facilitated group activity or supervise younger siblings? This helps us estimate the total number in the group, as space is limited. Teens/ChaperoneYounger Siblings/Non-ParticipantsCola City PLUS appAre you on the Cola City PLUS app yet? Sign up is free to try now!

Yes, I'm on the app

Not on the app yet
Rander-Led Study Session QuantitySelect the number of middle/high school participants.

Price:
$5.00

Quantity
TotalPlease submit payment to secure space.
$0.00
