Teen Club & Discord Chat
by Cola City PLUS

Is your teen looking for social connections? You mention some cool activities going on, but they want to know–“Who’s gonna be there?” It’s a trend we’ve noticed, too!

So, here’s a place to help our teens connect, meet others with common interests and keep up with calendar events–and find out who’s gonna be there!

Code of conduct and conflict agreement will be coming soon. We’re stream lining parent communications thru the Cola City/Our School Hangout App, too.

Fill out the interest form below to get started. Contact colacityinfo@gmail.com with questions.

Kids Market @Cola City Expo
Saturday, June 27 from 10am-1pm
Ages 5-17 — $25/booth

Kids Market is a one-day, in-person event where children ages 5–17 run their own small businesses. Kids sell products or services they’ve created, interact with real customers, and experience what it’s like to earn money through their own efforts.

Each market is community-focused, family-friendly, and built to help kids grow confidence through real-world experience.

Click here to watch a short video about the Kids Market.

Market ideas can include handmade items, store-bought, food, games or services. HINT: Cola City Homeschool Expo attendess are especially looking for used books and curriculum materials!

Does your child have a business idea they’ve been wanting to try? Let them launch it at the Cola City Homeschool Expo! The homeschool expo is a well-loved resource in the community. It draws families who are actively looking for resources and creative opportunities, which make it an incredible place for kids to practice selling, build confidence, and showcase what they’ve created.

CLICK HERE to REGISTER

>>Go Back to the Expo HOME PAGE<<

Cola City Homeschool Expo 2026
Frequently Asked Questions

Saturday, June 27th, 10 am-4 pm at
Jamil Center, 206 Jamil Road, Columbia, SC 29210

Admission: $7/Individual or $10/Family; Kids/Teens-Free

Whether you’re considering homeschooling, new to it, or a seasoned homeschooler, Cola City Homeschool Expo 2026 is the place to Connect, Expand, and Thrive!

This year’s theme, “Grow Your Village” celebrates building strong community connections while exploring diverse learning resources. Our Expo is designed to create a welcoming space where every family, learner, and educator feels included, valued, and inspired to discover new ideas.

Here’s some FAQs for what to expect from the Cola City Homeschool Expo.

Is this Expo for me? Whether you are new or experienced, or just considering homeschooling–there will be lots of resources and information for any one. Also lots of information for public/private school parents and teachers looking for supplemental opportunities.

What can I expect from this Expo? Cola City Expo strives to facilitate meaningful connections that encourage, equip and empower you on your educational journey. We invite you to linger at the activity stations, not just buzz thru the vendor hall. Many of our vendors are able to cross-promote other vendors that may also be good contacts for you. We value the local community and connections to Grow Your Village: Connect, Expand and Thrive. 

Is it a family event? Yes! Bring your kids, if you want. There’s interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities throughout the day. There’s lots of freebies and giveaways, too. A lot is geared for parent-educators, but there’s plenty for the kids to do with you, too.

Will there be lunch available? A food truck is scheduled to be available near the entrance all day. Kid Market entrepreneurs also have a variety of snacks and refreshments till 1 pm. 

Is this event secular or religious? Is it polically biased? The event is inclusive and diverse event, and will be respectful of all other vendors, hosts and attendees.

• Inclusive/non-religious: Meaning you don’t have to leave your faith at the door, but you also don’t have to bring one. Some vendors are specifically Christian, others are specifically secular.  
• Diversity and mutual respect:  No materials, signage or discourse that might be inflammatory or incendiary. Complaints or concerns will be directed to Expo hosts (SC Connection and Cola City Homeschoolers).

What is the fee for attending? Individual $7 — Family/$10 — Children/Teens: Free. Parking is free. 

Whatis included with admission ticket? Admission includes networking with over 70 vendors and Kid Market Entreprenuers. Information/Help Desk for event orientation tutorial to help you plan your self-guided tour of vendors and activities.

• Quest Category Lists to connect with vendors who can assist with Getting Started, High School/Beyond, Disabiilities/Special Education, ESTF Service Providers, Secular/Non-Religious, Multi-Cultural/Afro-Centric, Local Classes/Activities, and more!
• Interactive Demonstrations and Hands-On Activities
• Exclusive Giveaways: Doorbusters and Prize Drawings during the event (must be present to win).
• Digital Grab Bag: Dozens of Free Printables and Offers to unpack at home. 
• Virtual Workshop Package of pre-recorded tutorials to watch/replay. 
• Valued at over $100

Can I volunteer instead of paying admission fees? Sure! Volunteering is a great way to connect with others, too.  Volunteer for a 3-hour shift Click HERE  

>> BACK to HOME PAGE <<
>> Join Cola City PLUS <<

The struggle is real:

Finding interesting activities, kids that your kids like, and moms that you like. Plus coordinating schedules and paying for the fees. Then, what happens when conflicts arise or your friends move away?

Finding a group makes you feel like you’re Goldilocks. This one’s too big; that one’s too small. Or too quiet or too loud. Or too far away or too expensive. You can’t find one that fits just right.

Cola City PLUS strives to build community where we can grow and thrive. We aren’t offering a polished menu of opportunities and a set schedule (yet). We’re inviting you to catch the vision for a new kind of collaboration. A place where you belong.

• We’re committed to creating an environment that celebrates a variety of unique perspectives. backgrounds, and identities of all people, embracing diversity as a cornerstone of our success.
• We strive to cultivate an atmosphere of belonging, where everyone has equitable opportunities to thrive, contribute, and reach their full potential.
• We are championing inclusivity and affirming the dignity of every person.
• We aim to inspire positive change and build a brighter, more harmonious future for all.

It starts with a mindshift around our shared values, diverse perspectives and mutual respect. This requires active participation for self-reflection, willingness to learn and grow. We’re learning together.

PLUS: Parents + Learning…that’s US!  Monthly reading challenge and discussion themes serve as the basis for collaborative efforts.  Weekly emails and online discussion forums make it easy to access at your convenience.

Do Less–Get More: Ideas & Brainstorming. If we all contribute a little bit, we’ll get more out of it–without getting burned out. Regularly scheduled zoom sessions to facilitate planning, team building and practical implementation. Do your kids have ideas too? We want to give them agency to bring those ideas to life.

Conflict Resolution: Where two or three are gathered, there will be conflict. So, we aren’t surprised when it occurs within our community. But, we’re committed to working thru our differences and repairing relationships with each other.

Ready to get started? It’s $5/month. You get a weekly email, access to the Cola City Plus App, monthly planning meeting, plus free bonus printables.

Click HERE to set up your account
at Our School Hangout

More Than Activities. A Place to Belong.

Cola City PLUS is a collaborative homeschool social club focused on meaningful connection, shared learning, and community-building.

Through reading discussions, collaborative planning, and member-led opportunities, we’re creating a space where homeschool families can connect, grow, and thrive together. Third Place theory and Let Grow Play initiative encourage our youth to develop greater agency, independence, creativity, and confidence through mixed-age, unstructured play.

Planning regular opportunities for homeschool families to gather in welcoming public spaces where people are free to come and go, connect naturally, and build relationships over time. Our goal is not to over-structure every moment, but to create environments where authentic community can grow.

Inclusive. Intentional. Community-driven.

Membership is just $5/month to join the private app at Our School Hangout. Set up your account for a free peek inside the app.

Click HERE to set up your account
at Our School Hangout

Read more at Cola City Homeschoolers:
What are you gonna do about socialization?

Cola City Homeschool Expo 2026
In-Person Vendors

Saturday, June 27th, 10 am-4 pm at
Jamil Center, 206 Jamil Road, Columbia, SC 29210

Vendor Registration Options: note all vendors have access to free wi-fi; tablecloths/coverings not included.
Spaces are limited–hurry before it’s too late! Late Registration closes on June 15.

• SOLD OUT Premium Perimeter Space 10×10 (best value), $250: includes 8-foot table, 2 chairs, electricity access, with linkback on Expo directory and one vendor shout-out on Facebook event. Located along the perimeter wall for maximum visibility. Offers floor space to bring your own additional tables/shelves/displays in the designated area.
• SOLD OUT Economy Perimeter Space 8×6, $125:  includes 8-foot table, 1 chair, no electricity access, with linkback on Expo directory and one vendor shout-out on Facebook event. Located along the shopping perimeter interior side (not on the wall). Allows enough floor space to bring your own additional tables/shelves/displays in the designated area.
• CLOSED/Sold Out: Table Only Budget Space, $75 LATE REGISTRATION: includes 8-foot table, with linkback on Expo directory and one vendor shout-out on Facebook event. No electricity access or chair provided. Located on the interior shopping aisles. All signs and items must fit on or under the table.

Virtual Sponsors Promotional Add-On Options: Business participants who cannot attend in person can still get promotions, in order to make meaningful connections with our local homeschool community: Click HERE for Virtual Sponsor Registration and Add-On Promotions

Vendor Registration is Closed for the 2026 Cola City Homeschool Expo.
Check back for 2027.

Cola City Homeschool Expo 2026
Virtual Sponsor Registration

Saturday, June 27th, 10 am-4 pm at
Jamil Center, 206 Jamil Road, Columbia, SC 29210

Virtual Sponsors Promotional Options: Business participants who *cannot* attend in person can still get promotions, in order to make meaningful connections with our local homeschool community. Virtual Sponsor do NOT include in-person table space. 

• Basic Sponsor Promo package: $60, includes one link back on Expo vendor directory, one sponsor spotlight/shoutout on Facebook event, and the option to add a discount or freebie in our digital grab bag for attendees.
• Economy Sponsor Promo package: $150, includes Basic Promo Package, plus TikTok/Reels photo carousel with music only, with linkback on SC Connection resource hub/blog and shout out in the SC Connection newsletter.
• Premium Sponsor Promo package: $300, includes Economy Promo Package, plus TikTok/Reels photo carousel/video with voice over script and linkback on SC Connection resource hub/blog and shout out in the SC Connection newsletter.
• Donations Door busters and Door prizes, includes linkback on Expo directory and FB event shoutout. Contact colacityinfo@gmail.com for negotiable trades and terms.
• For In-Person Vendor rates: Click Here

Complete this form to secure your virtual promotions at Cola City Homeschool Expo 2026!

The Common Ground Collective is a space for students and parents to come together, connect, and grow. In a world often divided by differences, our mission is to create a joyful and supportive community where we celebrate what makes us unique and discover the common ground that unites us all.

Common Ground Collective

Through engaging discussions, interactive activities, and meaningful connections, we explore topics like empathy, critical thinking, and unpacking biases. Together, we’ll learn how to better understand one another, build kindness into our daily lives, and approach challenges with open minds and open hearts.

Whether you’re looking to foster stronger relationships, deepen your understanding of others, or simply find joy in meaningful conversations, the Common Ground Collective offers a welcoming space to grow, learn, and thrive—together.

Join us as we build bridges, spread kindness, and create a community rooted in understanding and joy!

We’re scheduling bi-weekly for engaging activities and games designed to spark joy, inspire creativity, and strengthen relationships. From STEM stations and dance parties to minute-to-win-it challenges and make-it-take-it crafts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy—fun for all ages! Beyond the fun, we’ll explore meaningful topics like empathy, kindness, and critical thinking, helping us unpack biases and build stronger, more compassionate connections.

Upcoming Schedule

Every other Wednesday of the month. At UU Congregation at 2701 Heyward Street. Register for each activity, so we can get a count of participants. 
January 8: STEM Stations Kick-off Party
January 29: Homeschool Spirit Day & Dance Party
February 5: Minute-to-Win-it Games
February 19: Make-it-Take-it Craft Stations
March 5: TBD
March 19: TBD
April 9: TBD
April 23: TBD
May 7: TBD
May 21: TBD

Let Grow Play Club meets on alternating weeks. It’s 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.

Mark you calendar for Wednesday afternoons!