Events Calendar
Click each link below to find events for upcoming months.- May 2012
- June 2012
- July 2012
- August 2012
- September 2012
- Conferences, Workshops, and Used Curriculum Sales
May Events
Madagascar Journey - SC Aquarium
May 5 (Grand Opening)
The South Carolina Aquarium will give guests the opportunity to embark on their own Madagascar Journey. Stamped passport, mesh safari hat, and little sister in hand, visitors will travel through the planet’s richest landscape, exploring Madagascar’s sundry environment, wild species, vibrant flora, and natural secrets. Guests of all ages will delight as they come face to face with lemurs, eye to eye with chameleons and nose to nose with some of the world’s most colorful fish. For more information, visit their website or call 843.577.3474.
Storyland - EdVenture Children’s Museum
through May 6
Take a journey through some of the best-loved children’s books when you visit Storyland, a three-dimensional playland where books come alive. This colorful, interactive traveling exhibit is designed to encourage a love of reading and enhance early literacy skills for children birth to 8 years old. Storyland transforms seven award-winning picture books into interactive environments that allow children to learn while they play. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter; The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats; Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill; If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff; Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault; Abuela by Arthur Dorros; and Tuesday by David Wiesner are featured in this bi-lingual (English and Spanish) experience. For more information, visit their website.
Little Sprouts: Super Seeds
May 6
Search out the secrets of seeds at Historic Yates Mill on May 6 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Dissect a lima bean then make your own seed balls to plant wherever you like! Learn why plants are important, especially around ponds. Then go on a walk to count how many plants you see. For more information, visit their website..
Get Out & Stay Out! Enjoying Nature with Your Children
May 6
Visit Historic Yates Mill on May 6 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm to learn how to enjoy nature with your children. Briefly head indoors to hear about how you can enjoy nature in all seasons, whether you’re a parent, grandparent or other caretaker. Then go outside for some hands-on practice of nature skills. For more information, visit their website.
The Little Red Hen and Her Friends
May 7
Get your preschoolers excited about adventures in baking at Historic Yates Mill on May 7 from 10:00 am to noon. Join the Little Red Hen as she grinds wheat, visits the mill and collects ingredients for a special surprise! This program includes a visit inside the mill, story time and a craft. For more information, visit their website.
Children's and Chamber Choir Spring Concert
May 11
The Greater Columbia Children's and Chamber Choir invites homeschooling families to their Spring Concert on Friday, May 11 at 7:30 pm at the University of South Carolina School of Music located at 813 Assembly Street (corner of College St) in downtown Columbia, to the right of the Koger Center. The auditorium is on the second floor. Admission is free.
Mother’s May Day Hike
May 13
Honor your mother and Mother Nature by taking a walk together around the mill pond at Historic Yates Mill from 11:00 am to noon on May 13. See what wildlife is out and about, and learn about the kinds of baby animals and their moms that call the park home. For more information, visit their website.
Discovery Place Homeschool Programs
May 14
Discovery Place in Charlotte, NC, provides science classes the second Monday of each month in their state-of-the-art labs and classrooms. Taught by trained science educators, their homeschool programs offer in-depth exploration of a different topic each month. With classes for three different age levels (K-2, 3-5, 6-8) offered all at the same time, siblings can come to Discovery Place together and all experience a unique, curriculum-enriching experience. Classes run through June 4. For more information and a list of topics, see their homeschool guide.
Animal Adaptations
May 16
How are animals able to survive in the wild? Find out at Historic Yates Mill on May 16 from 2:00 to 3:30 pm. This program looks at the variety of adaptations that make living possible through stories, an interactive nature hike, and the study of animal mounts and other natural objects. For more information, visit their website.
How Great Thou Art – Art Lessons
May 17-19
Barry and Saundra Stebbing are offering their “How Great Thou Art” art lessons on May 17-19 from 1:00 to 3:30 pm at Jefferson Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, in Jefferson SC. The cost is $25 per student, ages 5-adult. This 3-day class is specifically designed to inspire, encourage, and educate homeschool students in the fine arts. Subjects Covered include art appreciation, beginning drawing, beginning painting, an introduction to techniques and methods with colored markers and colored pencils. For more information and to sign up, contact Kasey Burnett at 843.658.3021 or 704.516.8010.
World Turtle Day Celebration - SC Aquarium
May 19
Turtles are terrific! Celebrate this special day for turtles at the South Carolina Aquarium from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm! Fun for the whole family; take one of the four tours of the Sea Turtle Hospital available throughout the day. Tour tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids in addition to ticket cost. For more information, visit their website or call 843.577.3474.
Nature's Babies
May 19
Nature’s Babies- Spring has sprung and babies have been born! Get up close to the Charlotte Nature Museum’s spring arrivals on Saturday, May 19 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Visitors will see young turtles and learn what different animals need to survive and thrive. This event is free with Museum admission. For more information call 704.372.6261 x300 or email charlottenaturemuseum.org.
Wood-Working and Foot-Powered Tools
May 19
Visit Historic Yates Mill on May 19 and watch a live demonstration of traditional woodworking techniques. Visitors will explore some of the foot powered equipment that has traditionally been used in a woodworker’s workshop. Ongoing from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit their website.
Paddle the Pond – Canoeing!
May 19
Come out to Yates Mill Pond on May 19 for a canoe float from 9:00 to 10:00 am or 10:30 to 11:30 am. After basic instruction, explore the pond’s many features as seen only from the water. Canoes, paddles and life jackets will be provided. This program is subject to suitable weather conditions. For more information, visit their website.
George Washington Slept Here
May 19
Visit the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site for their free family fun day on Saturday, May 19, from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Meet at the film room/Dog Trot on the lower grounds of Historic Camden for an adventure into the past! Learn about George Washington and hear what he thought of Camden when he visited in 1791. A story, colonial games, and a craft will be offered. If rain, there will be stories and other fun indoor activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 803.432.9841 or visit their website.
NCHE Conference
May 24-26
North Carolinians for Home Education will hold their annual conference on May 24-26 in 2012. They’ll offer homeschooling workshops, curriculum vendors, and teen and alumni activities, such as games, dancing, and fellowship, and a graduation ceremony. For more information and to register, visit their website.
IHM Carolina Homeschool and Parent Conference
May 25
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Coalition is excited to announce its first annual conference in the Carolinas. This event offers free admission and is designed for Catholic homeschooling parents and those interested in learning more about Catholic homeschooling. Held on the campus of Belmont Abbey College near Charlotte, NC, the conference will take place on May 25 from 12:00 to 8:00 pm. Several speakers, including well-known author Prof. Joseph Pearce and mother of 12 Mrs. Virginia Seuffert, will present talks and a few vendors will be present to sell books and curriculum materials. For more information, please visit their website.
Solar-Powered Art
May 26
Harness the power of the sun to create one-of-a-kind art with real historical artifacts from the collection at Historic Yates Mill. Flowers, leaves, acorns and other natural objects will be on display on May 26 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. For ages 6 and up, $5 per family or $3 per person. For more information, visit their t their website.
Natalie Daise is "Becoming Harriet Tubman"
May 26-June 3
“Becoming Harriet Tubman” is a one-woman show that tells how one little girl became an historic icon. Through narrative and music, the legend of the former slave-turned abolitionist Harriet Tubman is portrayed. She was a Union spy, the conductor of the Underground Railroad, and fought in the Lowcountry during the Civil War. This play provides insight, entertainment and education for audiences of all ages. Written and performed by Natalie Daise, star of Nick Jr.'s 'Gullah Gullah Island' TV show. During Piccolo Spoleto in Charleston SC, on stage at Threshold Repertory Theatre, 84 1/2 Society Street. Tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for seniors, and $16 for students. For more information, visit their website or call 843.379.2787.
Make Your Move! - EdVenture Children’s Museum
through June 30
Make Your Move! explores the origins of the world’s best-loved games in an exhibit featuring oversized game pieces and play areas that give children a chance to explore the fun of strategic play in a new dimension. This returning exhibit features new additions and enhancements you don’t want to miss. For more information, visit their website.
Recent Additions to the Collection Exhibit
through August 25
The Museum of Anthropology at Wake Forest University showcases recent donations to its permanent collection with this exhibit featuring archaeological and ethnographic artifacts from cultures around the world. Highlights include intricately decorated personal adornment from Papua New Guinea, Tang Dynasty ceramics from China, and saddle rugs from the Salgo Collection. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00am to 4:30pm. Admission is free. For more information call 336.758.5282 or visit their website.
BI-LO Food Detectives Field Trips
through December 2012
Local BI-LO stores are offering an exciting hands-on nutrition field trip for homeschooled children in grades K-5. During this free event, children become BI-LO Food Detectives and discover how health and nutrition go hand-in-hand in the aisles of the grocery store. The trip includes topics about MyPlate, food groups, organics, food safety and pharmacy. Free activity sheets are also available. For more information and to schedule your trips, visit their website or call 800.987.6409.
May 5 (Grand Opening)
The South Carolina Aquarium will give guests the opportunity to embark on their own Madagascar Journey. Stamped passport, mesh safari hat, and little sister in hand, visitors will travel through the planet’s richest landscape, exploring Madagascar’s sundry environment, wild species, vibrant flora, and natural secrets. Guests of all ages will delight as they come face to face with lemurs, eye to eye with chameleons and nose to nose with some of the world’s most colorful fish. For more information, visit their website or call 843.577.3474.
Storyland - EdVenture Children’s Museum
through May 6
Take a journey through some of the best-loved children’s books when you visit Storyland, a three-dimensional playland where books come alive. This colorful, interactive traveling exhibit is designed to encourage a love of reading and enhance early literacy skills for children birth to 8 years old. Storyland transforms seven award-winning picture books into interactive environments that allow children to learn while they play. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter; The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats; Where’s Spot? by Eric Hill; If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff; Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault; Abuela by Arthur Dorros; and Tuesday by David Wiesner are featured in this bi-lingual (English and Spanish) experience. For more information, visit their website.
Little Sprouts: Super Seeds
May 6
Search out the secrets of seeds at Historic Yates Mill on May 6 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Dissect a lima bean then make your own seed balls to plant wherever you like! Learn why plants are important, especially around ponds. Then go on a walk to count how many plants you see. For more information, visit their website..
Get Out & Stay Out! Enjoying Nature with Your Children
May 6
Visit Historic Yates Mill on May 6 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm to learn how to enjoy nature with your children. Briefly head indoors to hear about how you can enjoy nature in all seasons, whether you’re a parent, grandparent or other caretaker. Then go outside for some hands-on practice of nature skills. For more information, visit their website.
The Little Red Hen and Her Friends
May 7
Get your preschoolers excited about adventures in baking at Historic Yates Mill on May 7 from 10:00 am to noon. Join the Little Red Hen as she grinds wheat, visits the mill and collects ingredients for a special surprise! This program includes a visit inside the mill, story time and a craft. For more information, visit their website.
Children's and Chamber Choir Spring Concert
May 11
The Greater Columbia Children's and Chamber Choir invites homeschooling families to their Spring Concert on Friday, May 11 at 7:30 pm at the University of South Carolina School of Music located at 813 Assembly Street (corner of College St) in downtown Columbia, to the right of the Koger Center. The auditorium is on the second floor. Admission is free.
Mother’s May Day Hike
May 13
Honor your mother and Mother Nature by taking a walk together around the mill pond at Historic Yates Mill from 11:00 am to noon on May 13. See what wildlife is out and about, and learn about the kinds of baby animals and their moms that call the park home. For more information, visit their website.
Discovery Place Homeschool Programs
May 14
Discovery Place in Charlotte, NC, provides science classes the second Monday of each month in their state-of-the-art labs and classrooms. Taught by trained science educators, their homeschool programs offer in-depth exploration of a different topic each month. With classes for three different age levels (K-2, 3-5, 6-8) offered all at the same time, siblings can come to Discovery Place together and all experience a unique, curriculum-enriching experience. Classes run through June 4. For more information and a list of topics, see their homeschool guide.
Animal Adaptations
May 16
How are animals able to survive in the wild? Find out at Historic Yates Mill on May 16 from 2:00 to 3:30 pm. This program looks at the variety of adaptations that make living possible through stories, an interactive nature hike, and the study of animal mounts and other natural objects. For more information, visit their website.
How Great Thou Art – Art Lessons
May 17-19
Barry and Saundra Stebbing are offering their “How Great Thou Art” art lessons on May 17-19 from 1:00 to 3:30 pm at Jefferson Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, in Jefferson SC. The cost is $25 per student, ages 5-adult. This 3-day class is specifically designed to inspire, encourage, and educate homeschool students in the fine arts. Subjects Covered include art appreciation, beginning drawing, beginning painting, an introduction to techniques and methods with colored markers and colored pencils. For more information and to sign up, contact Kasey Burnett at 843.658.3021 or 704.516.8010.
World Turtle Day Celebration - SC Aquarium
May 19
Turtles are terrific! Celebrate this special day for turtles at the South Carolina Aquarium from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm! Fun for the whole family; take one of the four tours of the Sea Turtle Hospital available throughout the day. Tour tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids in addition to ticket cost. For more information, visit their website or call 843.577.3474.
Nature's Babies
May 19
Nature’s Babies- Spring has sprung and babies have been born! Get up close to the Charlotte Nature Museum’s spring arrivals on Saturday, May 19 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Visitors will see young turtles and learn what different animals need to survive and thrive. This event is free with Museum admission. For more information call 704.372.6261 x300 or email charlottenaturemuseum.org.
Wood-Working and Foot-Powered Tools
May 19
Visit Historic Yates Mill on May 19 and watch a live demonstration of traditional woodworking techniques. Visitors will explore some of the foot powered equipment that has traditionally been used in a woodworker’s workshop. Ongoing from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. For more information, visit their website.
Paddle the Pond – Canoeing!
May 19
Come out to Yates Mill Pond on May 19 for a canoe float from 9:00 to 10:00 am or 10:30 to 11:30 am. After basic instruction, explore the pond’s many features as seen only from the water. Canoes, paddles and life jackets will be provided. This program is subject to suitable weather conditions. For more information, visit their website.
George Washington Slept Here
May 19
Visit the Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site for their free family fun day on Saturday, May 19, from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Meet at the film room/Dog Trot on the lower grounds of Historic Camden for an adventure into the past! Learn about George Washington and hear what he thought of Camden when he visited in 1791. A story, colonial games, and a craft will be offered. If rain, there will be stories and other fun indoor activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 803.432.9841 or visit their website.
NCHE Conference
May 24-26
North Carolinians for Home Education will hold their annual conference on May 24-26 in 2012. They’ll offer homeschooling workshops, curriculum vendors, and teen and alumni activities, such as games, dancing, and fellowship, and a graduation ceremony. For more information and to register, visit their website.
IHM Carolina Homeschool and Parent Conference
May 25
The Immaculate Heart of Mary Coalition is excited to announce its first annual conference in the Carolinas. This event offers free admission and is designed for Catholic homeschooling parents and those interested in learning more about Catholic homeschooling. Held on the campus of Belmont Abbey College near Charlotte, NC, the conference will take place on May 25 from 12:00 to 8:00 pm. Several speakers, including well-known author Prof. Joseph Pearce and mother of 12 Mrs. Virginia Seuffert, will present talks and a few vendors will be present to sell books and curriculum materials. For more information, please visit their website.
Solar-Powered Art
May 26
Harness the power of the sun to create one-of-a-kind art with real historical artifacts from the collection at Historic Yates Mill. Flowers, leaves, acorns and other natural objects will be on display on May 26 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. For ages 6 and up, $5 per family or $3 per person. For more information, visit their t their website.
Natalie Daise is "Becoming Harriet Tubman"
May 26-June 3
“Becoming Harriet Tubman” is a one-woman show that tells how one little girl became an historic icon. Through narrative and music, the legend of the former slave-turned abolitionist Harriet Tubman is portrayed. She was a Union spy, the conductor of the Underground Railroad, and fought in the Lowcountry during the Civil War. This play provides insight, entertainment and education for audiences of all ages. Written and performed by Natalie Daise, star of Nick Jr.'s 'Gullah Gullah Island' TV show. During Piccolo Spoleto in Charleston SC, on stage at Threshold Repertory Theatre, 84 1/2 Society Street. Tickets are $22 for adults, $19 for seniors, and $16 for students. For more information, visit their website or call 843.379.2787.
Make Your Move! - EdVenture Children’s Museum
through June 30
Make Your Move! explores the origins of the world’s best-loved games in an exhibit featuring oversized game pieces and play areas that give children a chance to explore the fun of strategic play in a new dimension. This returning exhibit features new additions and enhancements you don’t want to miss. For more information, visit their website.
Recent Additions to the Collection Exhibit
through August 25
The Museum of Anthropology at Wake Forest University showcases recent donations to its permanent collection with this exhibit featuring archaeological and ethnographic artifacts from cultures around the world. Highlights include intricately decorated personal adornment from Papua New Guinea, Tang Dynasty ceramics from China, and saddle rugs from the Salgo Collection. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00am to 4:30pm. Admission is free. For more information call 336.758.5282 or visit their website.
BI-LO Food Detectives Field Trips
through December 2012
Local BI-LO stores are offering an exciting hands-on nutrition field trip for homeschooled children in grades K-5. During this free event, children become BI-LO Food Detectives and discover how health and nutrition go hand-in-hand in the aisles of the grocery store. The trip includes topics about MyPlate, food groups, organics, food safety and pharmacy. Free activity sheets are also available. For more information and to schedule your trips, visit their website or call 800.987.6409.
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