The Columbia Urban League’s Youth Development Academy (YDA) Camp offers two-week camp sessions during the summer for 200 youths age 10 to 13.

The camp is designed to teach youths leadership development skills and to promote a culture of high expectations in the following activities: -Reading Comprehension -Health and Wellness -Career Development -Life Skills

Mr. McLawhorn, president and CEO of the Columbia Urban League, said that the camps are important in helping young people develop critical life skills such as value, manners, work ethics, and exposure to careers. These skills are the foundation for becoming productive citizens of society.

On Fridays, students participate in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). STEM Fridays expose and increase student awareness in STEM career pathways. The workshops will provide an opportunity for students to learn about STEM careers and concepts while having fun and being highly engaged in interactive activities.

A team of two STEM teachers and four STEM students from W.J. Keenan High School facilitate workshops at all camp sites. The STEM Friday Camp will be held this Friday, July 15, 2011, at Second Union Baptist Church, 1168 Andrews Road, beginning at 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

For more information, please call Mr. McLawhorn at (803) 331-5264, or Arielle Miller, camp director, at (803) 247-6635.