CLEMSON, SC - Clemson University’s Youth Learning Institute (YLI) is ready to welcome young campers from South Carolina and beyond. This year YLI will host kids from all 46 counties in South Carolina, from 18 other states and from as far away as Italy, Austria and South Africa.
 
One-week, two-week or 10-day camp sessions are offered June through August. Many sessions are full, but there still are some spots available.
 
While young campers are looking forward to summer adventures and might think their “learning” time is over until next school year, YLI camps offer fun-filled activities with high-quality educational experiences in creative environments.
 
“YLI camps make positive, lifelong impacts on young people,” said Jorge Calzadilla, YLI executive director. “Our goal in every program is to educate and inspire.”
 
Clemson’s YLI camps are located throughout the state: the R.M. Cooper Leadership Center (affectionately known as Camp Bob Cooper) on Lake Marion near Summerton; the Sewee Coastal Retreat Center on the Intracoastal Waterway near Mount Pleasant; the Clinton House hunting lodge near Clinton with access to more than 1,000 acres of wildlife; the YLI Headquarters and Education Center in Pickens; and Pinnacle Falls in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
 
With five uniquely themed, residential camps to choose from, parents have helped their kids decide which camp is right for them. Campers ages 8 to 16 will:  

• Enjoy traditional camp activities like swimming, fishing, canoeing, archery, paintball and more at 4-H Summer Camp (ages 8-16). The 110-acre peninsula on Lake Marion at Camp Bob Cooper features air-conditioned dorm rooms, a full-service dining facility, a  waterfront area with multiple docks, a water slide, a gymnasium, nature trails and a climbing tower. With counselors who love working with youth and who are positive role models, campers learn independence, responsibility, teamwork and good decision-making skills.
• Explore the wonders of marine science and the South Carolina coast at Camp Sewee (ages 8-16). With this perfect example of how a coastal ecosystem functions, campers get an up-close look at a wide variety of marine plants and animals in salt marsh areas, a freshwater pond and a wildlife refuge. Highlights include island ecology studies, crabbing, kayaking and visits to a local water park and the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston.
• Experience the great outdoors at Camp Wildlife (ages 8-14) while learning hunting skills, shooting sports, wildlife ecology and outdoor survival skills from counselors with expertise in natural resources education and wildlife studies. With activities based on age and experience, exceptional outdoor programs promote self-esteem and self-reliance. 
• Experience the best of today’s technology at Camp Voyager (ages 10-14). Creativity, problem-solving skills and real-world applications are developed as campers learn to use GPS devices, PDAs, video and digital cameras and editing software, Lego robotics, radio-controlled cars, video games and more.
• Challenge themselves to 10 days of wilderness adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the all-new Adventure Summer Camp at Pinnacle Falls (ages 12-15) with three programs of outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing and mountain biking. Through expeditions or adventure mini-trips, campers will learn wilderness safety, survival skills and the value of teamwork while gaining self-confidence and responsibility.

For more information and to register online, go to www.ylicamps.com. You’ll find details about each camp, including programs and activities, dates of summer sessions and prices. For camp brochures or to speak with a camp representative, call the YLI Headquarters at (864) 878-1041.