Looking for a safe, convenient, and fun summer camp near Myrtle Beach? The YMCA of Coastal Carolina is excited to offer a full lineup of affordable half-day specialty camps at our brand-new Market Common location on the HGTC campus.
Whether you’re a grandparent looking for quality camps for your grandchildren or a busy parent needing a flexible summer option, these camps are designed to fit your schedule and inspire your kids.
📍 Location: 743 Hemlock Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC — on the HGTC Market Common campus ⏱️ All Camps Are Half-Day (perfect for flexible drop-off and pickup) 💲 YMCA Members: $110/week | Non-Members: $165/week
🏕️ 2025 Specialty Camp Highlights:
🌳 Forts, Fire & Finding Your Way Learn survival skills, build a fort, and cook over a fire in this outdoor adventure camp.
🧠 Invention Convention Hands-on STEAM challenges like bridge building, LEGO design, and more.
🕵️ Secret Agent Camp Solve mysteries, crack codes, and dive into the world of crime-solving fun.
🎨 Art Camps (Ages 5–9 & 10–14) Create indoor and outdoor masterpieces in this multimedia art camp led by local artists.
🧪 Mad Scientist Camp Get messy with safe, exciting experiments and real take-home lab gear.
Join Us for Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA of Coastal Carolina!
Mark your calendars and gather the whole family—Healthy Kids Day is coming on Saturday, April 26, 2025, and you don’t want to miss it!
Claire Chapin Epps YMCA 📍 Location: 5000 Claire Chapin Epps Dr, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM 📌 Where: Outside on the YMCA soccer field
Tidelands Health Pawleys Family YMCA 📍 Location: 12965 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585 🕘 Time: 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA 📍 Location: 529 Browns Ferry Rd, Georgetown, SC 29440 ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
What is Healthy Kids Day?
Healthy Kids Day® is the Y’s national initiative to promote health and wellness among kids and families. For more than 30 years, YMCA communities across the country have hosted this free event with a common goal: to inspire families to stay active in both body and mind during the summer months—and all year long.
This nationally recognized event is more than just fun and games. It’s a chance to build healthy habits, connect with local resources, and enjoy time together as a family.
Why You Should Come
Healthy Kids Day isn’t just about having fun (though there will be plenty of that!). It’s about building a foundation for lifelong health and wellness. Whether it’s discovering a new hobby, learning about nutrition, or simply jumping in a bounce house—every activity supports the YMCA’s mission to strengthen community through healthy spirit, mind, and body.
This event is FREE and open to everyone, so bring your neighbors, friends, and family. We can’t wait to see you there!
What’s Happening at Healthy Kids Day?
You can look forward to a jam-packed day full of engaging activities, exciting vendors, live demonstrations, and interactive booths from organizations all across our community. Here’s just a glimpse of what you can expect:
Claire Chapin Epps YMCA
🎪 Community Vendors & Activities:
Bounce Barn
Ripley’s Aquarium
Big Air Trampoline Park
Edventure
Myrtle Beach Fire Department
Myrtle Beach K9 Unit
Stars & Strikes
Safe Kids
United Way
Thrive Pediatric Therapy
Children’s Recovery Group
Bubble Up Party
Backyard Games Delivered
Freedom Readers
Chapin Art Museum
Carolina Trust Federal Credit Union
BJ’s Wholesale
Tidelands Health
Andrea – Food Label Detective
Beast Mode Fitness
YMCA Booth
Chapin Library Mobile
Live Music
🧘♀️ Don’t Miss:
Family Yoga Sessions at 9:30 AM & 10:00 AM
Foam Party Finale at 12:00 PM & 12:30 PM!
🍦 Food Trucks On Site:
Kona Ice Truck
Bean Dreaming Coffee Truck
Mister Softee Ice Cream Truck Food available for purchase throughout the event.
🎁 Giveaways & Specials:
Free event giveaways
FOTC drawstring bags
WonderWorks discounted ticket packages
Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA
🎪 Community Vendors & Activities:
Georgetown High School Football Team
Georgetown County Police
Agape Double Dutch
Bounce Barn
Children’s Recovery Center
Black River Cypress Reserve
Humane Society
Historic Kaminski House
Georgetown County Library
St. Frances Animal Center
Freedom Readers
Live Music
🧘♀️ Don’t Miss:
Mud Run from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Foam Party
🍦 Food Trucks On Site:
Tree Treats
Mr. Softee Ice Cream Truck
Kidigo Farms
Kona Ice Food available for purchase throughout the event.
🎁 Giveaways & Specials:
Free event giveaways
FOTC drawstrings bags
Tidelands Health Pawleys Island Family YMCA
🧘♂️ Family FIT & FUN Classes
💪 Outdoor Family Bootcamp
🏃♂️ Indoor Challenge Course
🎨 Chalk Walk Adventure
🌊 Safety Around Water Dryland Training Zone
🫧Stay & Play Places
🖍️ Imagination & Creation Stations
🎲 QUICKPLAY Board Game Battle
Community Partners
🩺Tidelands Health
🎧🎶DJ BRETT GASH
🏰 Bounce House by Bounce Barn
🥋 Kick-it with Karate World
📚 Book Give-away from Freedom Readers
🥤 Smoothie Samples from Pawleys Nutrition.
🍌❄️Mister Softee Ice Cream Truck
A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors:
We are so grateful to the amazing organizations helping make this event possible
Follow us on Facebook for updates, sneak peeks, and more event details. Let’s celebrate our kids and kick off a happy, healthy summer—together!
At the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, our mission goes deeper than wellness programs and youth sports. Each month, we reflect on a Christian principle that grounds the work we do and the way we show up for our community. This month, we focus on Grace.
What Is Grace?
Grace isn’t about perfection. It’s not earned or deserved—it’s freely given. It shows up when we offer someone a second chance, when we choose kindness over judgment, or when we slow down and extend patience to someone who’s struggling.
Grace is forgiveness in motion. It’s compassion without condition.
Why April Is the Perfect Time for Grace
April brings new life. Spring arrives. Easter reminds many of us of the ultimate example of grace. It’s a season that speaks to fresh starts, second chances, and the power of renewal. That’s what grace is all about—believing that no matter what came before, something good can come next.
How We Practice Grace at the Y
We try to make grace more than an idea—we put it into action:
Financial Assistance: We offer support to families who need help accessing programs or membership. No one is turned away due to financial limitations.
Welcoming Everyone: We open our doors to people from all backgrounds, stories, and situations.
Supporting Youth: We help young people grow through structure, mentorship, and space to make mistakes and learn from them.
Meeting People Where They Are: Everyone’s wellness journey looks different. We support all of them with dignity and respect.
Extending Grace—To Others and Yourself
This month, consider how you can live out grace in your own life:
With your family.
With your coworkers.
With strangers.
With yourself.
You never know what someone else is carrying. Your patience, your encouragement, or your smile could be the moment of grace they need.
A Final Thought
At the Y, we’re proud to be a community that reflects the power of grace—not just in what we say, but in what we do. Let’s carry that spirit forward together this April.
“Let your conversation be always full of grace…” – Colossians 4:6
One response to “Grace In Action: Extending What We’ve Been Given”
My family as well as myself are grateful for all the Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA has to offer along with the amazing staff who are compassionate, caring, and always willing to go above and beyond!
The 37th South Carolina Youth in Government conference kicked off this week in Columbia with 1,400 high school students from across the state to participate in a model legislature, youth election process, and Mock Trial.
This year, students from Horry County participated in the program. The YMCA of Coastal Carolina hosted a delegation from the Myrtle Beach area as a pilot program with the purpose of rolling it out to local schools in Georgetown and Horry Counties for 2025.
YMCA of Coastal Carolina Association Executive Director of Youth DevelopmentTerri Lottchea notes, “As we develop teen leadership programs in our Coastal Carolina region, the Youth in Government is top of the list for schools in our area. This program teaches critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership skills and is an incredible opportunity for our students to see government in action in a fun way.”
Myrtle Beach High School students and YIG participants Margaret Martin and Kennedy Wilkes shared someone brought a gun to their school last year. This prompted them to think about gun safety, and wrote a bill requiring psychological testing prior to purchasing a firearms in South Carolina.
Myrtle Beach High School students Aiden Brown and Braxton Richardson and Christian Academy student Thomas Gravely tackled motorist safety and motorcycle helmets. All three will be getting their drivers permits in the next year. Their bill focuses on motorcycle helmets requirements to keep other drivers on the road safer and prevent serious injury in an accident.
The students spent several weeks leading up to the conference brainstorming ideas for bills, writing the bills, researching the topic, and preparing to present the bills. State Representative Case Brittain helped with the bill writing process. State Representative Carla Schussler and attorney Amanda Bailey listened to their presentation and gave feedback to help prepare the students to get their bills passed in the model legislature.
State Senator Luke Rankin visited the students while in Columbia!
Terri Lottchea, Brian Gary, Hatton Gravely with the YMCA of Coastal Carolina
YMCA of Coastal Carolina Chief Development Officer Hatton Gravely shares, “This has been an incredible experience seeing our future leaders being shaped by their peers and this program today. The debates have been respectful and the conversations thought-provoking. The variety of bills and process to share and debate concerns is making an impact on teens across the state of South Carolina. Plus, they have had fun! We are thrilled to be able to offer this program to our Coastal Carolina region, and help launch a bigger delegation (or delegations!) next year.”
Andrews Community Director Brian Gary adds, “I am looking forward to bringing this to Andrews. We have learned so much being a part of Youth in Government this year, and I am excited for the potential to grow the program in Georgetown County in 2025.”
This trip would not have been possible without the gift of our new bus, thanks to gifts from The Citizens Bank and the Parsons Foundation. We are appreciative of the donors who help support all of our programs and enable us to fulfill our mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
Claire Chapin Epps Family YMCA and Myrtle Waves will host a family picnic fundraiser to support the Hope and Possibilities Fund at the YMCA
The YMCA of Coastal Carolina and Myrtle Waves will host YMCA Member Appreciation Day at Myrtle Waves on August 24, 2024. YMCA of Coastal Carolina members and their guests are invited to purchase $35 tickets which will include all-day access to Myrtle Waves and a picnic buffet from 1 – 2:30 p.m. Members can purchase as many tickets as they would like, and will need to show their YMCA membership ID card at the gate the day of the event to purchase tickets at the Myrtle Waves. Anyone interested in attending this event is asked to fill out the form on MyrtleWaves.com to get details and updates about the fundraising event.
YMCA Member Appreciation Day at Myrtle Waves
Date: August 24, 2024
Water park time: Tickets include all-day access to Myrtle Waves during their normal operating hours that day
YMCA Member Tickets: Members with YMCA of Coastal Carolina membership cards are able to purchase$35 tickets at Myrtle Waves on August 24, 2024 and will include all-day waterpark access plus the picnic. Card must be presented for special pricing.
A portion of every ticket will support the YMCA of Coastal Carolina’s Hope and Possibilties Fund, which provides program and financial assistance for families in need. This fundraiser will help support the YMCA’s mission, which is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. In order to fulfill the mission, the YMCA of Coastal Carolina provides low-cost programs and financial assistance for Afterschool, swim lessons, youth sports, summer camps, memberships, and healthy living programs to ensure that all in the communities we serve can participate in programs and become a member of the YMCA.
David Byrd, CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, said, “The YMCA of Coastal Carolina’s vision for the next five years is to improve the mental and physical health of residents in the Grand Strand, make all in our community safer around water, provide opportunities for kids to learn and gain confidence, and offer quality, affordable childcare to all parents who want to work. This event provides uninterupted family time for our members. In addition, the proceeds will support our Hope and Possibiltiies Fund, which funds free and subsidized programs for the community as well as financial assistance for those families in need who are unable to afford the fees. We are able to provide programs to the community thanks to the generous support of community partners like Lazarus Entertainment Group.”
Mark Lazurus, CEO of Lazarus Entertainment Group, adds, ““We are committed to supporting our community and are appreciative of YMCA teaming up with us for a special fundraiser! The YMCA does so much for the Grand Strand area and we are honored to be apart of YMCA Family Day at Myrtle Waves.”
The YMCA of Coastal Carolina is hosting Open House Block Party, a free family-friendly event to celebrate back to school and the launch of YMCA programs in Andrews! The event will be held on August 24th from 10 am – 2 pm on 30 E. Main Street in Andrews, South Carolina.
The community is invited to come to Main Street, learn about the YMCA and enjoy free live entertainment and activities.
About Divine Harmony
Divine Harmony have worked hard to complete two EP’s titled “We Made It” and “He Can Do It” with the help of recording artist Jarell Smalls. Divine Harmony Consists of Kenyetta Hannah, Tramaine H. Timmons, Muryel Sumpter, Kayland Williams and Jamar Moore.
The gospel group has travel to Florida, New York, Georgia, North Carolina and varies areas in the United States. They are encouraged by God and believe that through God, all things are possible.
Kids participating in summer camps offered by the YMCA of Coastal Carolina got a special lesson from Tidelands Health.
For the first time, the not-for-profit health system joined the camp lineup, offering an interactive session teaching the importance of proper hand hygiene to limit the spread of germs.
“Summer camp is a perfect place to reach children with fun, interactive ways to help them learn and start practicing healthy habits like proper handwashing early in life,” said Alisa Kimmel, community outreach registered nurse at Tidelands Health, the exclusive health system partner of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina.
During the camp sessions, a special lotion meant to mimic germs on hands could only be seen using a glow light, driving home the message to campers ages 6 to 8 to always wash their hands properly. After washing their hands at the sink to remove the lotion, kids held their hands under the glow light to see any spots they might have missed.
“The campers all wanted to know if they were glowing,” said Kimmel, a former school nurse who led the camp sessions. “Kids are so visual, they like to see it. It’s a fun, interactive way to drive home the message and help instill healthy habits early in life that will serve these campers well as they grow.”
As the exclusive health system partner of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, Tidelands Health collaborates with the YMCA to improve health and wellness in the region. The health system recently supported the expansion of the Safety Around Water program to Myrtle Beach. Also known as YSplash!, the program teaches second graders life-saving lessons in water safety for free.
YMCA of Coastal Carolina to Expand to Conway and The Market Common
The YMCA of Coastal Carolina secures state funding to expand programs into Conway and The Market Common
Myrtle Beach, July 11, 2024 – The YMCA of Coastal Carolina is thrilled to announce it will receive significant funding from the state of South Carolina to support expansion of YMCA programs into Conway and The Market Common. Horry Georgetown Technical College is donating office space on each campus to support this expansion. This generous allocation from the state budget and partnership with HGTC underscores the vital role that the YMCA plays in promoting community health, youth development, and wellness.
The funding and partnership will enable the YMCA of Coastal Carolina to enhance current offerings and introduce new initiatives aimed at serving a broader segment of Horry County. The YMCA will hire a director for each location to begin building partnerships, secure locations to run programs, and start programming this fall.
“We are incredibly grateful for the state’s support and recognition of the YMCA’s impact on community health and youth development,” said David Byrd, CEO of the YMCA of Coastal Carolina. “Our partnership with HGTC and this funding will allow us to offer more services, reach more families, and make a larger impact in our Grand Strand community. As we continue to grow, our vision is to ensure all in our community have better access to mental health programs, healthy living opportunities, childcare options, out-of-school support, and water safety programs.”
Horry Georgetown Technical College will provide office space for each of the new site directors, in addition to partnering to bring new iniatives around workforce development and community health programs to the Grand Strand community.
Dr. Marilyn Fore shares, “Horry Georgetown Technical College is pleased to partner with the YMCA assisting in its valuable services to our communities. The “Y” has a longstanding history of serving others throughout our country. And now we can help with its footprint in Conway and Myrtle Beach to further support their worthy legacy.
Hatton Gravely, Chief Development Officer for the YMCA of Coastal Carolina added, “We extend our deepest thanks to Representative Case Brittain and the entire Horry County Legislative Delegation for their dedication and advocacy. Their support was crucial in securing this funding. In addition, our partnership with HGTC will be critical in how we work together with community partners to improve college and career readiness for teens, ensure all in our community are safe around water, make quality childcare affordable for parents who want to work, launch early childhood development programs, and expand our healthy living programs to reach more in the community.”
As summer comes to an end and families begin to plan for the upcoming school year, one significant decision weighs heavily on parents’ minds:
Where will our children go after school?
– the decision weighs heavily on parents’ minds
Why are afterschool programs important?
The hours after the last school bell and before parents come home from work are a risky time for children and teens to be unsupervised. That’s why the YMCA provides afterschool programming to more than 300 kids in our community each day.
Tell me about the YMCA Afterschool program.
YMCA Afterschool provides help with homework, a healthy snack, and leadership programs for our teens. Philanthropic support ensures every child – regardless of their family’s financial circumstances – has a safe, supportive place to be after school.
“I have to work to support our family, but our budget won’t cover after school care for my two kids. What can I do?”
This is a question many parents ask themselves as they make plans for the school year.
Thankfully, the Y can help.
The YMCA of Coastal Carolina Hope and Possibilities Fund makes it possible for parents to say “yes!” to out of school support like Afterschool and summer camps.
Donate to help a family in need send their kids to Afterschool.
Through the support of generous and caring neighbors like you, the Y is able to provide high-quality and affordable after school care to local families – even those on already stretched budgets.
When you give to the Y, you give children the opportunity to thrive, teens a place to belong, and parents the support they need.
Please consider a special back-to-school gift to the Y today. We are all in this together. Thank you for caring for our community’s kids!
As summer arrives, parents seek engaging and educational activities for their children. YMCA 360 emerges as a versatile tool, offering a variety of interactive videos and programs to enrich kids’ summer experiences.
Diverse Educational Series
YMCA 360 caters to different interests and age groups with its diverse series. “Art Camp” encourages creativity through simple art projects, fostering self-expression and imagination. “Literacy for Littles” offers read-aloud books that improve listening skills and vocabulary, nurturing a love for reading early on. “Camp Exploration” teaches about nature and outdoor activities like bird watching, promoting adventure and curiosity from home.
Accessible Anytime, Anywhere
A key advantage of YMCA 360 is its accessibility. Families can access activities on-demand, whether at home, traveling, or during downtime, thanks to the app’s engaging content library.
Embracing YMCA Values
Built on community, inclusivity, and youth development, YMCA 360 extends these principles into the digital age, ensuring continued nurturing of young minds beyond physical locations.
Peace of Mind for Parents
Parents appreciate YMCA 360 for offering constructive activities that stimulate creativity, promote literacy, and encourage outdoor exploration. It reduces concerns about excessive screen time, emphasizing productive learning experiences.
Conclusion
In today’s digital age, YMCA 360 stands out with its educational content and meaningful activities. Whether your child loves art, books, or outdoor adventures, YMCA 360 enriches their summer and fosters a balanced approach to fun and learning. Learn more about YMCA360
Due to the winter snow and potential weather conditions overnight, in order to keep our members and staff safe, all YMCA of Coastal Carolina center locations will close remained closed on Thursday and open limited hours on Friday. Saturday will resume normal operating hours.
Thursday, January 23, 2025: All YMCA of Coastal Carolina centers will remain closed. (This includes 24 hour access at the Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA.)
Friday, January 24, 2025: Centers will be open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Please note services may be limited during this time.
Saturday, January 25, 2025: All YMCA of Coastal Carolina centers will resume normal operating hours.
Please stay safe and check our website for updates.Thank you for understanding as we weather the winter storm. We hope you and your family stay safe and warm!
Updated Hours Today
We hope you and your family stayed safe during the storm. We will resume normal operations at all three YMCA of Coastal Carolina center locations at 11 a.m. today.
Thursday, August 31: All three center locations will reopen at 11 a.m.
Friday, September 1: All three center locations will be open during normal hours.
24-hour access will be unavailable to Tidelands Health Georgetown Family YMCA during the times the center is closed but will resume as normal tonight.
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