May 2019 events and programs at Charleston County Parks
Public Contact or to Register: 843-795-4386 / www.CharlestonCountyParks.com
May Special Events
Superhero Dance
Cooper River Room – 99 Harry Hallman, Jr. Blvd. Mount Pleasant, SC
Wed., May 1, 6-8 p.m.
People with special needs and their families and friends are invited to an unforgettable night! Come dressed as your favorite superhero!
Fee: $4
Wheel to Surf
Folly Beach County Park
Sat., May 4, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This unique event provides individuals with physical disabilities an opportunity to experience surfing! Adaptive surfing staff from partner organizations Ocean Cure, Adaptive Surf Project, Adaptive Expeditions, and Coastal Adaptive Sports will provide instruction and assistance in a controlled environment. Participants must meet guidelines prior to registration. No fee required.
Ages: 4 and up
Motown in the Moonlight
Mount Pleasant Pier
Sat., May 4, 7 – 11 p.m.
Enjoy scenic views of the Charleston Harbor while dancing to live Motown music provided by Bobby Alvarez and the Supernaturals.
Fee: $8 in advance; $10 at event
Ages: 4 and up
Wine Down Wednesday
Old Towne Creek County Park
Wed., May 8, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Come Wine Down your Wednesday and explore Old Towne Creek County Park, one of West Ashley’s hidden gems. Guests will enjoy wine and live music from David Grunstra while experiencing the beauty of this natural site. A commemorative wine glass is included with your admission. Food truck fare will be available for purchase on-site from Dough Boyz Pizza and Holy City Waffles.
Fee: $15 in advance; $20 at gate
Ages: 21 and up
Hops and Vines
McLeod Plantation Historic Site
Thu., May 9, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Explore beautiful McLeod Plantation at Hops and Vines! Enjoy wine, beer, and live music while experiencing the beauty of this historic site. Roving interpreters will be on-site to illustrate McLeod’s storied history. Admission includes 2 drink tickets. Additional drinks will be available for purchase on-site, as well as food truck fare.
Fee: $15 in advance; $20 at gate
Ages: 21 and up
Shaggin’ on the Cooper
Mount Pleasant Pier
Sat., May 18, 7-11 p.m.
Enjoy scenic views of the Charleston Harbor while dancing to live classic oldies and beach music from the Shem Creek Boogie Band.
Fee: $8 in advance; $10 at event
Ages: 4 and up
Charleston Sprint Triathlon Series Race #1
James Island County Park
Sun., May 19, race starts at 7 a.m.
Celebrating its 30th year, this five-race series includes a .3-mile swim, a 12-mile bike ride, and a 5K run. Participants are divided into: Open / Elite, Age Group and Masters, Clydesdale (men 220 pounds or greater under the age of 40), Masters Clydesdale (men 220 pounds or greater over the age of 40), and Athena (women 165 pounds or greater). Registration includes one t-shirt for the series. For information and to register visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com/csts.
Fee: $55
Ages: 12 and up
Moonlight Mixer
Folly Beach Pier
Fri., May 24, 7-11 p.m.
Dance the night away as DJ Jim Bowers plays all of the hottest oldies and beach music classics!
Fee: $8 in advance; $10 at event
Ages: 4 and up
May Programs
Alligator Adventure
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Sat., May 4, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join us as we search for alligators and separate fact from fiction on this journey to learn why these large reptiles carry the special title of “keystone species.”
Fee: $7
Ages: 9 and up
Introduction to Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)
James Island County Park
Sat., May 4, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This fun and relaxed class will get you started with instruction on safety and the proper paddling technique that will allow you to progress comfortably at your own pace.
Fee: $30
Ages: 16 and up
Johns Island Flag Football Tournament
St. John’s High School
Sat., May 4, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Come out for a day of throwback flag football for ages 20 and up. This is a one day competitive double elimination tournament play.
Fee: $25
Ages: 20 and up
Couples Challenge
Challenge Course at Outdoor Zone at James Island County Park
Sun., May 5, 2 – 5 p.m.
Enjoy an afternoon with your sweetheart, taking your relationship to new heights!
Fee: $25
Ages: 16 and up
Intro to Climbing
Climbing Wall at Outdoor Zone of James Island County Park
Sun., May 5, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
There’s a lot to learn about climbing; getting your footing, learning the lingo, and starting out can be intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. In our Intro to Climbing class, you’ll receive expert instruction on the basics of climbing, the opportunity to meet and learn with other new climbers, and an overview of our facility. This 90-minute class will help kick off your new adventure with a 1:9 instructor to student ratio and lots of small group and partner work. Instruction takes place on both ropes and boulders, and the class will include your gear rental, too!
Fee: $25
Ages: 14 and up
Nature’s Soundscape: How to Really Tune In
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Thu., May 9, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Master Naturalist advanced training opportunities provide exposure and skill development in areas such as natural history, natural resource management and nature interpretation. In order to keep a Master Naturalist certification, you must take at least eight hours of training per year. Listening to natural sounds can open new doors to experiencing the natural world, and every habitat has its own unique sounds. We’ll hone our auditory skills to enhance our connection to the natural world.
Fee: $50
Ages: 18 and up
Lighthouse Inlet Bird Walk
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
Fri., May 10, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
This walk focuses on the incredibly diverse northeast end of Folly Island. Once the home of a Coast Guard station, this Heritage Preserve protects maritime forest, beach, dune, and marsh habitats for wildlife. This site is a leader in number of bird species seen in South Carolina. At this time of year we hope to see spring arrivals such as Painted Bunting and Wilson’s Plover, plus much more.
Fee: $7
Ages: 12 and up
Intermediate Skateboarding
SK8 Charleston
Sat., May 11, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Must be proficient in all of the skills taught in Beginner Skateboarding. Students will be taught: skating up and down banks, roll-ins, maintaining speed, backside and frontside kickturns, and riding switch stance. Students will begin practicing dropping in. Helmets are required and pads are recommended. SK8 Charleston has skateboards, helmets, and pads (wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads) available for use at no additional cost during scheduled lessons. Skaters may use their own industry standard equipment. Includes free admission into the skate park on the day of the lesson as well as 1 courtesy pass for a return visit.
Fee: $65
Ages: 13-17
Beginner Skateboarding
SK8 Charleston
Sat., May 11, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Learn the basics of skateboarding in a safe and fun environment! Little to no experience skateboarding is necessary. Students will be taught the components of a skateboard, proper safety equipment, skate park etiquette, determining stance: Regular or Goofy, foot placement on the board, pushing, carving, keeping your momentum, turning, and how to properly fall. Helmets are required and pads are recommended. SK8 Charleston has skateboards, helmets, and pads (wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads) available for use at no additional cost during scheduled lessons. Skaters may use their own industry standard equipment. Includes free admission into the skate park on the day of the lesson as well as 1 courtesy pass for a return visit.
Fee: $65
Ages: 8-12
Alligator Adventure
Wannamaker County Park
Sat., May 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Join us as we search for alligators and separate fact from fiction in this journey to learn why these large reptiles carry the special title of “keystone species.”
Fee: $7
Ages: 9 and up
Introduction to Kayaking
James Island County Park
Sat., May 11, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Learn a new sport comfortably and enjoyably. Using a variety of boats, this entry-level course teaches you the basic strokes and skills to have fun on the water!
Fee: $55
Ages: 16 and up
Introduction to Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)
James Island County Park
Sat., May 11, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This fun and relaxed class will get you started with instruction on safety and the proper paddling technique that will allow you to progress comfortably at your own pace.
Fee: $30
Ages: 16 and up
Swim Tune Up
James Island County Park
Mon.,, May 13, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Train on the actual open water Charleston Sprint Triathlon swim course with a Blue Sky Endurance certified triathlon coach. Participants will leave with an in-depth knowledge of the swim course and insider tips to gain confidence, increase efficiency, and improve times.
Fee: $15
Ages: 12 and up
Sunset Moonrise Canoe Tour
Caw Caw Interpretive Center
Fri., May 17, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Witness the sun as it slips below the tall trees of Caw Caw Swamp, and watch the moonrise over Tea Farm Creek while you paddle alongside a trained naturalist. Opportunities abound to view wildlife that will be settling in for the night or just waking up.
Fee: $28
Ages: 9 and up
Basic Sailing
Meets at CCPRC Headquarters Parking Lot, 861 Riverland Drive
Fri., May 17 and Sun., May 19
Learn basic sailing nomenclature, along with rigging and de-rigging skills, safety, and the basics of tacking, jibing, and docking.
Fee: $125
Ages: 16 and up
5970 Off-Site – Destination at Off-Site Location
May 17, 2019 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Off-Site – Destination
May 19, 2019 from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Off-Site – Destination
Coastal Kayaking Workshop – Level 3
Folly Beach County Park
Sat., May 18, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
This course offers a progression of skill and knowledge development for paddling at the coast. We will begin in the calmer waters of Folly River, working toward introducing ourselves into the ocean environment.
Fee: $85
Ages: 16 and up
Introduction to Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)
James Island County Park
Sat., May 18, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This fun and relaxed class will get you started with instruction on safety and the proper paddling technique that will allow you to progress comfortably at your own pace.
Fee: $30
Ages: 16 and up
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Level 2
James Island County Park
Sat., May 18, 1 – 3 p.m.
Take the next steps in SUPing. We’ll practice some fun balance drills, improve stroke technique, and learn more safety skills. This fun class is a great prep for paddling in more challenging conditions.
Fee: $30
Ages: 16 and up
Wilderness First Aid
James Island County Park
Sat., May 18 – Sun., May 19, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day
This intensive 2-day hands-on certification, taught by Wilderness Medical Associates, covers how to deal with medical emergencies in the wilderness, at summer camp, or on the trail. Class supplements lectures with realistic simulations.
Fee: $250
Ages: 18 and up
Beginner Skateboarding
SK8 Charleston
Sun., May 19, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Learn the basics of skateboarding in a safe and fun environment! Little to no experience skateboarding is necessary. Students will be taught the components of a skateboard, proper safety equipment, skate park etiquette, determining stance: Regular or Goofy, foot placement on the board, pushing, carving, keeping your momentum, turning, and how to properly fall. Helmets are required and pads are recommended. SK8 Charleston has skateboards, helmets, and pads (wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads) available for use at no additional cost during scheduled lessons. Skaters may use their own industry standard equipment. Includes free admission into the skate park on the day of the lesson as well as 1 courtesy pass for a return visit.
Fee: $65
Ages: 13-17
Intermediate Skateboarding
SK8 Charleston
Sun., May 19, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Must be proficient in all of the skills taught in Beginner Skateboarding. Students will be taught: skating up and down banks, roll-ins, maintaining speed, backside and frontside kickturns, and riding switch stance. Students will begin practicing dropping in. Helmets are required and pads are recommended. SK8 Charleston has skateboards, helmets, and pads (wrist guards, elbow and knee pads) available for use at no additional cost during lessons. Skaters may use their own industry standard equipment. Includes free admission into the park on the day of the lesson as well as 1 courtesy pass for a return visit.
Fee: $65
Ages: 8-12
Little Groms – Beginner Skateboarding
SK8 Charleston
Sun., May 19, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Learn the basics of skateboarding in a safe and fun environment! Little to no experience skateboarding is necessary. This course is designed for young participants (groms) potentially having their first experience with skateboarding. Students will be taught the components of a skateboard, proper safety equipment, skate park etiquette, determining stance: Regular or Goofy, and foot placement on the board. Students will begin practicing pushing, carving, keeping momentum, turning, and how to properly fall. Helmets are required and pads are recommended. SK8 Charleston has skateboards, helmets, and pads (wrist guards, elbow and knee pads) available for use at no additional cost during lessons. Skaters may use their own industry standard equipment. Includes free admission into the park on the day of the lesson as well as 1 courtesy pass for a return visit.
Fee: $25
Ages: 5-7
Intro to Sport Lead Climbing
Climbing Wall at Outdoor Zone of James Island County Park
Sun., May 19, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Our lead course is for those that have been top rope climbing and are ready to take things to the next level. Learning to lead climb gives you access to more walls as well as better prepares you for outdoor climbing. In this course you will learn about the risks involved in lead climbing, risk management, lead climbing equipment, clipping techniques, lead belaying, and falling skills. Pre-requisites: Lead climbing is not a beginner skill set. We require a base of experience to take our lead course. You need to have been climbing regularly for several months. You need to be top rope certified in our gym prior to registering for the course. You need to be able to climb 5.8 routes in our facility numerous times in a row.
Fee: $30
Ages: 14 and up
Dawn Patrol Adult SUP Surf Camp
Folly Beach County Park
Tue., May 21 – Fri., May 24, 6:30 – 8 a.m. each day
Greet the mornings with a surf session led by a certified instructor. Hone your skills and appreciation for the sport and culture over the course of a week. But be careful, this could be habit forming!
Fee: $165
Ages: 16 and up
This Month in History at McLeod: May 1862
McLeod Plantation Historic Site
Sat., May 25, 10 – 11:15 a.m.
The month of May in 1862 was pure chaos and fear of the unknown for the residents of James Island and Charleston. Join us for a look into what was happening and who was taking advantage of all the disruption as we explore this pivotal time in history.
Fee: $15
Introduction to Short Boat Surf Kayaking
Folly Beach County Park
Sat., May 25, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Treat yourself to some fun by learning to ride the waves in a kayak. We’ll provide whitewater (short boats) and sit-on-top kayaks with a trained professional for you to learn fundamental surfing skills, important wave/ocean dynamics, etiquette, and safety. You’ll come away with a basic understanding of surfing that will give you the confidence to continue catching waves and grow as a kayak surfer.
Fee: $65
Ages: 16 and up
Introduction to Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)
James Island County Park
Sat., May 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
This fun and relaxed class will get you started with instruction on safety and the proper paddling technique that will allow you to progress comfortably at your own pace.
Fee: $30
Ages: 16 and up
SUP the Surf Zone
Folly Beach County Park
Sat., May 25, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Surf SUP! Enjoy the Sun., sand, and surf in this popular and historic pastime. Join a trained professional and learn fundamental surfing skills, important wave/ocean dynamics, board/paddle design, etiquette, and safety. You’ll come away with a basic understanding of surfing that will give you the confidence to continue catching waves and grow as a SUP surfer.
Fee: $65
Ages: 16 and up
Advance registration required for many programs. Call 843-795-4386 or visit www.charlestoncountyparks.com to register.
Many programs require that a minimum number of participants be met.
