South Carolina, or as our imaginary friend, the sassy pelican Pelly calls it, "Sunshine Central", is a magical place draped in shimmering beaches, lush green forests and sprinkled with fire-like sunsets. Pelly, with his sun-bleached feathers and beach ball belly, loves nothing more than to watch the volleyball games of the feisty South Carolinian kids who treat this sport almost like a religion. Pelly would tell you tales of these volleyball warriors as he lazily floats on the warm ocean waves. With sand sticking to their sunblock-lathered bodies and their laughter echoing off the Atlantic, the kids of South Carolina have a unique spark. Volleyball is not just a game here; it's a way of life. These pint-sized athletes, with their salt-tousled hair and sun-kissed skin, play with such gusto that Pelly often jokes he's watching the 'Summer Olympics.' What a sight they are! They dive for the ball like dolphins, leap for a spike like kangaroos, and serve with the precision of a hawk spotting its prey. Each match is an epic battle, filled with heroic saves, monstrous spikes, and laughter that competes with the squawk of the seagulls. Despite the intense rivalry, there's an undercurrent of camaraderie that's as warm as the South Carolina sun. Win or lose, the kids of "Sunshine Central" know that the real victory lies in enjoying the game and cherishing the friendships made in the sandy battlefield. As Pelly would say, "In South Carolina, you don't just play volleyball; you live it, breathe it, and sometimes, even dream it!" So, if you ever find yourself in this magical state, make sure you join the kids for a game under the watchful eyes of Pelly, the volleyball-obsessed pelican!
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Nestled in 178 acres of lush woodland is a serene escape from the city, a place fondly known as Camp Swamp. This overnight Christian camp, located just two hours east of bustling Atlanta, has been serving as a peaceful retreat since 1992. We like to think of it as our own "little slice of heaven," offering a respite from the daily hustle and bustle, and inviting people to reconnect with nature and their spirituality. Our primary offering is a week-long summer camp, but we've expanded over the years to include more than just summer fun. As part of our mission to support families and churches, we now also host three family camps throughout the year, as well as four parent/child retreats. These events offer a chance for families to bond, parents to connect with their children, and individuals to grow in their faith. Moreover, our facilities are not exclusive to our organized events. Camp Swamp also offers rentals to schools, churches, universities, sports teams, and even business groups. Whether you're planning a camp, a retreat, or a team-building excursion, our serene setting and well-equipped facilities provide the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable experience.


Parents Magazine readers will be delighted to hear about Children of Mary Religion Camp LLC, a private non-profit organization based in South Carolina. For 50 years, the camp has been sponsoring a one-week resident summer camp dedicated to educating children in the Roman Catholic faith tradition. At Children of Mary Religion Camp LLC, campers are encouraged to express their creativity in the well-supplied crafts building. Kids also have the opportunity to cool off in the lake, with the safety of staff and a certified lifeguard present. On the large sports field, campers can play an array of games including soccer, kickball, volleyball, basketball, badminton, horseshoes, and jump rope.