Sumter art gallery camps
Local students invited to learn And more!
Heat Safety Week observed
By South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
Gov. Henry McMaster has declared May 18 to May 22, 2026, as South Carolina Heat Safety Week. As temperatures start to rise across the state, officials are urging residents to focus on heat safety before the summer season.
This statewide effort is a collaboration between the S.C. State Climatology Office, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, the National Weather Service, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division and the S.C. Department of Public Health.
“Excessive heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer in the United States. It doesn’t leave behind the visible destruction of a hurricane or tornado, so its danger is often overlooked,” said John Quagliariello, the meteorologist-in-charge of the Columbia National Weather Service Office.
“The true tragedy is that, with proper awareness and preparation, the vast majority of these heatrelated fatalities are entirely preventable.” Quagliariello noted that there is still a risk of heat-related illness at lower heat thresholds that may not trigger advisories
or warnings, especially for heat-sensitive populations.
South Carolina Heat Safety Week coincides with the National Heat Safety Campaign hosted by the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS), a collaboration of federal partners, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Each day during the week will feature daily themes to educate the public about the dangers of excessive heat and the steps they can take to stay safe.
Assistant State Climatologist Melissa Griffin noted that last summer, overnight temperatures were up to 10 degrees above normal, heightening heat risks and providing little relief. Dangerously hot and humid conditions at the end of July prompted Extreme Heat Warnings for most of the Coastal Plain, while Heat Advisories were issued for the Midlands and Upstate, with heat indices ranging from 110 to 118 degrees.
The National Weather Service station at the Mount Pleasant Airport recorded a heat index of 115 degrees on July 26, and the NWS
station at the GreenvilleSpartanburg International Airport reported a heat index of 107 degrees on July 27.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) places an emphasis on preventing vehicular heat stroke, especially among young children, who are particularly at risk. More than 50% of child heatstroke fatalities are the result of a child being forgotten in a vehicle. Additionally, more than 25% of child heatstroke fatalities happen because a child gains unauthorized access to a parked vehicle and becomes entrapped, like getting locked in the trunk of a car.
“Even on a mild day, the inside of a parked car can heat up to dangerous levels very quickly,” said Kevin Poore, director of Safe Kids South Carolina
and DPH’s child passenger safety coordinator. “Children and pets are especially vulnerable because their bodies can’t regulate heat as well as adults. To prevent tragedy, it’s essential to make a habit of always locking your doors when a vehicle is not in use and checking the back seat every time you exit your vehicle. A quick glance can save a life. If you ever see a child or pet alone in a car, take action immediately and call 911.”
DPH has developed an interactive Heat Related Illness Dashboard, which includes interactive data pages that allow you to view data for the state and each county. There were 246 hospitalizations and 2,014 emergency department visits for heat-related illness in South Carolina from May
to September in 2024, the most recent year for which data is available.
Tips for staying safe in the heat:
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day (typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
Wear lightweight, lightcolored and loose-fitting clothing.
Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, even for a few minutes.
Check on neighbors or those without access to air conditioning.
Sumter Y offers traditional summer camps, themed weeks and full-on fun and learning
STAFF REPORT
There are camps galore this summer for students through Sumter YMCA, where kids can learn about everything from insects to swim skills, teamwork and independence and so much more through interactive games, themed activities and field trips to various sites across Sumter County.
Fun Factory Camp is for ages 3 to 8 and spans a full day, running for eight weeks. Field trips are held each week, and each week has a different theme, so there’s something for every camper to enjoy. This is a traditional indoor camp “specialized
to keep the camper’s brain stimulated over the summer break to help prevent learning loss. We will engage the kids in various energizing, independent physical activities,” according to the Y. Camp runs from June 1 to July 24, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gym and Swim Camp runs for two weeks, June 22-26 and July 20-24. This camp is for ages 5 to 12 years old. Develop skills and build strength at Gymnastics Camp, or learn swim technique and confidence at Swim Camp.
Camp fees vary by camp type and by YMCA membership status. Information on all camps, including registration info,
contact information, camp procedures, what to pack and more, can be found at https:// tinyurl.com/bdfzvxhv. If your family needs financial help to be able to participate, visit the Y and pick up an Open Doors application or print one from the YMCA’s website. Bring the form to the Y with the required documents. Sumter Family YMCA is at 510 Miller Road. For more information, contact:
YMCA Phone: (803) 7742511
YMCA Gymnastics Phone: (803) 774-2350
Camp Mac Boykin Phone: (803) 452-5482
Email: summercamp@ ymcasumter.org
Sumter art gallery offers plenty of unique camps to keep students entertained this summer
STAFF REPORT
If your child is looking for a fun way to enjoy a week during summer vacation, Sumter County Gallery Art has the perfect camp opportunities for any interest. Whether it’s creating a little trinket or learning to work with clay on a pottery wheel, the gallery is ready to welcome campers.
Week 1 camps start June 8, and camps end with Week
Week 1, June 8-12
6, which starts July 20. Registration is open and is available to members and nonmembers alike, though gallery members get a discount. According to the gallery, each weekly camp costs $105 for members and $115 for non-members. Tuition balance is due on the Thursday before the start of each camp. For information on refunds if needed,
Morning: Barnyard Fun (4-7) with Sonia Neale Sweet Creations (8+) with Jayda Lubin Fun in the Mud (4-7) with Zoe Monnier
Afternoon:
Creative Painting, Printing and More (8+) with Sonia Neale
Youth Pottery (8+) with Rachel Bennett
Week 2, June 15-18
Morning: Pirates Ahoy! (4-7) with Sonia Neale Color Exploration (8+) with Lynn Post Fun in the Mud (4-7) with Zoe Monnier
Afternoon: Medieval Madness (8+) with Sonia Neale
Youth Pottery (8+) with Rachel Bennett
Week 3, June 22-25
Morning:
Create With Me (4-7) with Dominique Hodge
Character Design (8+) with Yeshaya Drayton Fun in the Mud (4-7) with Zoe Monnier
Afternoon:
Get to Know the Artist (8+) with Dominique Hodge Comic Chaos (8+) with Yeshaya Drayton
check the gallery’s summer camp website at www. sumtergallery.com/summercamp. Register for camps at www.sumtergallery.com/ classes.
Camps are split up into morning and afternoon sessions of several hours each, and campers can bring a bagged lunch if they are participating in two camps each day. There
Week 4, July 6-10
Morning:
Morning Session dropoff is from 8:45 to 9 a.m., and pickup is from 11:45 a.m. to noon.
are some scholarships available for families who need them, given based on need and availability. You can nominate any child age 4-17 for a scholarship by contacting the gallery, 200 Hasel St., and requesting a form. Call (803) 775-0543 or email scgadirector@ sumtergallery.com or curator@sumtergallery. com. The gallery also always takes donations to benefit campers through the scholarship program. Anyone can make a donation at www.sumtergallery.com/ scholarship
Create With Me (4-7) with Dominique Hodge
Pottery Painting (8+) with Jess Ginnow Fun in the Mud (4-7) with Sonia Neale
Afternoon:
Creative Painting, Printing and More (8+) with Sonia Neale
Youth Pottery (8+) with Rachel Bennett
Week 5, July 13-17
Morning:
Shrinky Dinky-Doo (4-7) with Eric Lachance and Koi McCray
Character Design (8+) with Yeshaya Drayton Fun in the Mud (4-7) with Zoe Monnier
Afternoon:
Trinkets and Treasures (8+) with Trisha King
Youth Pottery (8+) with Rachel Bennett
Week 6, July 20-24
Morning:
Party Animals (4-7) with Sonia Neale
Plushie Paradise (8+) with Zoe Monnier
Picture Books (4-7) with Yeshaya Drayton
Afternoon:
Youth Pottery (8+) with Sonia Neale
Comic Chaos (8+) with Yeshaya Drayton
Afternoon Session dropoff is from 12:45 to 1 p.m., and pickup is 3:45 to 4 p.m.
Local students invited to learn about esports, art, criminal justice and more at USC Sumter
STAFF REPORT
Each year, USC Sumter hosts several camps for children to learn about science, careers and making their own art. Kids might find something new they can become excited about. With camps about everything from collage to forensics, there’s something for every camper. Spots are limited, so reserve your child’s as soon as possible at https://tinyurl. com/3shdddxu or contact Kelsie Decker, AI Innovation Lab coordinator, at (803) 938-3808 or KD70@mailbox. sc.edu.
USC Sumter Youth Baseball Camp
Camp dates: Monday, June
8-Friday, June 12
Camp times: 9 a.m. to noon
Camp location: Riley Park, Sumter
Recommended ages: 6-14
Cost: $215.26
Hit, throw and field with college players and coaches! Give your child the chance to learn the game the right way! Our camp is designed for players ages 6 to 14 who want to build skills, confidence and a love for baseball.
Led by collegiate baseball players and coaches, this camp focuses on teaching the core fundamentals of the game in a fun, positive and high-energy environment. Campers will receive hands-on instruction in hitting, throwing, fielding, base running and situational awareness, with age-appropriate drills and small-group coaching.
Throughout the week, players will:
Learn proper mechanics and techniques
Improve baseball IQ and teamwork
Develop confidence on and off the field
Compete in games and
Summer Coloring
skill challenges
Learn from role models who have played at the next level
Whether your child is new to baseball or looking to sharpen their skills, this camp provides high-quality instruction, encouragement, and unforgettable experiences.
Spots are limited — secure your ticket today and let your player grow their game! Sign up at https:// tinyurl.com/t8mk8zj2
Esports Summer Camp
Camp dates: June 29 - July 3
Camp times: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Camp location: USC Sumter
Esports Arena
Recommended ages: 9 – 14
Cost: $100
Esports Camp will be led by USC Sumter’s Head Esports Coach, Kris Weissmann. Campers will experience what it is like to be a part of a college esports program. Just like varsity esports players, students will learn how to study gameplay, tactics, strategies, live streaming, team cooperation, communication and more.
Mad About Science Camp
Camp dates: June 29-July 3
Camp times: 9 a.m. – noon
Recommended ages: 9-14
Cost: $100
This summer camp will once again be led by Dr. Dan “The Science Man” Kiernan. Students will be introduced to STEM topics including physics, engineering, biology and chemistry in fun and interactive ways. Campers will conduct scientific experiments and explore firsthand the environment in which we live.
Contact Kelsie Decker, AI Innovation Lab coordinator,
at (803) 938-3808 or KD70@ mailbox.sc.edu.
Studio Art Summer Camp
Camp dates: June 15 - 19
Camp times: 9 a.m. - noon
Camp location: USC Sumter
Campus Arts & Letters Building, Rooms 136 and 137
Recommended ages: 9 – 14
Cost: $150
A camp dedicated to the visual arts like drawing, painting, collage, printmaking and sculpture! Students will create their own masterpieces throughout the week and
hold a showcase of their finished works for friends and family at the week’s conclusion.
Instructor Ashlee Rene Walton will lead campers in a separate medium and process each day by using lectures and demonstration of the day’s activity.
Youth in Blue Summer Camp Camp dates: June 15 - 19
Camp times: 9 a.m. - noon
Camp location: USC Sumter
Campus
Recommended ages: 9 – 14
Cost: $100
Campers will enjoy a week of exploring the world of criminal justice. They will learn about tactical operations, SWAT, aviation, K9 programs, forensics and more! This camp is cohosted by Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, City of Sumter Police Department and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
National Water Safety Month reminds families: Drowning is preventable – but often silent
BY AMERICAN RED CROSS
May is National Water Safety Month, a time to remind families that drowning is preventable, yet it remains one of the leading causes of death for young children and people under 30.
Drowning rarely looks the way it does in the movies. Most people expect splashing or yelling — but drowning is often silent and can happen in less than a minute, even in just a few inches of water.
Bystanders are often the first line of defense.
Research shows drowning victims are most often rescued by people nearby, not trained professionals, simply because they are closest to the incident.
More than 60% of bystander rescues happen before help arrives.
“Everyone near water plays a role in keeping people safe,” said Susan Everitt, CEO of the Red Cross of South Carolina. “Whether it’s a child, a friend or a stranger, you may be the only person in a position to recognize distress and respond.”
The American Red Cross urges families to stay actively engaged around water. Don’t just swim—watch. Close, constant supervision can make the difference between life and death.
WATER SAFETY TIPS
next water watcher takes over.
Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone. Reach or throw, don’t go! In the event of an emergency, reach or throw an object to the person in trouble and tell them to grab on. Don’t go in! You could be in danger of drowning yourself.
WHALE TALES FOR CHILDREN – NOW AVAILABLE IN SPANISH
The Red Cross recently revamped its Longfellow’s WHALE Tales Water Safety for Children program and has now added the program in Spanish, completely translated and localized. The no-cost program helps children, from all backgrounds in kindergarten through fifth grade, learn vital water safety behaviors without having to be in or near the water.
redcross.org. watersafetyforkids
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Our Aquatics Centennial Campaign, launched in 2014 to recognize 100 years of Red Cross leadership in swimming and water safety, is active in more than 100 communities across the country. The program works to reduce drowning rates in locations where numbers are above the national average alongside valued community partners.
To date, the campaign has delivered nearly 159,000 sets of swim lessons and certified 6,560 junior lifeguards, lifeguards and Water Safety Instructors. We’ve also armed nearly 24,000 parents and caregivers with water safety knowledge and/or CPR skills. Learn more at redcross.org/ centennialswim.
GET STARTED TODAY
Summertime hydration strategy
Summer is a season to spend outdoors soaking up some sun. But all that time outdoors can pose some health risks if people are not careful. The dangers of overexposure to the sun are well-documented. Sunburn is one such threat that can not only lead to discomfort, but also increase a person’s risk for skin cancer.
But sunburn is easily prevented with the use of sunscreen, and that’s not the only summertime threat that’s easily avoided.
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. Come the dog days of summer, it’s easy to lose fluids when spending time outdoors. Sweating is one way to lose fluid on a hot day, but there are myriad ways to avoid dehydration once the hot weather kicks in.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water. According to NHS Inform, the national health information service of Scotland, thirst is typically the brain’s way of warning individuals that they are dehydrated. So it’s unwise to wait until you’re thirsty to drink water. A proactive approach can help to prevent dehydration, especially when spending time outdoors on hot days.
• Take breaks for water. A mid-morning coffee break or a mid-afternoon snack break are part of many people’s daily routines. You also can incorporate drinking water into your daily routine. When pouring your morning coffee or tea, pour yourself a glass of water as well. When reaching for a mid-afternoon snack, pour yourself another glass of water.
• Keep a water journal. Documenting your daily water intake is one way to overcome forgetfulness in relation to remaining hydrated. Smartphone apps like Water Reminder and Plant Nanny can help people remember to drink water throughout the day. For those who prefer a more traditional approach to journaling, keep a small notebook near your desk or in your pocket when going outdoors so you can always know when your most recent water break occurred.
• Look to foods to stay hydrated. Drinking water isn’t the only way to ensure you stay hydrated. Various foods are loaded with water. Henry Ford Health notes that watermelon, berries, bell peppers and grapes are water-rich foods that can help you stay hydrated. Dehydration can creep up on hot summer days and put people in serious jeopardy. That’s why it’s imperative that people make a concerted effort to hydrate and do not wait until they’re thirsty to enjoy a glass of water on a hot summer day.
Go to redcross.org/ watersafety for swim program information and a variety of resources. The Red Cross Swim app can help children and adults learn with kid-friendly video and activities on mobile devices. Do your part. Be “water smart.”
About the American Red Cross
Nobody should ever swim alone – adults and teens as well as children. Never leave a young child unattended near water, and do not trust a child’s life to another child. Always designate a “water watcher” who will keep a close eye and constant attention on children and weaker swimmers in, on and around water until the
Educators, swim instructors, parents, caregivers and others can teach critical water safety lessons to children before the swim season kicks off and throughout the summer. WHALE Tales are short, engaging and age-appropriate lessons that cover important water safety topics in different environments such as pools, waterparks, oceans, lakes and rivers. The free downloadable resources include lesson plans, course presentations and engaging materials such as videos and activity sheets and can be accessed redcross.org/ WHALEtales.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families.
The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media. at
If you’re a parent or caregiver teaching your own children, visit
Mustard is a musthave at backyard barbecues, and that status as a summertime staple makes it easy to overlook the nutritive properties of this popular condiment. A review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2016 found that mustard seeds can protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. That’s because mustard seeds contain glucosinolates, which
are antioxidants that are converted during processing into isothiocyanates, which are responsible for the protection against oxidative stress and inflammation. Yellow mustard also contains a significant amount of selenium, which offers antioxidant properties. In addition, a 2014 review in the journal Radiation Oncology found that selenium may help individuals lower their risk for cancer.
