Stronger Together: Summer Shakedown Connects Youth with Opportunity

Summer is more than a break from school—it’s a chance for young people to explore new interests, build confidence, and stay connected to their community. That’s the heart of the Summer Shakedown initiative, a collaborative effort to expand access to high-quality summer learning opportunities for middle and high school students across Spartanburg County. 

High-quality summer camps provide a safe, engaging environment where students can explore new interests, build confidence, and stay on track academically

Through a partnership with Spartanburg Regional Health Foundation’s Connect Spartanburg, a growing network of partners, and generous scholarship support, Summer Shakedown is helping families connect with enriching, engaging, and developmentally meaningful camps that keep youth learning and thriving throughout the summer. 

“Our Summer Shakedown partnership with Connect Spartanburg allows us to reach more youth with meaningful, high-quality summer experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and strengthen community connections,” said Savannah Ray, Director of SAM’s Center for Youth Engagement and Partnerships. “Obviously, we also want them to have fun, but for middle and high school students, these camps are more than just fun—they’re a vital part of their growth. Summer camp opportunities offer safe spaces to explore interests, develop leadership, and stay engaged during the summer months.” 

Here are just a few summer options available this summer: 

The ArtiZen Club: SEL & Mindfulness Focus Diamond Painting Camp 
Grades: 6th–8th 
The ArtiZen Club offers hands-on diamond art camps that build confidence, patience, and creativity. Especially supportive for kids with ADD/ADHD, our calm, engaging activities help campers practice focus, mindfulness, and social-emotional skills in a fun, relaxed setting. 

My Brother’s Keeper: SMART Start to Business Summer Camp 
Grades: 5th–12th 
SMART Start To Business Camp transforms teens into business owners by providing hands-on experience in running their own companies. Through interactive activities, competitions, and special guest speakers, students develop crucial skills that extend far beyond the business world, preparing them for lifelong success. Participants will start real business making real money on their pathway to true entrepreneurship. 

 The Sound of Learning: Moving through Music Basketball Camp 
 Grades: Middle & High School 
This camp is designed to boost your basketball skills and knowledge! We offer focused training, expert instruction, and plenty of gameplay—all in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, we’ve got you covered! 

Classical Healing Keys: Music & Moods – Keys to Self-Regulation 
Ages: 12–15 
Explore emotional self-awareness and self-regulation through live piano music and M&M’s! Make your own music during group improv, eat chocolate, and color as Catherine Black, founder of Classical Healing Keys, and Alison Hughey, MT-BC, founder of Carolina Music Therapy, teach music-based coping skills for stress. 

Middle and high school students spend only about 20% of their waking hours in school—the remaining 80% is spent out of school, where the right support can make a lasting difference. High-quality OST (Out-of-School Time) programs like these camps provide safe, structured environments where youth can explore interests, build relationships, and develop essential life skills.