Camp Cole

Camp Cole is a camp and retreat center for individuals with illnesses, disabilities, and life challenges. Our mission is to provide a safe, accessible, and inspirational gathering place where groups can connect, share, encourage & shine.

Designed from the heart for children, teens, and adults facing serious illnesses and other physical, mental, and emotional health or life challenges, Camp Cole is a fully accessible camp and retreat facility located just outside Columbia, South Carolina.

Every story has a catalyst, and ours is Cole Sawyer. Cole's memory is the inspiration and guiding light leading us on our journey to establish Camp Cole. Cole lost his battle with cancer in 2004 at the age of 11. His fight with the disease exposed him to a special summer camp experience where he met other children facing serious illnesses. The friendships he made brought normalcy and joy to his life, and for a short while, allowed Cole and his family to connect, share, laugh, and cry with other families undergoing similar challenges.
 
Years later, that endearing summer camp continued to inspire the Sawyer family, as well as strengthen their bond with close friends, the Fawcetts, who had been volunteering at the camp annually, both in memory of Cole and another childhood friend who also lost her battle to cancer. These two experiences have led to the creation of Camp Cole, which now serves as a place of inspiration and joy to our community. At Camp Cole, everybody shines, which is why we intentionally collaborate with pre-existing organizations, also known as our Camp Partners, to deliver year-round world-class experiences with intentional programming. In addition to hosting camps for individuals with illnesses, disabilities, and life challenges, we proudly serve our community as a retreat center during the winter, spring, and fall. The funds raised through community rentals go toward providing lasting memories for our mission-driven partners' campers.

Testimonials

This video captures the joy of camp! https://youtu.be/d8kKHj-Hwns