PICKENS – Clemson University’s Youth Learning Institute (YLI) has lined up five innovative and exciting summer camps at four locations across the state, for youths ages eight to 16.

YLI camp programs cover a broad range of interests including technology, marine science, shooting sports and wildlife, 4-H traditional camp, and building academic, physical and emotional stamina to maintain peak performance at school, home and play. Camps are located near Pickens at YLI’s Headquarters and Education Center, near Clinton at the Clinton House hunting lodge with access to over 1,000 acres of wildlife, near Summerton at the R. M. Cooper 4-H Leadership Center on Lake Marion and near Mt. Pleasant at the Sewee Coastal Retreat Center on the inner coastal waterway.

YLI’s executive director Jorge Calzadilla says the goal of the organization’s camp programs is to offer young people a high quality learning experience while giving them the chance to have fun.

“We believe summer camp is one of the most valuable experiences a child can ever have. They learn independence, responsibility, cooperation and teamwork, meet life-long friends and create lasting memories. Just as important, they have fun.”

The schedule includes:

. The EDGE (ages 10-14): A unique adventure featuring interactive tools that test performance potential through intellectual, physical and group-based challenges. (Made possible through a partnership with the Institute of HeartMath, Boulder Creek, Calif.)

. Camp Voyager (ages 10-14): Accomplish challenging missions using Global Positioning Systems, PDAS, digital cameras and computers at this camp of the future. Lego robotics and RC Cars are a big hit, too.

. Camp Sewee (ages 8-16): Explore the wonders of marine science and the South Carolina coast. Highlights of the week include island ecology studies, crabbing, kayaking and a visit to one of the local water parks and the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston.

. Camp Wildlife (ages 8-16): Experience the thrill of shooting sports like clay shooting and paintball and complete a course for safe operation of All Terrian Vehicles (ATVs), all while learning the highest standards of sportsmanship and ethical behavior. (Made possible through a partnership with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.)

. 4-H Summer Camp (ages 8-16): An outstanding opportunity for outdoor learning and fun, 4-H Summer Camp offers fishing, tubing, canoeing, archery, arts and craft and more. Enhance selfesteem and self-reliance in a traditional camping environment.

Get information and register online at www.ylicamps.com. The website provides details about each camp including programs and activities, dates of summer sessions and prices. For camp brochures or to speak with a representative, call 864-878-1041.