ACA Volunteer @
Charleston
Join ACA for the Summer-of-a-Lifetime!
Welcome to ACA's Volunteer Program @ Charleston
Charleston is nestled beautifully along the Atlantic coastline – the best of all possible settings for the ultimate summer experience! It’s an endless summer of enrichment and adventure decked out in real southern style!
Charleston is known for its charm, warm sandy beaches and bustling city, the perfect setting for your ultimate summer experience! Dynamic, charming and breathtakingly beautiful, Charleston combines the finest the East coast has to offer.
We partner with Charleston Habitat for Humanity for our home builds.
- Home Build Project with Habitat For Humanity
- 30 Hours of Community Service
- Exciting Afternoon & Evening Activities
- Weekend Adventures are always Included
- Upscale Housing Accommodations
- 10:1 Student-to-Staff Ratio
- Iconic Southern Town with True Southern Charm
- A Summer of Giving Back, Southern Style!
2023 Dates & Tuition
Enroll now & save up to $1,000
Transportation is not included in tuition.
Weekday Schedule
-
7:00 am - 7:30 am
Breakfast -
8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Volunteering: House Build Project -
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Lunch -
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Chill Time -
2:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Afternoon Activities
(Choice of Several Options) -
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Shower, Change, Relax -
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Dinner -
9:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Evening Activities
(Choice of Several Options) -
11:30 pm - 12:00 am
Social Time in Residence -
12:00 am
Goodnight (Individual Suites)
Volunteering runs Monday through Friday.
Safety & Supervision
ACA has always been committed to absolute safety for every student. We maintain a ten-to-one student-to-staff ratio – one of the lowest in the industry – to ensure everyone gets the unmatched attention and unique personalized programs they deserve.
As part of our commitment to student safety, ACA staff members live on student-occupied floors, accompany students on all activities and excursions, and are always equipped with cellphones for emergencies. ACA takes care to use private transportation for our weekday activities and weekend adventure trips – never public transportation.
Our accommodations add an additional element of security, as well. The front desk is staffed 24 hours a day with trained personnel for your comfort and convenience.
Travel to Charleston*
We recommend that students fly nonstop to Charleston International Airport. There they will be met by ACA staff members, who will escort them to comfortable, air-conditioned shuttles for the short drive to the program.
Of course, parents are also welcome to drive students to ACA directly. Contact our office for further information on any of these travel options.
*Transportation is not included in tuition.
ACA COVID Policies
- Rest assured that ACA will adhere to all state, local, university, CDC, WHO, and American Camp Association COVID guidelines to protect the safety of all ACA students and Staff.
- All students and staff will be required to self quarantine at home prior to the program and COVID test. We will ask that all families share their student’s results with us prior to the program. This will allow peace of mind knowing that all students and staff arrive at the program COVID-free.
- Upon arrival to the program, ACA medical personnel will screen all students and staff for symptoms.
- ACA personnel will regularly monitor students and staffs temperatures throughout the each day of the program.
- Students or staff with signs of a fever or symptoms relating to COVID will be temporarily removed from the program’s general population and placed into alternate sleeping rooms monitored by ACA staff and local medical professionals. Parents will be kept in the loop at all times.
- All students and counselors will be required to be fully vaccinated to participate in the program.
Charleston Habitat for Humanity - Home Build
Habitat for Humanity builds decent and affordable homes around the world in partnership with families in need of a place to live. Habitat homebuyers help build their own homes alongside volunteers like you.
During this program, you will earn 40 hours of volunteering. Student volunteers can expect to help with framing, laying the floor system, roofing, painting, landscaping, and more.
“Our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Seeking to put God’s love into action, Charleston Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. By facilitating homeownership, families can break the cycle of poverty, which goes a long way to building a better future for multiple generations.”
Charleston Habitat for Humanity History
Charleston Habitat for Humanity joined the affordable housing effort in 1989. The affiliate’s earliest service was partnering with the local community to transform the Low Country of South Carolina after a Category 5 hurricane ripped into the Southeastern Seaboard in September of 1989. Hurricane Hugo was the costliest storm the country had ever seen at that time. In its aftermath, the federal government declared more than half of South Carolina’s 46 counties disaster areas, and official economic estimates pegged the widespread damage at more than $5 billion. Public assistance and insurance money post-Hugo wasn’t the only thing that transformed the area – housing nonprofits were heavily relied upon in Charleston. The city once lined with old houses now found a lot of them were at ground level or wiped away by the storm.
CHFH has been able to assist the community with its formation and continue serving the community long after the tragedy had passed. To date, the affiliate has built 91 new homes, renovated 22 houses and supported 47 homes in Honduras – improving over 600 lives through home ownership. We are dedicated to eliminating substandard housing through constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to families in need.
Charleston Life
Charleston is a beautiful city, full of delicious food, fun boutiques and an atmosphere of true southern charm. Take in the excitement of Southern charm and the beauty of the beaches. It’s the perfect place for anyone looking for an active summer! Waterfront parks and quiet beaches are as abundant as antique shops — as are world-class hotels, restaurants serving upscale Lowcountry fare, and historic landmarks and museums’ Be sure to pack your sense of adventure!
You can count on outstanding accommodations – this is ACA!
With ACA, you stay in style, enjoying the finest residence accommodations of any pre-college summer program. ACA’s accommodations feature deluxe rooms complete with wifi and linen service. You’ll also like the fitness center to enjoy in the afternoons and evenings. And rest easy, because the front-desk staff and ACA office is on-site to ensure your safety 24 hours a day.
Excellent Eats
Choices, choices, choices! With ACA, you never have to worry about going hungry. From home-style meals served at breakfast, lunch and dinner to ACA’s exciting Dining-on-the-Town-Plan on the weekends, no pre-college summer program gives you as many dining options as ACA!
Weekday mornings, our breakfast buffet features freshly-made specials like eggs, pancakes and waffles alongside plenty of fresh fruit, cereal, bagels, yogurt and pastries. You’ll have no problem fueling up for the day!
For Lunch and dinner, you’ll be able to take advantage of ACA’s exclusive Dining-on-the-Town-Plan. It lets you choose great dining-out options at a variety of ACA-selected restaurants – and it’s included in your tuition! Whether you want to tackle some local delicacies or stick to hometown favorites, you’re sure to find a restaurant that suits your taste. And don’t worry, we make sure everyone eats just as well during our exciting weekend adventures!
Around Town & Beyond
With the Atlantic Coast in the background, Charleston offers something for everyone and is packed with plenty to do. You’ll have plenty of time to check out the attractions and activities that interest you most! Explore the shops, sights and scenes, enjoy a favorite sport, or just relax on the beach. From King Street to Broad Street, there are plenty of cafes and boutiques, and is best known for its picturesque storefronts.
Afternoon and evening activities are yours to enjoy. Play some tennis, head to the beach or browse the celebrated boutiques. From activities at the beach to cool shows, outings and summer concerts, there are new options to pursue every day!
Some sites you will see include:
- Sullivan’s Island
- Folley Beach
- Pineapple Fountain
- Broad Street Shopping
- White Point Garden
- Charleston City Market
- Isle of Palms
- The Charleston Battery
- Rainbow Row
The Finest Fitness Facilities
The Charleston program offers outstanding athletic facilities that meet the needs of any exercise enthusiast. You’ll have access to plenty of athletic and recreational options during your stay. You can lace up your running shoes for a jog on the beach, or hit the gym to pump some iron or get moving on an elliptical trainer. Outdoor tennis courts, basketball courts and plenty of other options are sure to keep you busy. Of course, a game of touch football or a little Frisbee is always a campus classic. Just make sure to pack your workout gear — it’s going to be a very active summer!
WEEKEND ADVENTURES
Complete your ACA Charleston experience with exciting weekend adventures.
Kiawah Island
Freshfields Village– Shop and dine at this upscale village just outside Kiawah & Seabrook Islands that caters to the locals and tourists alike.
Kiawah Beachwalker Park – Soak up the sun with a trip to the beach and Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Frankies Fun Park
Hilton Head & Savannah Extension
Add 4 days to your Charleston Adventure
Add to your Charleston experience and explore the wonders of Hilton Head and Savannah! (supplemental tuition required)
You’ll remain in the secure company of trusted ACA staff members, as well as many of the friends you’ve made on your ACA program. Of course, you’ll also enjoy the comfortable accommodations and superior guidance you’ve come to expect from ACA.
- Hilton Head – Hilton Head is known for its beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches and golf courses. Boasting over 12 miles of pristine sand, be sure to explore the island on foot or by bike. Head over to Harbour Town and shop at the chic boutiques and gift shops. Visit Old Town Bluffton, a delightful public square with great restaurants and boutique shops. And don’t forget to check out The Harbour Town Lighthouse and Museum and The Coastal Discovery Museum featuring heritage buildings, trees and themed gardens.
- Savannah, Georgia – Savannah is one of the best-preserved and most picturesque old town centers in the US. Take a stroll along Bull Street and stop in one of Savannah’s many historic squares. Savannah's City Market is a favorite among both locals and tourists for its upbeat atmosphere, dining options, entertainment from local musicians to nationally known artists, and you even can find working artist studios. This is also a prime shopping destination, home to a wide variety of boutiques and a sweet shop with homemade candy. The Iron steps lead to the Riverfront, a row of 19th-century warehouses now occupied by shops and restaurants including old-style candy stores, unique art galleries, and souvenir shops. Check out the excellent views of the port and bridge.
Highlights
Photos
TestimonialS
What Alumni are Saying
"My summer at ACA was one of the greatest experiences of my life! I have amazing memories and made the best friends on this trip that I will cherish forever. ACA provided countless opportunities!"
"My son Brett had not only the greatest summer, but the greatest experience of his life. The friendships he made were so amazing! He now rooms with friends he met at ACA in college."
"ACA was by far the best program I've ever had the privilege to attend. The experiences were unforgettable, and words cannot describe how many lifelong friendships I made."
The most Personalized program
your Summer!
