In this interactive and engaging class, students will explore what it means to be a leader in everyday life. Rather than focusing solely on building a business or project, this class emphasizes the foundational skills behind effective leadership (confidence, communication, teamwork, and self-awareness). Through a mix of games, group activities, and guided discussion, students will discover their unique strengths and how they naturally show up in a team setting. They will learn how to listen, include others, speak up with confidence, and take responsibility in both small and big moments. Over the course of the three days, students will apply these skills in a fun, collaborative group project where they create something together and share it with the class. The focus is not just on what they build, but how they work together to bring it to life. This class is designed to help students grow in confidence, better understand themselves and others, and leave with practical leadership skills they can use at school, at home, and in their communities. (Ages 10-14)

Can you tell if something you see online is generated by AI? Are you able to read beyond the headline, or identify when something doesn’t seem right? Is that viral TikTok trend/headline really true, or is it rooted in a joke or a lie? From detecting if videos, pictures, or text is generated by AI to determining what “truth” you’re being fed online, this course will challenge your media literacy and ideas on how content is presented digitally.

Let’s explore the languages offered in our school district! Each day of camp will focus on one language and introduce students to basic communication skills.

Come read & hear stories with Wilson, a specially trained and certified ADI (Assistance Dogs International) dog.

July 8 – Hensley Park July 15 – Turner Park July 22 – Stroup Park July 29 – Oakhaven Park Join us in the beautiful Rock Hill parks for active, engaging storytimes!

Build confidence and independence in your learning through fun activities and hands-on lessons on study skills, organization, executive functioning and logical thinking. Whether we’re decoding complex mysteries or breaking down large tasks into mini goals, your daughter will walk away with a boost in critical thinking skills to handle whatever middle school challenges come her way. Girls will be evaluating information and guided in making smart choices. Be ready for interactive games and real-world projects.

Students will learn about the Deaf Culture and the basics of American Sign Language. Students will practice signs and facial expressions to help communicate. Students will be able to communicate with a deaf person. (Ages 10-13)

Join Ms. W for this All Ages storytime in our library auditorium!

Come for a 10-minute visit and read to one of our therapy dogs. Bring a book or choose from one of ours. Must be comfortable around dogs. Each reservation of 10-minutes with a dog can count for one family or one child. **Children under the age of 8 years must be supervised by an adult.

Kids of all ages can visit the library on the second Thursday of every month to practice reading with a touch therapy dog! Our furry friend lends a nonjudgmental ear so kids can improve their focus, word recognition, and reading comprehension in an accepting, calming environment. All Ages.

Start the school year off right with new skills for studying, time management, and organization. Students will participate in hands-on activities and real-life simulations to help them understand how to implement tools that will help them succeed with a demanding schedule (personal, academic and extracurricular). Students will explore tools that fit their personality and personal needs.

The Counselor in Training (CIT) Program is an intense look into what it takes to become a counselor at our summer camp. During this three-week program, CITs will work alongside our camp counselors to lead activities that they have prepared while still receiving more hands-on training. This is a highly rigorous program and all interested teens must meet with the Recreation Specialist for an interview and have at least two letters of recommendation, one must be from a teacher, prior to registration. All CITs must attend a CIT Training the first week in June. If you have an interested teen, please contact Emma Brown at ebrown@desperesmo.org to schedule an interview.

Set your child up for a strong, confident start to the school year with our Executive Functioning Intensive Summer Series—a targeted, small-group program designed to build the skills students need to thrive both academically and personally. This series focuses on strengthening organization, time management, task initiation, planning, working memory, and self-advocacy—skills that are critical for school success but often underdeveloped in growing learners. Students will meet in a supportive, structured small-group setting twice per week for three weeks, participating in interactive lessons, guided practice, and real-life application strategies they can immediately use at home and school.

Join us for an action-packed week in the world of law and justice at the Mock Trial- Order in the Camp! In this exciting summer program, girls step into the roles of attorneys, witnesses, and jurors as they learn how real trials unfold. Through interactive games, mini-cases, and hands-on courtroom challenges, students build confidence in public speaking, sharpen their critical-thinking skills, and work together to solve mysteries and argue their cases. By the end of the week, participants will take part in a lively mock trial showdown—complete with objections, evidence, and dramatic courtroom flair!

Join Ms. W for this All Ages storytime in our library auditorium!