Spartanburg Day School

A child might arrive at Camp Griffin still learning to pedal and leave riding confidently on two wheels. Another may spend the summer discovering a love for new interests like science, art, athletics and cooking. Another may join unsure of their abilities in the water and leave with confident swimming skills. Some older campers even gain the skills and confidence needed to step into leadership roles through Camp Griffin’s Counselor-in-Training program.  

These moments of growth are what families across the Upstate have come to expect from Camp Griffin, the signature summer camp program of Spartanburg Day School. Registration is now open for Summer 2026, and families are already planning for nine weeks of immersive, hands-on camp experiences.

Camp Griffin will run from Tuesday, May 26, through Friday, July 31, welcoming campers from age 2 through rising 9th grade. The program is open to both Spartanburg Day School students and children from across the community.

With limited space in many camps, families are encouraged to register early. Details about weekly themes, pricing, and registration can be found HERE.

Camp Griffin is intentionally designed as a flexible, interest-driven experience rather than a one-size-fits-all camp model.

“Camp Griffin allows families to build a summer that truly fits their child’s interests and their family schedule,” Camp Director Lenora Sansbury said. “Some campers join us for only a few weeks, others for the entire summer. Each week at Camp Griffin offers something new to explore, and every experience is rooted in the practice of learning lived.”

Each week of camp features 11 to 14 themed options, spanning athletics, creative arts, STEM, culinary exploration, life skills and outdoor adventure. Campers can try something new, deepen an existing interest, or chart a completely different path each week. For families seeking even more exploration, Camp Griffin also offers Adventure Camps, which include off-campus excursions and real-world experiences throughout the Upstate and beyond.

Flexibility is a hallmark of the program. Families may register for individual weeks or multiple sessions, with half-day, full-day, and extended-day options available to accommodate busy summer schedules.

Safety and care remain central to Camp Griffin’s daily operations. A nurse is on duty, security is present on campus, and campers are led by Spartanburg Day School faculty, coaches and trained counselors who know how to create a supportive, engaging camp environment.

For older students, Camp Griffin offers a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program, designed to help campers develop leadership, organization, initiative and responsibility. CITs gain hands-on experience supporting camp operations while building skills that extend far beyond the summer months.

While the activities are exciting, many families say the greatest impact comes from the confidence campers gain and the friendships they build. Camp Griffin’s approach blends fun with purpose, keeping children socially, emotionally and intellectually engaged throughout the summer.

“One of the most rewarding parts of camp is watching campers discover what they did not realize they were capable of,” Sansbury said. “Sometimes they sign up just to try something new. By the end of the week, they’ve found a passion or a new belief in themselves.”

For many Upstate families, Camp Griffin has become a trusted summer tradition. It is a place where children learn, explore, grow and return home each day with stories that last well beyond the season.

“When looking for a summer camp experience for our children, there is no better option than Camp Griffin,” one parent shared. “At every touchpoint, they cater to the needs of the family and fulfill the dreams of the camper. Our children looked forward to camp every morning and couldn’t stop talking about their days every evening.”