South Carolina State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver paid a special visit to Manning Early Childhood Center (MECC) this week to celebrate the ongoing success of the Save the Children summer program, an initiative aimed at enriching young minds through interactive learning, play, and essential life skills.
Superintendent Weaver joined students, staff, and program partners at MECC, where she observed firsthand the energy and engagement taking place in classrooms and activity spaces. The visit was coordinated by Save the Children South Carolina, under the direction of State Director Sharonda Burison-Harris, and provided Weaver the opportunity to see summer learning in action within a camp-like setting.
“Superintendent Weaver’s visit was to provide her with an opportunity to see learning continue throughout the summer months,” said Dr. Erica Murdaugh, Clarendon County School District’s Director of Early Childhood and Elementary Education. “It was also an opportunity for her to witness learning in a camp-like environment that is both fun and engaging for children.”
This summer marks Clarendon County’s first year implementing Summer Spark Camp, hosted by Save the Children U.S. Programs. The full-day camp is offered at four sites across the district: Manning Early Childhood Center, Manning Elementary, Dr. Rose Wilder Elementary, and Walker-Gamble Elementary. Themed activities are designed to build skills, knowledge, and behaviors that promote academic success and healthy development.
Summer Spark Camp serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade and expands upon the school year’s programming. The camp is designed around four overarching goals: to reduce reading and math loss, promote physical activity, increase healthy eating awareness, and foster community involvement and service. Children begin each day with opening exercises such as yoga, followed by morning sessions focused on math, literacy, and physical activity. Afternoons include STEM, nutrition, community service, and enrichment activities.
“When children participate in Summer Spark, their day includes a healthy breakfast and lunch, academic support in the morning, and enrichment in the afternoon,” said Murdaugh. “They also engage in team-building activities that teach them the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.”
The program is intentionally designed to prevent summer learning loss, often called the “summer slump,” and help students start the new school year with confidence.
“Summer Spark is operated primarily by teachers who have taught or will teach many of the campers,” Murdaugh added. “It’s an opportunity to build relationships that enhance student learning. The camp’s design ensures it doesn’t feel like the traditional school year. Schools choose fun themes, decorate accordingly, and even plan field trips to support the experience. Children get to make new friends, become good citizens, and learn new things.”
During her visit to MECC, Weaver sat among students during storytime, chatted with staff, and explored decorated hallways filled with camp-themed artwork and educational displays. Also in attendance were Senator Jeff Zell, Representative Fawn Pedalino, Dr. Rosa Dingle, Seth Hughes, Jason Raven, and Theodore Riley.
“We were elated to welcome State Superintendent Ellen Weaver to Manning Early Childhood Center today,” MECC shared on social media. “Alongside our incredible Save the Children partners, Superintendent Weaver witnessed firsthand the amazing learning, laughter, and growth taking place in our summer program.”
Senator Zell, who has been a vocal advocate for early education in the region, praised the program and Weaver’s visit as a signal of strong support from state leadership.
“Programs like Save the Children demonstrate just how impactful early education initiatives can be when they are supported at every level,” Zell said in a statement. “Clarendon County is a shining example of what’s possible when we invest in our children’s futures. Superintendent Weaver’s visit reinforces the importance of collaboration between state leaders, educators, and community partners to ensure every child has access to quality learning opportunities, especially during the critical summer months.”
Zell also acknowledged the role of the Clarendon County School Board and district leadership, calling their efforts “vital in closing learning gaps and supporting long-term student success.”
Representative Fawn Pedalino, who also toured the site, echoed those sentiments and reflected on the program’s wide-ranging impact.
“It was a joy to tour the Save the Children program within our school district and see the meaningful work being done,” Pedalino said. “From STEM, math, and English to nutrition education and community service, it was inspiring to engage with the students and witness firsthand how much they were enjoying the experience and growing through it.”
Save the Children works to ensure that all children in rural America have a healthy, strong foundation as learners and in life. With continued collaboration among local leaders, educators, and state officials, programs like Save the Children offer a hopeful path forward by nurturing young learners and strengthening community support for education where it matters most.
