Merchants from Downtown Augusta are partnering up to present the city’s third annual self-guided shopping and camp themed activity crawl on Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Organized by Downtown Soul City, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and marketing retail in the CSRA, the crawl, otherwise known as Camp Soul City, will once again feature several of Augusta’s retail stores to invite shoppers of all ages.
“Camp Soul City is a wonderful event that brings our community together in a fun and engaging way,” said John Porter, director of Downtown Soul City. “Campers have the opportunity to discover participating stores throughout downtown as they complete camp-themed activities and earn merit badges.”
Campers can first check-in at the camp’s headquarters in Augusta & Co., located at 1010 Broad St., to pick up a detailed map, purchase DSC merchandise and earn the event’s first merit badge before exploring various businesses.
All activities will be offered for free or for a low cost to ensure families of all sizes can participate in the excitement.
Event activities scattered throughout downtown will include: collage your own bookmark, DIY natural bug spray, tie-dye T-shirts, edible campfires, bracelet weaving, creating candles, a temporary tattoo booth and more.
“We thought it was a good way for people to have positive experiences downtown and positive experiences with the store owners of the local businesses,” said Porter.
Teaming up with some of the most popular nearby restaurants in the downtown area, Porter said this year’s camp will be “bigger and better than ever” with the addition of canteen stops for participants.
“If you show off your merit badges that were earned at the [camp’s] activities then you will be rewarded with something special,” he said.
Restaurants featured within the line up that will offer a discount or special reward will include Laziza, Boll Weevil, Farmhaus, Vance’s Bakery Bar, Taco Cat, New Moon Cafe and Tip Top Taps.
“The effort made to visit stores in person and participate in local events, sponsored by small business owners, contributes greatly to the success of our local economy,” said Sarah Childers, Experience and Community Engagement manager at Destination Augusta.
Childers said she especially hopes the downtown crawl will encourage first-time campers to become recurring, engaged customers to the area’s unique locally owned businesses.
Porter said Augustans should make a significant effort to support local businesses because it immediately benefits one’s community through positively impacting neighbors.
“These people care about you and the local community more than any national corporation,” he said. “DSC is working to have all the business owners downtown to cooperate and plan initiatives that reward people for shopping local. The more you come out and show your support, the more downtown thrives.”
From demonstrating an activity to organizing and diligently planning the fun-filled day, Porter said his favorite part of Camp Soul City was interacting with excited, smiling participants.
“I always really love to see everyone having a great time,” he said. “The look of pride when I ask people to show off their merit badges is priceless.”
While registration is not required to attend, those wanting to support DSC’s efforts throughout the year can join the organization’s VIP membership online for $4.99 a month.
Members will receive incentives and prizes, such as a VIP lanyard and badge that merit badges can be pinned to.
For more information on Camp Soul City or to become a VIP member of DSC, visit: www.downtownsoul.city
“[Camp Soul City] is a fantastic way to explore and support our local businesses while enjoying a unique downtown Augusta experience that the whole family can enjoy,” Porter said.
