Charleston County Parks

For some Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission activities, a chaperon is required for participants 15 and younger. Registration is required for all programs and some special events. Call 795-4386 or visit www.ccprc.com to register.

Holiday Festival of Lights Opening Celebration: Activities include a tree lighting, the announcement of the postcard and gingerbread competition winners. Free with regular Holiday Festival of Lights admission. Call 795-4FUN (4386). James Island County Park's Park Center. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nov. 14. The 19th annual festival is a three-mile driving tour with holiday light displays and enjoy attractions in the Winter Wonderland and Santa's Village. For festival hours and fees, call or visit www.holidayfestivalof lights.com.

Early Morning Bird Walks at Caw Caw: The walk through many distinct habitats will allow participants to discuss birds, butterflies and other organisms. Preregistration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Meets at Caw Caw Interpretive Center. $5/free for Gold Pass Holders. 8:30 a.m.-noon Nov. 15, 19, 22, 26, 29.

ACA Instructor Certification Courses: Basic Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification Exam. The Basic Coastal Kayak certification is for those teaching students in areas with mild winds and modest tidal currents. It emphasizes safety, efficiency and self-reliance for those traveling by sea kayak in controlled conditions. Preregistration required. Visit www.americancanoe.org. Meets at James Island County Park. Age: 18 & up. Fee: $220/$200 CCR Discount. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 14-15.

ACA Instructor Certification Courses: Open Water Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification Exam. The Open Water Coastal Kayak Instructor Certification Exam certifies candidates as an Open Water Coastal Kayak Instructor. Candidates must competently manage groups in wind, waves, tidal currents and while paddling in traffic. Preregistration required. Visit www.americancanoe.org. Meets at James Island County Park. Age: 18 & up. Fee: $325/$300 CCR Discount. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 14-16.

Local Hikes: Palmetto Trail Night Hike. Pack a flashlight and drink as the group hikes under a moonlit sky. All trails are appropriate for beginners. Preregistration required. Meets at CCPRC Headquarters. Age: 16 & up. Fee: $15/$12 CCR Discount. 5:30-10 p.m. Nov. 14.

Climbing Clinics: Climbing Rescues. Learn rescue skills for a rock-climbing trip. Belay escapes and transfers, counterascents and knot passing will be covered. Preregistration required. Meets at James Island County Park. Age: 16 & up. Fee: $72/$60 CCR Discount. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 15.

Introduction to Climbing: Introduction to Climbing Technique. Group covers the basics of climbing technique. Preregistration required. Meets at James Island County Park. Age: 11 & up. Fee: $54/$45 CCR Discount. 9 a.m.-noon Nov. 16.

Moonlight Wall Climb: Moonlight Climb. Participants must have previous climbing/belaying experience. Arrive before closing and pay at The Climbing Wall. Equipment not included in climbing fee; bring headlamp/flashlight. Preregistration not required. A chaperon is required for participants ages 15 & under. Meets at James Island County Park. Age: 4 & up. Fee: $10/$8 CCR Discount. 5-8 p.m. Nov. 19.

Star Light, Star Bright: Become familiar with the night sky, using telescopes to view deep-space forms. A registered and paid chaperon is required for participants ages 15 and under. Preregistration required. Meets at Caw Caw Interpretive Center. Age: 12 & up. Fee: $8/$6 CCR Discount. 7-9 p.m. Nov. 21.

Local Canoe Trips: Edisto River Canoe Trip. Preregistration required. Meets at CCPRC Headquarters. Age: 16 and up. Fee: $54/$45 CCR Discount. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 22.