Over 90 Years of Dedication

In January 1928, twelve young women gathered at the Palmetto Tea Room in Camden with a shared vision: to form a social club dedicated to child welfare work in Kershaw County. Over tea and conversation, the Camden Junior Welfare League was born. These women recognized the importance of community service and committed themselves to improving the lives of children in the area. Their initial focus on child welfare has since broadened, and today, the League’s impact reaches far beyond its humble beginnings.​

 

Our Mission

The purpose of the Camden Junior Welfare League is to enrich the social and economic environment of Kershaw County’s children. We foster interest among our members in the social, cultural, economic, and civic affairs of Camden and Kershaw County. Through voluntary service, we strive to improve our community and make it a better place for everyone.

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Our motto, "My part is to improve the present moment," continues to guide us as we work together to create positive change.

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Our Membership

The Camden Junior Welfare League is comprised of active and provisional members who live or work in Kershaw County and are at least 21 years old. There is no upper age limit for membership, allowing women of all ages to contribute their time and talents to our mission. Members who have fulfilled their League requirements may choose to become sustainers, offering invaluable support and guidance to current members while continuing to volunteer at League events and participate in social gatherings throughout the year.

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Our Commitment to the Community

For over 90 years, the Camden Junior Welfare League has been a cornerstone of community service in Kershaw County. We are best known for our annual Candlelight Tour of Homes each December, which showcases some of the most beautiful homes and historic buildings in the community. This beloved fundraising event, along with others we host throughout the year, enables us to provide scholarships to local students and grants to teachers and nonprofits serving Kershaw County children.

Each year, at least one student from each high school in Kershaw County is awarded a minimum of $1,000 to support their pursuit of a “helping profession,” such as nursing, healthcare, social work, education, or ministry. In addition to scholarships, we also provide grants to educators and nonprofit organizations that share our commitment to improving the lives of children in our community.

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Join Us or Learn More

We are always eager to welcome new members who share our passion for service and community. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, attending one of our events, or learning more about how we serve Kershaw County, we invite you to reach out to us. Together, we can continue the legacy of making a difference, just as those twelve women did over 90 years ago.

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For more information or to request assistance from the League, please email us at camdenjuniorwelfareleague@gmail.com.