Shaw offers academic, technical and occupational opportunities, professional educational guidance, and counseling services. These services are available to Air Force personnel, family members, DoD civilian employees and community civilians on a space-available basis. Educational opportunities available at Shaw include:

- The University of South Carolina
- Saint Leo University
- Webster University
- Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
- Central Carolina Technical College

Child Care
Family childcare is a profession for spouses who want to be self-employed and work at home. FCC providers are Air Force certified and licensed to care for children ages two weeks through 12 years in military family housing. Providers also offer flexibility for parents who need extended hours and will adapt their programs to meet the needs of their customers, including 24-hour and weekend care.

Child Development Center
The center provides a variety of age-appropriate programs for children six weeks to six years, to include full-time weekly care, hourly care, respite care, before- and after- school care and a full-day kindergarten program. The program focuses on developmentally appropriate practices for young children.

Preschool Enrichment Program
Located in the Child Development Center, classes are available for 3-, 4- and 5-year old children. The program is geared toward early childhood development, focusing on all skill areas.

Youth Center
The Youth Center offers a diverse activity schedule to meet the needs and interests of Shaw’s youth. The program offers before-, after- or before-and-after-school care with age-appropriate activities and programs for children ages six through 12. Full-day camps are also provided for school-age children during the summer months and school holidays. The youth sports program also offers a variety of sports activities for all ages.

Music lessons
The community center offers music lessons for piano, flute and woodwinds Tuesdays from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday from 1:30 - 6 p.m. Guitar lessons are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5-8 p.m. Individual lessons, 30 minute sessions once a week, are $50 per month.

For more information, call (803) 895-3382.

Wateree Recreation Area
The Wateree Recreation Area is located 34 miles north of Shaw AFB. 

The recreation area offers sqimming, camping, fishing and boating in addition to cabins and recreational vehicles sites. 

Reservations for cabins can be made by calling the toll free reservation line. The number is (877) 928-8373. 

New Online Reservation 
The Wateree Recreation Area now has an online reservation form! Simply complete the form and click submit. All reservations will be confirmed via telephone by a Wateree Recreation Area staff member. Payment is required at the time the reservation is confirmed. 

Click here to make a reservation.

Active-duty military can make reservations 60 days in advance; all others (retirees, DoD civilians) can make reservations 30 days in advance.

Have a pet?
The Wateree Recreation Area has four cabins that are dog and cat friendly (limit of two). Additional rules and fees apply. For more information, call (803) 432-7976.

Campers available
Wateree Recreation Area is now offering rental campers on-site. Camper reservations may be made up to 60 calendar days in advance by active-duty military personnel. For more information, call (877) 928-8373.

Kayaks available
Wateree Recreation Area is now offering single and double kayaks for rent. Interested persons must have appropriate orientation card to check out kayaks.

An introduction to kayaks is offered every Wednesday at 2 p.m. at outdoor recreation.