Frequently Asked Questions


What is a Jaycee?
Jaycees is short for Junior Chamber of Commerce.  Jaycees are a community service & leadership group for young professionals ages 21-40.  The entire Jaycee organization consists of volunteers.  The Jaycees promote community involvement and personal development through various events that range from simple happy hours to weekend outings to high-profile charity fundraisers.  Whether you want to build your career, touch lives in your own community, or just meet new people, the Jaycees will help you change your world.     


Who can be a Jaycee?
Anyone 21 to 40 years of age may become a member of the Jaycees.


What if I'm over 40?
Anyone 41 years of age and older may pay dues and attend events as an 'Associate' Jaycee.  However, those individuals will not have voting privileges and cannot run for elected Board of Directors positions (any position except Chaplain, Treasurer, Legal Counsel and Newsletter Editor.)


What types of activities are the Jaycees involved in?
We have three basic types of events: Community service, individual development and social.

    *  Community service events have included the following:  Habitat for Humanity, various charity walks, prom dress collections and fundraising activities for Camp Hope.
    *  Individual development events have included the following:  Leader development events (public speaking and writing), museum visits, ethnic dinners, South Carolina Jaycees state conferences, cultural events, networking events and various athletic activities.
    *  Social activities have included the following: once-a-month happy hours, member parties and road trips.


What is Camp Hope?
Camp Hope is a statewide residential camp for the mentally challenged sponsored by the South Carolina Jaycees.  It provides outdoor camping experiences and social activities to help develop independence and responsibility skills for these individuals.  It operates a total of six weeks with four, one-weeks sessions and one, two-week session. Campers of eight years and older are accepted. Each session has campers that are in their own age group.

Throughout each summer, campers participate in many activities such as swimming, canoeing, sailing, hiking, fishing, pontoon boating, archery and crafts. They also play games including volleyball, tetherball, horseshoes, disc golf and much more. Each session, the campers have the opportunity to enjoy an overnight campout. Some campers participate in our Outdoor adventure program which involves group initiatives, ropes courses, a climbing wall and special trips.


How much time do I have to commit?
While we have no time requirements for our members, we do encourage everyone to attend as many events as they would like.  Members are also encouraged to organize and manage events as a chairperson.  As with any organization, you get out of the Jaycees what you put into it.


How much does it cost to join the Columbia Jaycees?
Dues are $60 per year.


Who can come to Jaycees meetings?
Visitors and guests are welcome at all Jaycees meetings.


How many members are in the Columbia Jaycees?
Over the past year, we have kept an average of approximately 50 members.


How do I join?
Contact the Membership Development Vice President or attend one of our upcoming events.