The City of Camden invites residents to roll up their sleeves and take part in a Community Tree-Planting Day on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Scott Park. Volunteer planting sessions will be held from 9:00–11:00 a.m. and again from 1:00–3:00 p.m., providing multiple opportunities for community participation.
Volunteers will meet at Scott Park, 222 Battleship Road, before planting native trees at both Scott Park and City Arena Park. All planting locations will be prepared in advance, with tree holes pre-dug to allow volunteers of various ages and abilities to participate safely and comfortably. Light refreshments will be available.
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes. Gloves are recommended but not required, and those who have their own shovels are encouraged to bring them.
Tree planting is a practical investment in Camden’s future. Native trees help improve air quality, provide shade, support local wildlife, and enhance the long-term health of public spaces. Events like this also offer residents an opportunity to work side by side, strengthening connections while caring for shared community spaces.
As a thank-you for participating, each volunteer or family will receive a certificate redeemable for a free tree at the City’s Tree Give-Away Event on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Volunteers are asked to register in advance to assist with event planning. Registration is available by scanning the provided QR code or by contacting Community Tree Advocate Liz Gilland at treelady2010@gmail.com.
This event is made possible through a partnership between the City of Camden, the Green Infrastructure Center, and the South Carolina Forestry Commission.
Former Trustus Theatre Artistic Director and SC Philharmonic Marketing Director begins on January 12, 2026
Camden, SC — The Arts Center of Kershaw County has hired Chad Henderson as the new Executive Director. Henderson, the former Trustus Theatre Artistic Director and SC Philharmonic Marketing Director, will begin on January 12th, 2026. The Executive Director provides overall artistic and administrative leadership to the Arts Center, achieving the Arts Center’s goals for artistic excellence, audience development, fundraising, sponsorship and business relations development, financial sustainability and community engagement. Henderson succeeds Dolly Patton, who resigned from the position in summer of 2025.
The Arts Center of Kershaw County serves as the cultural hub for the region, offering visual arts exhibitions, performing arts events, and educational programming that enriches the community and attracts visitors from across South Carolina.
Chad Henderson, a Spartanburg native and current resident of Columbia, SC, has spent more than 18 years in the non-profit arts sector. At Trustus Theatre, Columbia’s professional theatre, Henderson served as the Marketing Director from 2007 to 2015, and the Artistic Director from 2015 to 2021. He has served as the Marketing Director for the SC Philharmonic from 2021 to 2026.
Known in the SC arts community as a visionary theatre director, Henderson has been awarded the 2018 Founders Award from the SC Theatre Association for his work as an arts leader, and the 2012 Artist of the Year in Theatre from The Jasper Project. As a filmmaker, his work took top honors at the 2nd Act Film Festival in 2017 and 2024. Henderson is also an accomplished playwright—his play Let It Grow won the 2024 Jasper Project Play Right Series and is available for purchase on Amazon. He has completed three residencies with the Studios of Key West in Key West, Florida. Visit his website to learn more about previous projects: www.chadhendersondirects.com.
“We are excited to welcome Chad Henderson as the new Executive Director of the Arts Center of Kershaw County,” said Board President Lee Inabinet. “Chad brings tremendous enthusiasm along with extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, marketing, and the arts. We are confident his vision and energy will strengthen the Center’s impact and support its continued growth in our community.”
The appointment also represents an important milestone in the ongoing partnership between the City of Camden and the Arts Center of Kershaw County. “Chad brings a wealth of experience from his work with the Columbia Philharmonic, and we are confident his leadership and vision will strengthen the arts within our community and build an even stronger partnership between the City and the Arts Center,” said City Manager Matt DeWitt.
Henderson shares the board’s enthusiasm. “The Arts Center of Kershaw County is a truly special organization in this state, and I couldn’t be more honored to become its next leader,” said Henderson. “I look forward to working with the artists and stakeholders of Kershaw County and beyond to deepen the organization’s impact and to grow the Arts Center’s unique capability to serve the community’s cultural appetite.”
ARTS CENTER OF KERSHAW COUNTY MISSION STATEMENT: To create an environment that promotes artistic and cultural experiences and provides superior educational, instructional and entertainment opportunities that elevate and enrich the community for all residents of Kershaw County and beyond.
About the Arts Center of Kershaw County: The Arts Center of Kershaw County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering artistic excellence and cultural enrichment in the region. For more information, visit Arts Center of Kershaw County | Be Inspired
The City of Camden announced the appointment of Tori Smith as its new director of finance, bringing more than two decades of governmental and public-school finance experience to the city’s leadership team.
Smith has extensive experience overseeing governmental financial operations in public education. She holds a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of South Carolina, with a major in accounting and a minor in human resources.
Most recently, Smith served as finance director for South Carolina Virtual Charter School, where she led the transition of accounting functions from an external management organization to in-house staff. Her work included implementing financial systems, developing policies and procedures, preparing budgets, and coordinating audits to ensure transparency and compliance.
Smith previously spent more than 20 years with Kershaw County School District, serving as finance director, accounting supervisor and payroll bookkeeper. Her experience included supervising staff, managing audits and financial systems, supporting bond and investment management, and maintaining accurate financial records during significant district challenges.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Tori Smith to the City of Camden,” said City Manager Matt DeWitt. “She brings a wealth of governmental finance experience and a strong understanding of public-sector finance, budgeting and accountability. We are confident her leadership will strengthen our financial operations and support the city’s long-term goals.”
“I am thrilled to join the City of Camden team as the new finance director, bringing with me 25 years of experience in governmental accounting,” Smith said. “I am excited to be home, supporting the collective mission and showcasing our GREAT city and all that we have to offer.”
As director of finance, Smith will oversee Camden’s accounting and financial operations and staff; this includes budgeting, reporting, payroll, procurement, debt management, compliance, internal auditing and recordkeeping.
CAMDEN, SC — The December City Council meeting was filled with recognition for excellence and outstanding service, highlighted by the naming of a longtime Public Works employee as Employee of the Month and statewide honors for the Camden Police Department.
A longtime Public Works employee who stands out for saving the City money through his hands-on problem solving was named Employee of the Month. City Manager Matt DeWitt recognized Robbie Truesdale, whose two decades of service and ability to troubleshoot issues on the spot often eliminate the need for outside contractors. DeWitt described him as a dependable, highly skilled member of the team.
“Robbie is a true jack-of-all-trades who consistently goes above and beyond,” DeWitt said. “It’s employees like him who make this a great place to work.”
Truesdale received the Employee of the Month award along with a 20-year service pin and bonus as part of the City’s new longevity recognition program. Public Works Director Jack Thornsberry joined the presentation as DeWitt highlighted the department’s continued efforts to serve residents efficiently.
The council also recognized employees reaching significant service milestones, highlighting their dedication and contributions to the City. Sergeant Carl Smith, widely known as a downtown ambassador, marked 15 years with the police department following more than three decades in law enforcement. John Lyles, recognized for his steady work ethic and positive attitude, and Lt. Keith Norris, frequently seen representing the department at community events, each celebrated five years of service. Michael Bateman, celebrating 5 years with the Fire Department, accepted his pin with his young daughter present.
Seven additional employees who could not attend were acknowledged for their long-term commitment, including Charles Drakeford, with 25 years in Water and Sewer; David Enlow, 20 years at the water plant; Ty Smith, 15 years with Wastewater; and Oliver Ellerbe, who reached 10 years in Sanitation, and Tristan McCreadie, 5 years with the Fire Department. These recognitions underscore the City’s ongoing commitment to honoring employees whose work supports Camden’s operations and community every day.
Continuing the evening’s focus on excellence and recognition, a major highlight came when Amanda White, statewide forensic nurse coordinator for the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network, presented the Camden Police Department with a SAFE Designation for its work in responding to sexual assault and human trafficking cases. Camden is now one of the first 10 agencies in the state to earn this voluntary certification, which honors departments that exceed standard requirements in trauma-informed response, evidence handling, and victim safety.
“Agencies participate because they want to provide the best possible care,” White said, commending the department’s dedication to supporting victims. Council members and police personnel gathered for a commemorative photograph to mark the achievement, underscoring Camden’s commitment to both community service and professional excellence.
In other business, council members returned a proposed mural at Gallery 537 to the Arts Committee for further collaboration with the building owner, emphasizing the importance of ensuring public art aligns with the city’s long-term aesthetic vision.
The council also advanced an ordinance to annex the Springfield Healthcare Facility on Battleship Road, a move city officials said will improve utility service, signage, and public safety coverage for the facility.
In brief action, members approved revisions to the city’s firearms ordinance and granted final approval for a new shoe repair and shine business at 1038 Broad Street.
City Manager Matt DeWitt provided updates on several ongoing projects, noting that the City is upgrading downtown rooftop lighting with commercial-grade systems designed to better withstand severe weather. He also announced that the annual tree lighting ceremony has been moved to Thursday due to forecasted rain. On Friday, the City will plant two trees behind City Hall in recognition of South Carolina Arbor Day, honoring the dedication, sacrifice, and everyday heroism of Camden’s first responders.
