Article Text
Fairfax County Public Schools has assembled a summer resource guide to help students stay active, curious and prepared for the next school year. The guide brings together learning programs, camps, reading challenges, health services and other opportunities from FCPS and community partners.
Family Academy will offer in-person and virtual classes, workshops and webinars on co-parenting, FCPS family orientation, Lexia summer learning resources, essential life skills, preparing children for middle school, story time and other topics.
Families can also explore FCPS summer learning, enrichment and camp programs. Other educational options include the George Mason Space Exploration Center’s weeklong STEM adventure and Children’s Science Center LAB camps for students in grades one through five.
The Fairfax County Puzzle Hunt begins Sunday, June 1, with puzzles pointing participants to a county location and providing clues toward a final challenge.
Additional recreation options include Camp Fairfax for rising first through seventh graders, Fairfax Park Authority camps, the Fairfax County Summer Entertainment Series and adapted sports and recreation programs. Information is also available about individual and group use of FCPS school grounds.
Volunteer Fairfax maintains a collection of community-service opportunities for young people and adults.
Reading programs and library events
The Fairfax County Public Library’s Summer Reading Adventure runs from June 11 through August 17. Children and adults can earn badges and become eligible for prizes by reading, listening to books or completing activities.
Sherwood Regional Library will host a Children’s Summer Reading Festival from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Families can also browse other events offered across the county library system.
Several businesses and organizations are running their own reading incentives. Available rewards include a free personal-sized pizza, free play points and free books. One retailer offers a backpack tied to reading selected books, although a purchase is required.
Through September 12, children can also access Scholastic Home Base’s free summer zone, which features stories, games, familiar characters and an online community of readers.
Health and safety support
Families are encouraged to confirm that children have received all immunizations required for school and to submit the necessary records before the first day of classes.
Vaccinations are available through healthcare providers, the Fairfax County Health Department and other community services. Inova Cares Clinic for Families provides childhood immunizations to qualifying patients who have Medicaid or FAMIS, receive assistance through Inova’s financial aid program or lack insurance.
HealthWorks for Northern Virginia and Neighborhood Health also offer care, including vaccinations, regardless of a family’s insurance status or ability to pay.
FCPS is providing information on mental health and emergency services, gun safety, fentanyl risks and online safety. Resources from Fairfax County addressing gun-violence prevention are also included.
Through Tuesday, August 5, parents and students can schedule a free 45-minute virtual mental wellness consultation with an FCPS school psychologist or social worker. Meetings are available by telephone or videoconference.
FCPS high school students can access virtual therapy sessions at no cost, while the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board offers additional youth mental health services.
The guide also includes at-home ideas for building social-emotional skills such as collaboration and perspective-taking, along with a summer newsletter for families receiving special education or Section 504 services.
Meal distribution locations are still being coordinated and will be announced later. Breakfast and lunch will be available at no charge to FCPS students enrolled in summer school programs.