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A lifelong Falls Church resident has created a summer camp aimed at helping rising eighth- and ninth-grade boys develop strength, discipline, confidence and character.
Marco Ferrara, a recent Virginia Tech graduate who attended Mount Daniel, Thomas Jefferson, Mary Ellen Henderson and Meridian schools, founded Forge after becoming concerned that many early-teen boys lack opportunities for meaningful challenges and personal growth.
The camp combines morning fitness sessions with practical instruction in communication, time management, leadership, organization and goal-setting. Afternoon activities will include team sports, theater trips, leadership exercises and a Washington, D.C., scavenger hunt designed to teach participants how to navigate public transportation and work together.
Ferrara said Forge is intended to provide structure and individual guidance rather than simply occupy campers during the summer. Enrollment has already drawn families from across Northern Virginia.
Forge will operate at George Mason University from July 7 through Aug. 1, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families may register for any number of weeks, with discounts available for multiple weeks. The program is also offering a $50 referral bonus for each new family referred by a participating household.
Ferrara said the camp will maintain a small camper-to-coach ratio so participants receive close attention.
Letter Urges Abundance Movement to Consider Third-Party Alliance
An anonymous Falls Church writer is calling for greater cooperation between the Abundance Movement and the Forward Party, arguing that the country’s two-party system has become overly dependent on cultural conflict, fear and ideological division.
The writer praised the Abundance Movement’s focus on meeting basic needs and strengthening long-term prosperity but questioned whether it can bridge political divisions while remaining associated with the Democratic Party.
The letter contends that Democratic leaders alienated voters through the party’s handling of Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign and Kamala Harris’ later candidacy. It also argues that both major parties use fear and political “othering” to motivate voters, contributing to public distrust and dysfunction.
Although the Forward Party and Abundance Movement emerged from different political circumstances, the writer suggests their interests overlap. A partnership, the letter argues, could pair ambitious policy goals with electoral and governmental reforms while presenting voters with an alternative to the two major parties.
Local Studio Donates Acclaimed Artwork to Inova Cancer Institute
Northern Virginia art studio Art by Courage is donating a framed print of Organ Donors to the Arts & Healing Program at Inova Schar Cancer Institute in Fairfax in recognition of AAPI Heritage Month in May.
The limited-edition digital painting was previously displayed at the PARC at Tysons Art Gallery. It was later selected by a jury for the Society of Illustrators’ 67th Annual Exhibition in New York City.
Regina Chua, co-founder of Art by Courage, said the studio hopes the work will offer patients and their families comfort, resilience and a sense that their experiences are recognized.
Inova Schar Cancer Institute’s Arts & Healing Program incorporates visual and performing arts into patient-centered care through a permanent collection, exhibitions, performances and creative workshops.
Art by Courage specializes in graphic novels and illustration. The studio says its work is intended to encourage conversation, evoke emotion and highlight diverse stories.