Resources: Enrichment Opportunities

LOCAL YEAR ROUND OPPORTUNITIES | SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES

Local Year Round Opportunities

While we do not imply any endorsement of the listings, we hope you will find them helpful and a good place to start your search.

Disclaimer: This web page contains links to one or more web pages that are outside the FCPS network. FCPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages.


Art at the Center
is an art studio designed specifically for children and their families with an emphasis on the use of natural and recycled materials as well as traditional art media. The studio is a learning laboratory where experimentation is encouraged and students can practice thinking skills and problem solving as they engage in projects. The arts are seen as languages for children to express their ideas, working both individually and collaboratively in a group setting. The studio environment is designed to provoke curiosity and wonder and to encourage active engagement with the materials and with each other. Peer feedback and building relationships is a key part of the creative and learning process.

FAIR USE
Fair use of copyrighted material includes the use of protected materials for non-commercial educational purposes, such as teaching, scholarship, research, criticism, commentary, news reporting, and other content.

http://www.artatthecenter.org

 
The Newseum offers daily programs for visitors, but as yet does not appear to have classes available.   The exhibit halls are interactive.  You can even role play an anchor, reporter or photographer in a national newsroom setting.  Newspapers from around the world send front page news daily.  Other exhibits give you a sense of the power of information and history of those people who are significant in the field.  Fees apply, but a must see this summer for you and your family.  Visit the website and plan your day. Below are just two of the many exhibits available. You will see the news with a whole new point of view.

FAIR USE
Fair use of copyrighted material includes the use of protected materials for non-commercial educational purposes, such as teaching, scholarship, research, criticism, commentary, news reporting, and other content.

http://www.newseum.org

 
Children's programs offer a variety of interactive experiences to discover the natural world. Using music, stories, crafts, and the Zoo's animal collection, your child will strengthen skills needed for success in the
classroom and develop important social skills.

FAIR USE
Fair use of copyrighted material includes the use of protected materials for non-commercial educational purposes, such as teaching, scholarship, research, criticism, commentary, news reporting, and other content.

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Education/CampsClasses/

This museum offers a variety of interactive activities for families and children of all ages. One can register for summer camp or attend one of the ongoing family programs that are offered.  There is something for families to do every day at the National Building Museum. Offerings include:

  • Family Tool Kits
  • Amazing Arches: Build a Life-Sized Arch in the Great Hall
  • The Building Zone
  • Discovery Carts
  • Family Tours

FAIR USE
Fair use of copyrighted material includes the use of protected materials for non-commercial educational purposes, such as teaching, scholarship, research, criticism, commentary, news reporting, and other content.

http://www.nbm.org/


The International Spy Museum will open children to a new view of worldwide investigations. There are ongoing events throughout the year.  Be sure to checkout the KidSpy and Scavenger Hunts.  The fees vary in price and early registration is strongly recommended. The exhibits are interactive and activities are appealing to people of all ages.
Go to the website for Upcoming Events and Ongoing Events as the schedule is updated frequently.  Plan ahead as event space is limited.

FAIR USE
Fair use of copyrighted material includes the use of protected materials for non-commercial educational purposes, such as teaching, scholarship, research, criticism, commentary, news reporting, and other content.

http://www.spymuseum.org/


Learning that Delivers! The National Postal Museum offers a creative selection of programs that attract a wide audience base of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and interests. Whether it be a workshop, film, family program, lecture, or performance, the Museum's Postal Pastimes provide participants with a quality visitation experience that makes learning exciting, enriching, and interactive.

FAIR USE
Fair use of copyrighted material includes the use of protected materials for non-commercial educational purposes, such as teaching, scholarship, research, criticism, commentary, news reporting, and other content.

http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/museum/1b_calendar.html

 
Family Programs at the Corcoran bring art to life! From Aspiring Artists classes and hands-on art workshops to in gallery programs and summer camp, the gallery offers an interactive experience for children of all ages with diverse interests.  The programs change monthly so visit the website and you will find family programs under education.

FAIR USE
Fair use of copyrighted material includes the use of protected materials for non-commercial educational purposes, such as teaching, scholarship, research, criticism, commentary, news reporting, and other content.

http://programs.corcoran.org/collections/family-programs


As one of the largest science classrooms in the world, the National Museum of Natural History works with you to explore the natural world through the Museum's exhibits, onsite programming and online resources.

FAIR USE
Fair use of copyrighted material includes the use of protected materials for non-commercial educational purposes, such as teaching, scholarship, research, criticism, commentary, news reporting, and other content.

http://www.mnh.si.edu/education/


Family Weekends offer a variety of activities—films, music, hands-on art projects—for children and adults to enjoy together. All activities are free. There is no advance registration for this drop-in program; participation in each activity is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, call
(202) (202) 789-3030. The focus of the weekend programs vary depending on the featured show.

FAIR USE
Fair use of copyrighted material includes the use of protected materials for non-commercial educational purposes, such as teaching, scholarship, research, criticism, commentary, news reporting, and other content.

http://www.nga.gov/programs/calendar/cal2011-11_w44.shtm

 


The National Air and Space Museum offers a variety of free educational programs for families, school groups and the general public.

FAIR USE
Fair use of copyrighted material includes the use of protected materials for non-commercial educational purposes, such as teaching, scholarship, research, criticism, commentary, news reporting, and other content.

http://www.nasm.si.edu/education/inmuseum.cfm?hp=m

Summer Opportunities

Disclaimer: This web page contains links to one or more web pages that are outside the FCPS network. FCPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages.

Local

Summer Camps and Programs for Youth: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA

Intended for: ages 5-18

http://summercamps.gmu.edu

Summer Safari Day Camp: National Zoo, Washington, DC

Intended for: rising K-7th graders; students will explore the lives, habitats, and conservation of animals around the world.

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Education/Camps/DayCamp/

Camp Shakespeare: McLean, VA and other DC Metro locations

Intended for: ages 9-18; aimed toenhance the understanding of Shakespeare's language through the exploration of movement, text, improvisation and performance

http://www.shakespearetheatre.org/education/training/camp_shakespeare/index.aspx/index.aspx

CREATE at the National Building Museum: National Building Museum, Washington, DC

Intended for: rising 3rd-5th graders; students will experience the world we build for ourselves in new ways—through the building, visual and performing arts!

http://www.nbm.org/families-kids/summer-camp.html

Northern Virginia Writing Project: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA

Intended for: rising 5th-10th graders who love to write and are looking for new ways to grow as a writer

http://nvwp.org/youngwriters/ssi/
application will be available in early April 2011

Constitution Academy, The Bill of Rights Institute: Arlington, VA

Intended for: Rising 11th graders; deepening students’ understanding of how the beliefs and ideas of the 18th century remain relevant in the 21st century. Scholarships are available.

www.BillofRightsInstitute.org/Academy

Travel

Summer Enrichment for Gifted Education: College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA

Intended for: ages 4 years-grade 10 with an emphasis on the development of problem-solving skills and higher level thinking skills

http://www.cfge.wm.edu
Click on For K-12 Students – Summer Enrichment

Epsilon Camp: Colorado Springs, CO

Intended for: students aged 8-under 11 years of age with a love of math

http://epsiloncamp.org/index.php

iD Tech Computer Camp: located at over 60 universities nationwide including UVA, The College of William and Mary, and American University

Intended for: Ages: 7-17

http://www.internaldrive.com/index.php

University of Virginia Writers Workshop: Charlottesville, VA

Intended for: Rising 9-12 graders with a focus on nurturing talented writers with an artistic vision

http://web.virginia.edu/yww/

Renssalaer PREFACE Summer Program: Troy, NY

Intended for: students in grades 10 and 11 (entering grades 11 and 12 in the fall 2011) who have expressed a strong, early interest in pursuing a career in the engineering and technological professions

http://doso.rpi.edu/update.do?catcenterkey=87

Pre-Collegiate Summer Program in Early American History : College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA

Intended for: Rising 11-12 graders; offers high school students four hours of college credit in a unique topic

www.wm.edu/niahd

VCUarts Summer Intensive: Virginia Commonwealth University, School of the Arts, Richmond, VA

Intended for: Grades: Rising 11 and 12; intensive study of Dance, Theatre, Fashion Design and Merchandising, Filmmaking, Interactive Media, Animation, Interior Design, Video Production, Photography, Fine Arts: 2D and 3D Portfolio Building

www.vcu.edu/arts/summerintensive

Institute for Educational Advancement-Apprenticeship program and Yunasa: Cal Tech, South Pasadena, CA Intended for: students ages 10-18; Apprenticeship programs offers experiences that are REAL apprenticeships in science, engineering, design, law or arts-Yunasa is designed to “teach campers techniques and skills for integrating the intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual and physical aspects of their lives. Yunasa is devoted to reminding bright young people that they are more than just intellect.”

http://www.educationaladvancement.org/ Click on Programs

Wesleyan Summer Gifted Program
West Virginia Wesleyan College
June 19 – July 2, 2011

Intended for: Students grades 5-12 with an emphasis on integrating mathematics, physics, and computer science with creativity infused.  http://www.wvwc.edu/about/summer/gifted/

 

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Dr. Carol V. Horn

Dr. Carol V. Horn
K-12 Program Coordinator
3877 Fairfax Ridge Rd.
Fairfax, VA 22030
571-423-4740
703-279-5208 (Fax)

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Oscar Calagua
ofcalagua@fcps.edu

Rebecca Tenally
rjtenally@fcps.edu

Last Updated

April 25, 2012