2009 Rec-PAC Summer Camp Program

Rec-PAC (Pretty Awesome Children), operated by Fairfax County Park Authority, is a six week structured recreation program with emphasis on leisure skills designed for elementary school children. Participants will have an opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of activities such as: fun and fitness, indoor and outdoor games, team sports, nature, crafts, storytelling, sports festivals, talent shows and supervised play sessions. Each location has a ratio of 1 staff person to 18 participants. How to register.

Building Blocks for a Lifetime of Functional Movement...
Rec-PAC will also include the innovative program FUNction, which uses fun games and activities to teach children basic movement skills and nutritional concepts. This program is part of the efforts being made by Fairfax County Park Authority to combat inactivity and poor nutrition in our youth in a way that is positive and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for Rec-PAC?
Children who are residents of Fairfax County, Fairfax City and Falls Church City and are between grades 1st (entering fall of 2009) and 6th (finished in spring of 2009), are eligible to participate.

How much does Rec-PAC cost?
FCPA has established a sliding fee scale based on the family's total annual income. Please see Fees and Payments in Section 3 of the registration form.

View Photos from Past Sessions

What are the weekly themes for 2009?

• Week 1 - Time Machine, June 29 - July 2 (4 days)
  Travel through time and explore art and games throughout history. Create prehistoric cave paintings; sculpt Egyptian cats and Sawyer beetles and much more in a journey through time and around the world.
• Week 2 - Get Your Head in the Game!!, July 6 - July 10
  Ready, Set, Go!! Enjoy your favorite sports and learn new ones. Create team flags, noise makers and tie-dye shirts. Spend time with friends and make new ones through team building activities. Field day is sure to be a hit where you can earn ribbons and cheer for your friends.
• Week 3 - Creature Feature, July 13 - July 17
  Explore the outdoors through painting, sculptures, collage, drawings and more. Use a variety of art media to create icky bugs as well as big grizzly bears. Join us as we design a wonderful forest full of creative creatures. Along the way learn new outdoor games and activities to share with your friends and family.
• Week 4 - Globe Explorer, July 20 - July 24
  Hello, 안녕, 你好, Hola. Journey around the world while earning stickers for your new Rec-PAC passport! Create Japanese Haiku's, African tribal masks and learn how to write greetings in many languages. Create unique art projects and play a variety of games from countries near and far.
• Week 5 - Pirate Adventure, July 27 - July 31
  Ahoy Mateys! Come aboard and create colorful parrots, creative sand art, treasure maps and sea monsters. Along the way play games, sing songs and use team work to find the lost Pirate Island!! Five days of fun and adventure.
• Week 6 - RecPAC Gives Back, August 3 - August 6 (4 days)
  Get involved!! Learn about the community you live in. Discover exciting careers and what makes them important. Try your hand at creating art from only recycled items. Plant seeds that will beautify a local park and design your own garden. End the week with a performance for family and friends.

What is the refund policy?
Refund requests received prior to the start date of a Rec-PAC session can be processed by phone, mail or fax.
Once a session begins, refunds will be given only for medical emergencies with a doctor’s certification.
Absences and personal scheduling conflicts are not reimbursable.

Download here the refund request form.
Mail to: FCPA/Parktakes, PO Box 4606, Fairfax, VA 22038-4606
Fax to: (703)631-2004
Phone in: (703)222-4664

Where are the Rec-PAC sessions conducted?
Rec-PAC is operated at 52 elementary school locations throughout Fairfax County.

When does Rec-PAC begin and end?
School-based Rec-PAC operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. or 11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. beginning June 29 through August 6, 2009. There is no Rec-PAC July 3rd.

Is lunch served and what about transportation?
Parents are to send a non-perishable lunch, beverage (no glass containers) and snacks with their children daily. Refrigeration is not provided. Free and reduced lunches will be available at sites that qualify. Transportation and the comings and goings of children are a parental responsibility. Parents are expected to pick up their children promptly at the end of the program. There is a late fee of $5 for every 15 minutes a parent is late.

My child has a disability. Can he or she participate in Rec-PAC?
Yes. You may attend any location or select one of the Targeted Inclusion locations (supported with trained inclusion staff). If participation accommodations are needed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please call (703) 324-8563 TTY (703) 803-3354 at least 10 business working days in advance of your start date. Visit the Leisure Services for Individuals with Disibilities web page for more information on Rec-PAC Inclusion and other programs for individuals with disibilties.

Who are the Rec-PAC staff?
Leaders are selected on the basis of skills, knowledge and ability in the areas of arts and crafts, sports and games, leisure activities, leadership and resourcefulness. Many individuals are college students or school teachers with educational backgrounds in recreation, elementary education or a related field of study. The entire staff participates in an in-service training program that covers the proper implementation of recreation activities, playground safety, leadership techniques, organizational skills, and administrative procedures. Every effort is made to place the best qualified staff at each Rec-PAC center to ensure a positive recreation experience for your child.

FCPA is committed to nondiscrimination in all programs, services, and activities. Special accommodations/alternative information formats will be provided upon request. Please call the information number 703-324-8563 at least 10 working days in advance of the registration deadline or event. TTY 703-803-3354.