News and Information
May 21, 2020
On May 15, the NCS Youth Programming Team – made up of staff members from NCS Community Centers and Teen Centers – launched NCS Connects (#NCSconnects), Fairfax County’s first virtual programming platform specifically for youth and teens of all abilities in grades 1-12.
When NCS centers closed their doors in March due to COVID-19, it was only a matter of weeks before youth members began asking staff when they could come back. Not knowing when that might be, NCS Regional Manager Pallas Washington knew they needed a different way to reach teens – and fast. With the recent announcement that Fairfax County summer camps are cancelled, the need for virtual NCS programming has become even more immediate.
“We began to hear from our youth audience that they missed attending our centers and seeing our staff,” Pallas said. “Directing them to Library, Parks or Schools programming simply wouldn’t work because they wanted to see and hear from the people they know and have developed relationships with.”
The solution is NCS Connects, which is designed to emulate the experience of visiting a Community or Teen Center. The platform features original programming such as self-directed activities and videos led by familiar staff members, as well as on-demand resources for youth and parents in five categories: adapted virtual learning (provided by Therapeutic Recreation Services), culture, academics, health and wellness, and STEAM.
The activities at launch included Bookworm Workout for young children, Exploding Lunch Bag for grades 6-12, and Rock Painting for all ages, among others. The platform also kicked off with two videos: a circuit training workout for teens, and a special message to youth featuring more than a dozen NCS staff.
New weekly activities will be added every Monday, and NCS centers are providing a limited number of supply kits needed for activities each week.
To create even more engagement, NCS Connects will also feature a new social challenge each week. For the first challenge – Virtual Spirit Week on May 25-29 – participants will share themed photos on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #NCSconnects. Ideas for future challenges include cooking and art contests, scavenger hunts and online gaming.
According to NCS Service Area Manager Torrey Piper, NCS Connects is already receiving positive feedback. In a focus group conducted with teens ages 14 to 18, participants said they love the look and easy navigation of the page and are excited for the possibilities it brings.
To find virtual activities for youth and teens, visit NCS Connects at http://bit.ly/ncsconnects.
If you are interested in activities for adults and seniors, visit the new Virtual Center for Active Adults.
May 20, 2020
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) and the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) are announcing the cancellation of 2020 summer camp programs due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Included in these cancellations are all FCPA sponsored summer camp programs, REC-Pac programs held at local schools, summer camp programs sponsored by NCS and SACC programs.
Collectively, these programs represent childcare and recreational opportunities for thousands of families across Fairfax County. However, after careful consultation with local health officials, school representatives, other regional recreation providers and local government officials, the decision was made to cancel these programs.
“We recognize how important camps are to this community, but we need to keep the health and safety of our children first and foremost,” said Park Authority Director Kirk Kincannon. “Rest assured we are continuing to search for the right programs and services we can provide based on guidance at all levels of government. These are unprecedented times and public support has been vital.”
Impacted NCS programs include RECQuest, SACC summer programs, Therapeutic Recreation Camp, Value in Prevention Camp (V.I.P), and Teens in Action.
“As the public health situation is dynamic in nature, if Fairfax County facilities are able to re-open during the summer we will consider offering limited on-site youth programming to meet the needs of families across Fairfax County,” said NCS Director Chris Leonard.
Senior Centers and Adult Day Health Care Centers remain closed to all participants until further notice. Additionally, community centers, neighborhood centers, resource centers and teen centers are closed to participants. For more information, visit www.fairfaxcounty/gov/ncs or contact NCS at 703-342-4600 or via email at ncs@fairfaxcounty.gov.
The Fairfax County park system has begun a phased re-opening of limited park amenities. Most parks will be open by this weekend with buildings, numerous amenities and restrooms closed. For more information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/coronavirus or contact the Park Authority at 703-324-8700 or via email at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.
May 20, 2020
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals and families in Fairfax County are in need of food support. To help meet this increasing need for assistance, the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) partnered with residents and local nonprofit organizations to hold two special “Stuff the Bus” donation events in May.
Though Stuff the Bus is typically held in summer and winter to fill the shelves of local food pantries, the two recent collections events are an addition to the campaign and represent Fairfax County’s ability to respond quickly to meet the immediate needs of residents.
On May 16 and 19, Fastran, CUE and Fairfax County Public Schools buses parked in 21 locations throughout the county and Fairfax City to collect food donations benefitting 10 different nonprofit organizations. Over 33.6 tons of food was donated to help meet the food needs of our communities during these unprecedented times.
NCS Director Chris Leonard thanked Fairfax County residents for their contributions, saying, “Helping our food pantries restock their shelves so that families and individuals do not go hungry right now is critical. We put out the call for help and the response was incredible. The success of these Stuff the Bus events highlights the generosity of Fairfax County residents and we thank all who participated.”
For those who were unable to donate in person, it is not too late to contribute! Visit Volunteer Fairfax’s Donation Page to connect with nonprofits serving our community.
