Children living in homeless shelters, transitional and supportive housing have limited options for summer fun. The Fairfax County Park Authority expanded options for these under-served children by partnering with the Fairfax County Park Foundation to raise funds to provide eligible children with free summer camp opportunities. Since 1997, PACT, in partnership with the county's homeless shelters and generous private sector sponsors, has provided summer fun and education for more than 815 children, ages 6 to 17.
PACT successfully integrates children from local shelters into Park Authority camp programs. Partners include Family PASS, Shelter House, Safe Places, FACETS, FCPS Homeless Intervention & Resources, Patrick Henry Shelter, Cornerstones, Christian Relief Services, Fairfax County Department of Family Services and Good Shepherd Housing.
These organizations have come to depend on this program during the summer months for children and their parents. The benefits of these camp experiences go beyond the wonderful adventures and nurturing times the children receive. These camps also provides an opportunity for parents to seek employment or learn valuable skills without having to worry about childcare.
PACT is fully funded through contributions from local businesses, foundations and individual donors.
The Fairfax County Park Foundation is grateful for the contributions from Fairfax County businesses, foundations and private donors to the Parks and Community Together (PACT) program. PACT provides camp scholarships for children living in homeless shelters and supportive housing.
In 2019, donations from generous sponsors allowed 56 children to attend 345 weeks of camp and 142 extended care sessions!
Special appreciation is extended to Fairfax County businesses, foundations and private donors for their recent philanthropy and support of this worthy program.