Spring Forward Foster, Adoptive & Kinship Family Fun Day

10900 University Boulevard,Manassas VA 20110

30 April, 2022

Description

Join FFF for our in-person 2022 Foster, Kinship and Adoptive Family Fun Day! Our theme is boosting resiliency and family engagement. Join Formed Families Forward for our BEST YET Foster, Kinship and Adoptive Family Fun Day and Regional Conference! Our theme is Boosting Resiliency and Connection through Family Engagement. It's our 9th year of Spring Forward and we are excited about some changes and new features! Tickets include admittance to sessions, activities, and a sandwich lunch. This year, Spring Forward will be held IN PERSON at the Science and Technology Campus of George Mason University in Manassas which brings wonderful new activity opportunities to our children and youth.  While parents, caregivers and professionals are enjoying sessions presented by experts in education and support of foster, adoptive and kinship families, children age 4 and older will have a blast at GMU's outdoor experiential learning program "The EDGE".  More information on the programming for children and teens is provided below or can be found by visiting https://edge.gmu.edu. Our Keynote presenter is Sam Macer, MSW, a former foster parent from 2000 through 2015 who specialized in providing care for older youth. Mr. Macer is the founder of the country's first Foster Parent PTA (Parent-Teacher Association). He now works as a Kinship Navigator Training Specialist, Child Welfare Academy at University of Maryland. Following the keynote, participants may choose from breakout sessions and our professional workshop, Resilient and Strong: Moving Past the Wrongs with Dr. Allison Jackson-Dyer. Dr. Allison is a national trauma expert, will lead a 3-hour workshop focusing on trauma-and-resilience-informed practices. She has deep lived personal experience as well as extensive professional expertise in the areas of child hood trauma, trauma-informed services, and strategies for building family and individual resilience. Dr. Allison's TED talk has been viewed by thousands. Continuing education credits are pending approval from NASW-VA. We will contact professionals who register for the Dr. Jackson-Dyer professional workshop and request CEs with the necessary forms soon. The CEs may be earned by professional clinicians and educators attending the keynote and full 3-hour workshop, which is open to family members as well. Please be sure to indicate your interest in CEs when registering.  You will be required to complete form and pay on site for CEUS- $20 for NASW members and $25 for non-members.  Families will choose from an incredible line up of learning sessions presented by staff and professionals representing the advocacy and disability communities.  SPRING FORWARD SCHEDULE 8:30am - 9:00am - REGISTRATION 9:00am -10:00am - KEYNOTE            10:00am -10:15am - break and exhibits  10:15am - 1:00pm - PROFESSIONAL WORKSHOP: Resilient and Strong: Moving Past the Wrongs 10:15am - 11:30am  - PARENT/CAREGIVER BREAKOUT SESSIONS: See SESSION DESCRIPTIONS for presenters and titles 11:30am - 11:45am - break and exhibits  11:45am - 1:00pm - PARENT/CAREGIVER BREAKOUT SESSIONS 1:00pm - 2:00pm - LUNCH and EXHIBITS  (families eat together) Children ages 4-9 will participate in the Jr. Nature program.  The day will include a scavenger hunt, nature based-games, and creative art projects.  Additionally, each child will take on a STEAM based project, such as creating a bubble blower or Lego mini-figure zipline!  Youth ages 10-18 will enjoy a guided exploration of the Team Development Course including a tower climb!  Please note that appropriate tickets must be purchased in advance for all children and youth participating in Spring Forward. Listed Spring Forward prices are SIGNIFICANTLY DISCOUNTED from the regular EDGE fees of $35 to $45.   FREE childcare provided on-site for children aged 3 and under.  (No charge, however please register your young child by choosing the appropriate ticket.)  *Large families - Should your cost to attend exceed $80, please email [email protected] for further information on a special rate for large families. Businesses and Community partners: We welcome sponsorships! There are a variety of options for your to promote your brand or products. Exhibit tables are also available during the event. Learn more about SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES HERE. Contact [email protected] for exhibit and sponsorship questions.