WASHINGTON — Winter will soon be here, and so will the snow. But now there is a new option for parents who work and can’t stay home with their children when school is shut down for several days at a time due to snow.
It’s a “Snow Day Camp.” Beginning Nov. 1 and running through March 31, the pilot program is being offered by the Fairfax County Park Authority.
Here’s how it works: The snow day camps are not an option if school is shut down for only one day at a time. They are only available when schools are closed for two or more consecutive days. Also, the camps will not operate if the Fairfax County government or the Fairfax County Park Authority are closed. The Park Authority said children who attend camp will take part in arts and crafts, games, sports and other activities.
Snow Day Camp is being offered at four Fairfax County recreation centers: Audrey Moore (Springfield/Annandale), Lee District (Franconia/Alexandria), Spring Hill (Oakton/Vienna) and Oak Marr (McLean). It is for children ages six to 10 and costs $65 per child per day. The camp hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each camp site is limited to 30 children and is on a first-come first-serve basis.
In the event of consecutive snow days, the Fairfax County Park Authority will put up a registration link on its website once the decision has been made to open the camps.
Families can sign up to receive email notifications when registration opens. They can also register by phone from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (only when the county is open) by calling 703-222-4664 or by walking into any of the county’s RECenters.
