Spring Forward Foster, Adoptive & Kinship Family Fun Day

Join Formed Families Forward for our 10th Foster, Kinship and Adoptive Family Fun Day! Our theme is positive connections to move us forward.

It's our 10th year of Spring Forward Foster, Adoptive and Kinship Family Fun Day and we can't wait to see you! 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.  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 inclusive programming for children and teens is provided below or can be found by visiting https://edge.gmu.edu.

Our Keynote presenter is Dr. Shekila Melchior, the Director of DEI Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at George Mason University. She is a Nationally Board-Certified Counselor, an LPC-MHSP in TN, an LPC in VA and a Licensed Professional School Counselor in Virginia. She has over 10 years' experience working with children, adolescents and adults in clinical and school settings. She also is a kinship caregiver.

Following the Keynote, families will choose from an incredible line up of breakout sessions presented by education and disability professionals experts and FFF staff. 

SPRING FORWARD SCHEDULE FOR PARENTS, CAREGIVERS and PROFESSIONALS

8:30am - 9:00am - REGISTRATION

9:00am -10:15am - WELCOME and KEYNOTE "It Only Takes One: The Power of Connection"      

10:15am -10:30am - break and exhibits 

10:30am - 11:40am  - BREAKOUTS SESSION A: SESSION DESCRIPTIONS for presenters and titles

11:40am - 11:50am - break and exhibits 

11:50am - 1:00pm - BREAKOUTS SESSION B

1:00pm - 2:00pm - LUNCH and EXHIBITS  (families eat together)

Download the EVENT FLYER.

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 include snacks and lunch and 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 Lisa.Mathey@formedfamiliesforward.org for further information on a special rate for large families.

Scholarships for any child or youth may be available. Contact Lisa at Lisa.Mathey@formedfamiliesforward.org to be placed on list. Scholarships will provide for a REFUND of child/youth registration fees.

Businesses and Community partners: We welcome sponsorships! There are a variety of options for your to promote your brand or products; Find SPONSORSHIP opportunities HERE. Limited exhibit tables are also available during the event. Contact Lisa.Mathey@formedfamiliesforward.org for exhibit and sponsorship questions.