Spring Spotlight: Teen Programs

This Friday: Free Teen Glow Party

Help spread the word about this Friday's Teen Glow Party at the Oswald Durant Center (1605 Cameron St.) This free event will have a DJ, movies, an eSports tournament and more! Learn more about activities for Alexandria youth at alexandriava.gov/Recreation

Alexandria Teens: Join Youth Engaged in Service

Volunteer Alexandria's Youth Engaged in Service (YES) is inviting students in grades 6 through 12 to join YES. Formerly Breaks With Impact, YES engages children and youth in service throughout the year.

On March 26, 27, and 28, students participating in YES will learn about critical issues facing the City of Alexandria, and how to help, by connecting with community leaders and completing service-learning projects. This program is free for City of Alexandria residents.

Click here to learn more.

Alexandria Library and Washington Wizards Winter Launch 2024 Reading Challenge

The Washington Wizards challenge you to read, stay active, and engaged this winter by completing the 2024 Wizards Winter Reading Challenge. Earn the reading badge and at least one other badge to complete the challenge and win a prize, as well as be entered to win the grand prize. Alexandria Library has everything you need to help you earn your Winter Challenge badges, from exciting reads for every age and interest, to events, to opportunities to share online.

The challenge runs through March 31. Full contest details can be found at alexlibraryva.org/winter-reading.

Registration Opens for AWLA Summer Programming

Registration is open for several summer programs hosted by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA). AWLA offers a summer camp for youth ages 6-13, a Junior Volunteer Program for youth ages 14-17 and a Pawsitive Action Club for youth in grade 6-8.

Click here to learn more about these summer programs, including how to sign up before spots fill up!

Quick Links

Learn more about SAPCA

Subscribe to SAPCA's e-mail list

Make a tax-deductible donation to support local prevention efforts

Upcoming Events & Resources

Nominations Open for Youth Volunteer Services Award

Each year, Volunteer Alexandria hosts Volunteers are the Heart of Alexandria, an annual event to celebrate volunteers who give their time and expertise to make the City a better place. Volunteer Alexandria is seeking nominations for the Youth Volunteer Service Award. Nominate a student who has made a positive impact on either their school, community, or city for this award by March 11. Click here to learn more.

Parents Against Vaping Hosts Free Webinars for Parents and Caring Adults

This school year, youth vaping is as big an issue as ever, especially given growing mental health challenges among youth. Behind the bright colors and sweet flavors of e-cigarettes are harmful chemicals and nicotine addiction. Join Parents Against Vaping for a virtual presentation to learn the essentials for helping youth avoid or quit vaping. After attending this presentation, attendees will:

Understand and recognize tobacco industry tactics targeting youth
Explain the dangers of nicotine e-cigarettes/vapes, non-nicotine vapes, and other new tobacco products
Know the steps to protect youth and how to advise others to get involved.
Take action in their own communities

Click here to register.

The next Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) training is on March 19 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. CEUs are now available! Click here to register.

The next Question Persuade Refer (QPR) training is on the next QPR Training on March 20 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CEUs are now available! Click here to register.

Applications and Nominations Open for Gerry Bertier Scholarship

The Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities (ACPD) is seeking applications and nominations for the Gerry Bertier Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded based on merit to a City of Alexandria resident with a disability or to a student with a disability attending a school located in the City of Alexandria who is seeking post-secondary education.

The application deadline is April 30. This award will be presented at a reception on June 26 alongside the presentation of the John Duty Collins III Outstanding Advocate For Persons with Disabilities Award and the Disability Awareness Awards.

Click here for more information about these awards, including how to submit applications and nominations.

Registration Opens for City of Alexandria Summer Camps

Registration is open for 2024 summer camps offered by the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA). Registration is available online, or in person at recreation facilities.

Still planning your summer? Check out the 2024 Summer of Smiles Summer Camps Guide, available online and in print at recreation centers. The guide contains 75 camp options available to youth ages 2 to 17, including sports, creative arts, computers, nature, performing arts, excursions, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Extended care options are also available for select camps to enhance the fun and provide parents extra time, including Before Care from 7 to 9 a.m. and After Care from 4 to 6 p.m.

For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation or contact the Registration and Reservation Office at 703.746.5414.

Follow RPCA on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter to stay up-to-date with upcoming events and news.