Collage of school community events, including families at an information table, children reading on the floor, and a family posing with two young girls and bags of books and supplies.Families from across Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) gathered at Hampton Middle School recently for the 10th annual Title I FamilyCamp, an event designed to connect families with resources, programs, and strategies that help students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Hosted by the PWCS Title I Program, FamilyCamp provides opportunities for families to learn alongside educators and community partners while exploring a variety of topics and support services available throughout the division. 

"We want families to have access to the information, resources, relationships, and opportunities that help them make informed decisions for their children," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. LaTanya D. McDade. "And that is exactly what FamilyCamp is designed to do. 

"Families are a child's first teachers, their first advocates, and often their greatest champions. Long before a student enters one of our classrooms, families are helping them learn how to communicate, solve problems, persevere, and imagine what their future might hold,” said Dr. McDade. 

This year's event featured multiple conference-style learning sessions, allowing families to choose topics that best met their interests and needs. Session topics were selected based on family feedback and focused on areas such as curriculum, literacy, specialty programs, gifted education, social-emotional learning, and community resources. 

While parents attended workshops, students participated in engaging STEM activities and other learning experiences, creating an environment where the entire family could focus on learning. 

According to Victor Powell, supervisor of Title I and IV Instructional Programs, FamilyCamp was created not only to help families learn about available resources, but also to strengthen the partnerships between schools and families. 

"We should be ‘co-parenting’ all day long, making sure we're on the same page and making sure students get what they need," Powell said. "Families can leave with something they can actually use...whether it's strategies for math, literacy, or social-emotional learning." 

Powell noted that FamilyCamp gives families the opportunity to learn from educators, community partners, and one another while discovering programs and resources that can support student success. 

The event reflected the division’s commitment to partnering with families as essential members of each student's educational journey.  

As FamilyCamp celebrates its 10th year, the event continues to serve as a valuable bridge between schools, families, and community organizations, helping ensure students have access to the support, opportunities, and resources they need to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. 

For more information about FamilyCamp and Title I at PWCS, visit the PWCS Title I Family Engagement webpage.