The FORT
©
Where Teens can Unwind, Connect, Belong and Thrive
Sunday, May 19, 1:00 - 4:30 PM
Sterling Community Center,120 Enterprise St, Sterling, VA 20164
Online registration closes at 5pm on Saturday. Walk-ins accepted on Sunday.
Sunday, June 2, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Ohana Equestrian Preserve, 24240 James Monroe Hwy, Aldie, VA
Online registration closes at 5pm on Saturday. Walk-ins accepted on Sunday.
The FORT experience
Time: 1:00 - 3:45 PM
The FORT is a safe, healing, community space for young people in middle and high school to find connection, make friends, be themselves without pressure, and participate in fun, experiential workshops and activities that help them deal with the stresses of everyday life.
In addition to games, brief group discussions and free activity time, all participants will engage in two workshops that vary each time they attend the FORT, exploring expressive arts, mindfulness, nature or animal assisted therapy, and movement/physical activity.
All workshops are designed specifically to focus on building resilience through positive messaging and holistic experiences that allow participants to learn new tools and strategies that can be used in moments of heightened anxiety, stress or sadness.
The FORT Teen Hangout
Time: 3:45 - 4:30 PM
The Hangout after the FORT workshops is an optional time for teens to continue connecting with their peers, and engage in conversation on topics that matter to them, OR to finish working on their activities after the main FORT.
All Hangout conversation is moderated by a mental health professional who can provide additional emotional support, and therapy dogs are often present for additional comfort and cuddles.
Teens who don't want to stay for the Hangout can be picked up at 3:45pm.
May 19th workshops:
Strength in Stillness: Meditation workshop
Discover the power of stillness in our Meditation Workshop, designed to help you uncover your inner strengths through guided mindfulness practices. Participants will learn a variety of meditation techniques like guided imagery, deep-breathing exercises, and mindfulness games that will help sharpen your focus. Not only will you learn to tap into your mental strengths for a boost in mood and confidence, but you’ll also walk away with some awesome strategies.
Chopt Challenge: Mystery Ingredient Cook Off
Two teams will face off in a competition to create dishes using a mystery selection of ingredients. In this cook-off, team members will need to discover and coordinate each other’s strengths to enhance teamwork and creativity. Judges will sample final dishes and ask how each was prepared. Feedback will be based on taste and teamwork highlighting how well team mates used their unique strengths to create masterpieces!
June 2nd workshops:
Clay Creations: Nature's Mosaic Workshop
Participants will explore the landscape to gather natural materials to create a mosaic with clay. Through hands-on interaction with clay and these materials, they'll enhance mindfulness skills while discussing the rhythms and cycles of the seasons and nature. The workshop will also highlight how we adapt to our environment and build resilience in our own lives.
Equine Canvas: A Creative Nature Connection
Join us for Equine Canvas, where you'll paint and decorate horses, exploring self-expression and self-awareness in a natural setting. This unique workshop offers a chance to connect with nature and these majestic animals in a creative and meaningful way.
Nature Lens: A Mindfulness Photography Walk
Join us for Nature Lens, where you'll explore the outdoors through the lens of your camera, capturing moments of beauty and practicing mindfulness. This workshop offers a chance to connect with nature, improve your photography skills, and find peace in the present moment.
