Trailblazers

Trailblazers is a free, one-week Fairfax County Public School Camp for rising ninth grade students interested in science. Campers have fun while they practice and apply scientific skills.

Trailblazers is a weekly, exploratory camp designed to give students the opportunity to practice and apply scientific skills. The camp is free for interested rising ninth grade Fairfax County Public School students interested in science. In addition to having fun while learning about science, campers will have the opportunity to earn service hours.

Trailblazer Camp Program Information

Eligibility

Open to FCPS students in grade 8 during the 2023-24 school year (rising ninth graders). 

Space is limited and registration is on a first-come basis until seats are filled.

Fairfax County Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to all clubs and activities.

Dates

  • July 8 - 12, 2024
  • July 15 - 19, 2024
  • July 22 - 26, 2024

Time

  • 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Locations

  • Centreville HS
  • Edison HS
  • Madison HS
  • West Springfield HS

Tuition

  • $0; No tuition

2024 Themes and Course Description

Note:All camp sessions include service learning, social emotional learning, wellness, guest speakers, labs, and inquiry based learning.

July 8 - 12: Biology Week - Staying Alive

This one-week session takes you on a captivating journey through the fundamentals of life and is guaranteed to ignite your curiosity while revealing the beauty hidden within every living thing. What does it take to be healthy?

July 15 - 19: Engineering Week - Hold Up, Hold On

See where science meets imagination and where everyday challenges can transform into ingenious solutions. Tap into your engineering spirit and practice fundamental principles and purpose of creative problem-solving through design. Identify an issue or problem, and design a tool or product that addresses that issue.

July 22 - 26: Environment Week - Interactions and Connections

How do land, water, air, and life influence each other? Through simulations and experiments, we'll witness the balance of these systems and explore the domino effect of environmental changes. Use your newly found knowledge to solve an environmental issue in your community or neighborhood?

Lunch

Students will have a 30-minute lunch break every day.  Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Transportation

There is bus transportation from select FCPS high schools and middle schools. Transportation to and from these schools is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Transportation information will be communicated to families prior to the start of the program.

Registration

  • Open until June 24, 2024
  • Students may register for more than one week.

Required Forms

All students must deliver the following forms(s)  if they apply to your student by the first day of the camp. Forms can be printed and brought on the first day of camp.