
ACTIVITIES
& Events

Weekly Events
Statistics show that children who participate in high-quality after school programs experience improved grades, better work habits, higher school attendance, improved social skills and interpersonal behavior, reduced misconduct, and enhanced self-efficacy at higher rates than students who attend a basic after care program. With this understanding and appreciation, The Back Pack was created.
The Back Pack offers children more than just a place to hang out until you get off work. In addition to receiving homework help, playtime, and snack time, children participate in a variety of fun, enriching weekly classes and activities. The students spend the days learning, creating, discovering, and growing!
Our Back Pack program goes well beyond just watching students. We strive to unlock their potential and give them the love and care they need to become confident and thoughtful individuals. That means giving each child the encouragement, environments and materials they need to follow their passions and help them become the best they can be. No matter where their talents take them, we create positive communities of friends with games, STEM projects, creative arts, opportunities to help others, and plenty of playtime to keep kids happy, bright, and healthy.
Physical Activities
We stay on target by focusing on fun, participation, physical fitness, skill development and teamwork.
Activities suitable to the physical abilities of the various age groups include: Archery, Basketball, Soccer, Football, Frisbee, Gaga, 9 Square in the Air, Wall Ball, Street Hockey, Volleyball, Tetherball, Badminton, Obstacle Courses, Four Square, Kick Ball and trips to Burke Lake Park, just four miles north of campus.

Special Event Days
SPECIAL EVENT DAYS
Are we having fun yet? You'll be amazed at the outrageous events that go on after school at The Back Pack. The spirit, energy and genuine emotion found in each student inspires us to create unique and exceptional events. Can you imagine... Holiday Dance Parties, Turkey Bowl Football Game, Pizza Feast, Harvest Festival, March Madness Basketball Game, Scavenger Hunts, Movie & Popcorn Day, Karaoke Day, or a Hello Goodbye Party.
FIELD TRIPS
At The Back Pack we believe in the value of engaging children's minds, bodies, and hearts with activities and trips away from campus. There is so much to experience as kids spend time interacting together during occasional field trips that may be scheduled on FCPS Teacher Work Days.

Community Service
Let's not overlook our community as we join forces with our friends at The Back Pack. We are out to make someone smile, do a good deed, and share what we have learned with someone who needs to be encouraged. Each year we participate in local and international outreach programs through New Hope Church. In the past we have donated to local food banks, raised money and packed meals for Feed My Starving Children.
SILO CENTER'S GIVING INITIATIVES
Throughout the year, our Silo Center programs partner with Hope For Help, the umbrella organization for all giving initiatives and community outreach at New Hope Church.
We thank you in advance for allowing us the opportunity to partner with you as parents in teaching your children the core value of helping others in need. Our hope is that we would all fully embrace both the desperate needs of those in our community and those across the globe, and understand the opportunity we have to help them. The result will be the joy of seeing our children develop as selfless individuals as they learn to put others' needs ahead of their wants. This is an incredible lesson for children and adults alike.
SOME OF THE INITIATIVES WE ARE PROUD TO BE A PART OF:
Throughout the year: A Coat Drive, a Sock Drive for Central Union Mission, Food and Hygiene items for Lorton Community Action Center, Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) - funds are raised via; Change 4 Change and Hope 4 Help 5K. Since 2010, New Hope Church, along with The Silo Center and families in our community, have packed millions of meals which has fed thousands of kids for a full year. For more information, visit: www.fmsc.org.com.
Our Hope For Help volunteers partner with the school counselors at seven local schools: Silverbrook, Halley, Laurel Hill, Newington Forest, and Lorton Station and South County High School and Middle School. Through this connection, the food, coats, and school supplies go directly to the children and families in need.