The Augusta-Richmond County Community Partnership for Children and Families, Inc. (ARCCP, Inc.) is a nonprofit organization that works with more than 90 organizations and agencies in the community to improve the lives of children and families in Richmond County. Its mission is to work with local government, agencies, businesses, service organizations, private citizens and consumers to develop partnerships in providing services to improve the lives of children and families.
As part of this effort, several of the ARCCP, Inc.'s partners, join together each year to coordinate Children's Week. We are currently planning Children's Week 2004, which will take place from Friday, October 1 - Thursday, October 7, 2004. This will be the 16th year we've celebrated Children's Week, and each year we hope to make it bigger and better for our community. Last year 8,000 patrons attended the festivities.
Children's Week features a variety of events for children of all ages and their families. These events are unique in that they offer fun and enriching activities for children while providing opportunities for parents and agency/nonprofit personnel to learn about the various resources in our community (specifically for children and families). Children's Week is also a time for our children and youth to showcase their talents and abilities to the general public. Additionally, sponsorship and donations allow Children's Week events to be free of charge, enabling children and families of all economic levels to participate in a variety of fun and educational activities.
What's In Store?
Kick-Off Celebration
October 1, Friday, 10:15 AM - 11 AM
Jessye Norman Amphitheater (Riverwalk)
Children's Week will begin with a celebration and proclamation ceremony. Preschool through 5th grade students are invited to attend. The celebration will include musical and dance performances and special guest appearance by Georgia Public Broadcastings Clifford of the popular PBS children's series Clifford the Big Red Dog.
Funtageous
October 2, Saturday, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
May Park
Funtageous is a fun-filled day of activities and entertainment for children in foster care. The activities enhance the development and social skills of the children in a fun, loving, safe and caring environment. There will be fun, food, games, and prizes for all to enjoy.
Let's Talk Drugs Forum & Talent Show
October 2, Saturday, 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Augusta Technical College Auditorium
Parents, youth and providers will come together to talk about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Through workshops, participants will discuss the effects, how to recognize them and how to prevent drug use among youth. The forum will be followed by a talent show for youth and youth groups ages 11-18. Talent show participants are required to attend the forum and must use a drug prevention theme in their performance.
Family Festival/Education Fair
October 3, Sunday, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Eighth St. Plaza (Riverwalk entrance)
Free activities and entertainment for the entire family! Popcorn, pizza and soft drinks will be sold. Local agencies, non-profit organizations, and colleges/universities will have booths with hands-on arts and crafts, face painting, etc., informational handouts and flyers.
Children's Week Parade
October 3, Sunday, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Downtown Augusta
The parade will begin at 6th Street, proceed down Broad Street making a right onto 11th Street, continue on 11th Street to Reynolds, and end at Burum Alley near 8th Street. It is an exciting display of participants from local schools, child and teen service organizations, businesses, cheerleading teams, bands, drill teams, step teams, cars and floats. There will be a contest for the best float, car, cheerleading team, drill team, and step team. Winners will receive trophies.
Students Who Care Awards Luncheon
October 4, Monday, 12:00 PM-1:00 PM
Augusta Rotary Club
**Reservations Required**
Scholarships will be awarded to four high school seniors who have performed significant volunteer work in the community. Applications will be available at all Richmond and Columbia County high schools.
Legislative Breakfast
October 6, Wednesday, 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM
Medical College of Georgia Alumni Center
Sponsored by the MCG Health System
**By Invitation Only**
State and local legislators are invited along with area agency personnel, consumers of services and advocates for children to discuss child and family issues over breakfast.
Children's Story Time
October 4, 5, & 7, 10:00 AM -12:00 PM
Augusta Museum of History
Sponsored by East Central Georgia Regional Library
Children enjoy listening to three different, 15 minute story telling sessions by volunteers and local celebrities, as they visit from one story station to the next. To register your daycare, pre-kindergarten, or kindergarten students, contact Carolyn Fortson at 821-2623.
*Location, dates and times are subject to change.
For more information or to volunteer contact Chavone Glover at 706-721-1869
