Get a head start on summer planning with information about camps, academic programs and other resources in and around Atlanta at Emory's Camp & Learning Expo 2016 on Thursday, Feb. 4,  from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Woodruff PE Center.

Employees from Emory University, Emory Healthcare, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta are invited to attend the expo, which will be held on the fourth floor auxiliary court. Admission is free.

Registration to attend is not required but is helpful to sponsor and organizer Emory WorkLife Resource Center.

About 80 vendors will be on hand to discuss summer camps and academic programs for children ages 5-17.

The expo will also feature other resources for parents and families, including programs to teach teens to drive and prepare for college admissions tests.

Representatives from area summer programs will be onsite to answer questions and some will offer discounts. Georgia Learning Resource Systems will be at the expo again this year with their summer directory for families with children with special needs.

Games, light snacks and refreshments will also be available for guests, says Aaronnette McFarlin, worklife associate for Emory’s WorkLife Resource Center

“This year, we are having a booth contest between the vendors and the winner will have $100 donated to the Emory Hardship Fund in their name,” McFarlin says. 

“We will also have an area called the ‘Guest Experience’ where games and interactive activities will be held by the vendors for guests to take part in,” she adds.

The WorkLife Resource Center will raffle off prizes to attendees. All those hoping to win a raffle prize must sign in at the event. Only Emory employees or Laney Graduate School students are eligible for a grand prize.

Raffle prizes include free or reduced cost weeks at various camps and programs, tickets to performances and places such as Zoo Atlanta and Fernbank museum, a yoga mat and bags and T-shirts.

Attendees can enjoy snacks including popcorn, hot chocolate, coffee, fruit, trail mix, granola bars and water.

“The expo is  a great chance for Emory employees to learn about new programs in the metro Atlanta area, have questions answered and have fun with games and tasty treats at the same time,” says Jackson. “Many vendors will be giving out discounts and details on specials that may be offered at later dates.”