Lazy, hazy summer days will be few and far between at Virginia Tech from June through mid-August as the university welcomes more than 22,500 visitors from 108 groups and organizations to campus for a variety of educational, professional development, athletic, cultural, and summer fun programs.

These events and activities will take place during the university's First Summer Session, which runs from May 22 through June 30, and Second Summer Session, with classes scheduled from July 2 through August 10.

In addition to students, faculty, and staff normally on campus for the summer sessions, some 5,000 incoming freshmen and 800 transfer students, along with parents and other family members, will be in Blacksburg over the summer to attend one of the required orientation sessions, which run from July 10 through July 28. Orientation provides an opportunity for students and their parents to learn about Virginia Tech and prepare for college experience. Both parents and students will stay in residence halls on campus and eat in D2 dining center. Details relating to the 2006 orientation program are available through the Orientation website.

Concurrent with regular summer session classes and the orientation program, a variety of special programs are being offered to participants from around the state and nation. A long list of scheduled conferences, sports camps, conventions, and other events includes the following:

Virginia State FFA Convention: The 80th Virginia State FFA Convention, which is expected to draw some 1,200 participants to the campus, will be held June 19-27. Groups of middle school- and high school-age participants from across the state, along with their advisors and guests, will attend workshops and compete in career development events, such as public speaking and livestock judging competitions. For more information, visit the Virginia State FFA Convention website.

Master Gardener College: The Virginia Master Gardener Association will hold its 19th annual Master Gardener College on campus from June 20-25. The 200 participants will attend numerous horticultural workshops, training sessions, tours, and meetings. For more information, visit the Virginia Master Gardener Association website.

Summer Music Camp: Sponsored by the music department, these band, jazz band, and chamber ensembles for rising 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students focus on the development of individual musical skills together with regular and extensive contact with professional educators and musicians. The camp will be held from June 25 through July 1. For additional information, visit the Summer Music Camp website.

Inside Architecture workshop: The School of Architecture + Design in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies is offering its seventh annual “Inside Architecture” summer workshop for students entering grades 9 through 12. Workshop sessions will be held on Monday, June 26, through Friday, June 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. More information is available here.

4-H Congress: From June 26-29, the Virginia 4-H will hold its 86th State Congress at Virginia Tech. The congress will bring more than 700 4-H members, volunteer leaders, and Virginia Cooperative Extension agents to campus. The 4-H Congress is an annual statewide event offering educational experiences and competitions for outstanding 4-H members and adult volunteer leaders. All of their activities are associated with their guidelines of Head (clearer thinking), Heart (greater loyalty), Hands (to larger service), and Health (better living). More information is available at the Virginia 4-H Congress website.

All Write @ Virginia Tech: This creative writing youth camp, offered by the English Department and Continuing and Professional Education, offers aspiring writers and poets from ages eight to 18 with a fun and exciting learning adventure in writing, and a chance to make new friends while improving their creativity and writing abilities. The camp runs from June 26-30. For more information, visit the All Write @ Virginia Tech website.

All Arts and Sciences Camp: From July 9-14, the All Arts and Sciences camp will offers participant ranging from seven to 15 years old a chance to experience life on a college campus and study various topics in arts and science. For more information, visit the All Arts and Sciences Camp website.

2006 Hokie Football Team Camp: July 9-11, coach Frank Beamer, his assistant coaches, and other outstanding high school and college football coaches will provide expert instruction to boys ages 13 through rising high school senior in a wide range of football skills. For details about this and other football camps, visit the Frank Beamer 2006 Camps and Clinis homepage, and for information regarding other Virginia Tech athletics camps, clinics, and programs, visit the Summer Sports Program webpage.

SUUSI 2006—Rejoice and Renew: From July 16 through 27, 1,000 participants of all ages will attend the Southeast Unitarian Universalist Summer Institute. Activities are scheduled for families, youth and teens, and adults, and will include music, nature workshops, and community building. Visit the SUUSI webpage for more information.

The Challenge of Engagement: The 3rd Annual University-Community Partnership Conference: Hosted by the Service Learning Center, this July 12-14 conference at the Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton conference Center will offer a rich combination of practical and interactive workshops, case studies, and researched presentations that provide participants with a learning opportunity to launch their own community-university partnership efforts and to examine critical issues and challenges related to partnership development. For more information, visit the conference webpage.

A detailed list of summer activities coordinated by the Office of Student Programs can be found at the 2006 Guest Calendar webpage.

A comprehensive list of summer events coordinated by Continuing Education can by found at the "Upcoming Conferences, Workshops, seminars, Short Courses, and Institutes" website.

Fall classes begin at Virginia Tech on Monday, August 21.

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