Warren Coalition Launches “Warren County IRL” to Promote Real-Life Connections

The Warren Coalition is proud to announce “Warren County IRL (In Real Life),” an innovative initiative encouraging Warren County residents to disconnect from digital devices and reconnect with the community. Scheduled from sundown on March 1st to sundown on March 2nd, this event coincides with the Global Day of Unplugging, promoting mental health and community engagement.

A Community-Wide Effort for All Ages

Warren County IRL features an extensive lineup of activities catering to various interests and age groups. Highlights include art contests, hands-on workshops, outdoor adventures, and social gatherings designed to facilitate real-life interactions and the joy of community connectivity. Special events like the Create a Gnome Workshop, martial arts demonstrations, and the Global Day of Unplugging Plant Spring Friends at Samuels Public Library offer unique opportunities for fun and engagement.

Prioritizing Mental Health

This initiative stems from growing concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on mental health, particularly among youth. “Constant screen time is leading to significant increases in depression, anxiety, and social isolation,” stated Christa Shifflett, Executive Director of the Warren Coalition. Warren County IRL aims to offer a break from digital overload and highlight the importance of personal connections.

Incentives and Participation

The Warren Coalition offers various incentives to encourage participation, including gift card drawings and special promotions by local businesses. Participants are encouraged to sign up on the Warren Coalition’s website and check in at event locations for additional entries into the prize drawings.

A Day Packed with Activities

There’s something for everyone, from the Phoenix Project Art Contest to the Northern Virginia 4-H Center Hike & Scavenger Hunt. Families can enjoy free day passes to Shenandoah River State Park, explore their hometown with #TouristforaDay, and participate in the Day of Unplugging Board Game Festival at Samuels Public Library. Evening and late-night activities, such as the Glow Party for High School Students and the Hyper Bowl Party at Royal Family Bowling Center, ensure that the fun continues into the night.

Looking Forward

As Warren County IRL approaches, the Warren Coalition hopes to inspire other communities to embrace similar initiatives that prioritize mental health and real-life connections over digital interactions. “This is an opportunity for all of us to reassess our relationship with technology and rediscover the value of the world around us,” concluded Shiflett.

For more information about “Warren County IRL” and a full schedule of events, please visit the Warren Coalition’s website or contact their office directly. Join the Warren Coalition in celebrating real-life connections and community engagement during this special event.

The following activities are taking place from Friday, March 1st, to Saturday, March 2nd, to help you unplug! Some activities will have a cost. Those that are free of charge or have a free option are marked with an asterisk (*). Most activities are for all ages unless otherwise indicated. Sign in at each location you visit to earn more entries into the drawings for $300 in gift cards!

Ongoing

Phoenix Project Art Contest*
Download the rules here. Drop off completed project at the Warren County Community Center (538 Villa Ave) on March 2^nd between 2 pm and 6 pm.

Northern Virginia 4-H Center Hike & Scavenger Hunt*
Visit the Appalachian Trail via the 4-H Center and engage in a nature scavenger hunt while enjoying the benefits of hiking. Download the trail map and scavenger hunt list here.

Friday, March 1st

Create a Gnome Workshop
Friday 10 am to 12 noon; 2 pm to 4 pm; 6 pm to 8 pm
Explore Art & Clay, 501 E Main St.
Get an early start at one of the early sessions! Create a gnome that represents your favorite hobby or activity! $35, sign up on Facebook.
(540)-636-6019; facebook.com/exploreartandclay

Martial Arts Demonstrations & Games*
6 pm to 9 pm, Warren County Community Center, 538 Villa Ave.
Warren County Parks & Recreation will host a fun evening of demonstrations and games, including corn hole, with free pizza and drinks!
(540) 635-1021

 C & C Frozen Treats*
6 pm to 8 pm, 408 E Main St.
Join William and Nina for a special ice cream flavor, games, storybooks, toys, and chalkboard drawing fun!
(540) 450-7939
candcfrozentreats.com

Glow Party for High School Students*
7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, WCHS Auxiliary Auditorium
Young Life will host a free glow party (with pizza!) for local high school students!
(540) 683-4500; https://waco.younglife.org
Instagram.com/frontroyal_younglife

Hyper Bowl Party
10 pm to Midnight, Royal Family Bowling Center
Join in some late-night fun with a hyper bowl party featuring arcade specials and a combo special of $20 for a 2-item pizza and a pitcher of soda.
(540) 636-3113; royalfamilybowl.com

Saturday, March 2nd

Free Day Passes!*
Dawn to 6 pm, Shenandoah River State Park, 350 Daughter Of Stars Dr, Bentonville
Shenandoah River State Park is providing free day passes! Enjoy a picnic, go for a hike, explore the Visitors Center, or take in the view at the overlook! Register for Warren County IRL and email celeste@warrencoalition.org to request your free day pass. Limited passes are available; one pass per family.
(540) 622-6840;
dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-river

#TouristforaDay*
10 am to 4 pm, Front Royal Visitors Center, 414 E Main St.
Take time to discover the places you didn’t know existed in your own hometown! Stop by the Visitors Center for some ideas on where to go and what to do. There is something to do, no matter what your budget is!
(540) 635-5788; Discoverfrontroyal.com

Bingo, Games, & More*
10 am to 2 pm, Warren County Community Center
Arc of Warren will host a variety of games, including the all-time favorite bingo, with prizes!

Come and Play!*
10 am to 6 pm, Play Favorites, 441 South St.
Enjoy the “Arcade Unplugged,” play a board game, or create a chalk art masterpiece!
(540) 252-4031
sites.google.com/view/playfavorites/

Create a Gnome Workshop & Special Sale
Saturday, 10 am to 12 noon; 2 pm to 4 pm; Explore Art & Clay, 501 E Main St.
Create a gnome that represents your favorite hobby or activity! $35, sign up on Facebook. Also, get 20% off all bisque from 1 pm to 3 pm!
(540)-636-6019
facebook.com/exploreartandclay

C & C Frozen Treats*
10 am to 6 pm, 408 E Main St.
Come by for a special ice cream flavor, games, storybooks, toys, and chalk drawing!
(540) 450-7939; candcfrozentreats.com  

Day of Unplugging: Plant Spring Friends
11 am, Samuels Public Library, 330 E. Criser Rd
Turn off the electronics and come “get dirty,” learning about plants, painting a pot, and planting marigolds. Registration is required.
(540) 635-3153
samuelslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/day-unplugging-plant-spring-friends

Day of Unplugging Board Game Festival*
2 pm to 4:30 pm
Samuels Public Library, 330 E. Criser Rd.
Set aside your high-tech gadgets and come play! Chess, Monopoly, Checkers, Uno, Rummikub, Apples to Apples and more!
Meeting room A for ages 6-17
Meeting room B for ages 18-99
(540) 635-3153
samuelslibrary.librarymarket.com/event/day-unplugging-board-game-festival-26081

 Main Street Geek*
12 noon to 6 pm, 301 E Main St.
If you stop in to unplug, you will be eligible for a free comic book and 10% off purchases!
(540) 692-6005; mainstreetgeekshop.com

Workshop: How to Lattice Your Pie
1 pm to 3 pm, Down Home Comfort Bakery, 120-A E Main St.
Join the experts at Down Home Comfort Bakery to learn how to make a lattice on your next pie! $7, register on their website.
(540) 635-6013; downhomecomfortbakery.com

IRL Games & Challenges*
3 pm to 6 pm, Warren County Community Center
Engage in some of your favorite challenges and games from TikTok and YouTube—but in real life! Games include A Quiet Place, life-size Battleship, and more. For ages 5 and up.
(804) 441-4161; warrencoalition.org

Survey Party for Young Adults*
3 pm to 6 pm, Warren County Community Center
Are you between the ages of 18 and 25? Stop by the Community Center to take a 15-minute survey, and we’ll give you a $10 Starbucks gift card! Plus, you can be entered into a drawing for additional prizes.
(540) 660-3367

Register at
https://warrencoalition.org/wc-irl
to be eligible for prizes!

A special thank-you to Royal Cinemas for providing a Family Four-Pack as a prize!
Check out their schedule to unplug and go to the movies!