ACCL Upcoming Events
Summer's Last Fling 2026
A Benefit for the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek
Celebrating 25 Years of Outdoor Discovery
Join us on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 6:00-9:00 PM for Summer's Last Fling, the fifth annual fundraiser benefiting the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek.
Hosted by the Armstrong Center for Community Learning, this family-friendly community celebration supports outdoor education, recreation, and outreach programs that connect thousands of children, families, and lifelong learners with nature each year.
In 2025 alone, the Outdoor Discovery Center served more than 4,300 participants through camps, field trips, homeschool programs, educational workshops, outdoor recreation opportunities, and community events. As we celebrate the Outdoor Discovery Center's 25th Anniversary, your support will help ensure these programs continue to grow and remain accessible for years to come.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek, 142 Kerr Road, Ford City, PA 16226
Adult Admission: $25/person
Child Admission: $10/person (children ages 5-12)
Children Under 5: Free
ENJOY AN EVENING OF
- Live music by Yachtness Monster Band and Billy Postle on acoustic guitar
- Delicious food and refreshments
- Basket raffles featuring a variety of great prizes
- Silent auctions with unique items and experiences
- A welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere in Crooked Creek Lake Recreation Area
TICKETS
Tickets for Summer's Last Fling may be purchased online by clicking here. Additionally, paper tickets may be purchased by contacting the Armstrong Center for Community Learning at 724-543-2599, or visiting the ACCL at 104 Armstrong Street, Suite A, Ford City, PA 16226.
WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
Proceeds from Summer's Last Fling directly support:
- Youth outdoor education programs
- School field trips and homeschool learning experiences
- Summer camps and family programs
- Conservation and environmental stewardship initiatives
- Community recreation and outreach activities
As demand for our programs continues to grow, your participation helps us expand access to meaningful outdoor learning experiences for individuals and families throughout our region.
CELEBRATING OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEERS
Each year during Summer's Last Fling, the Armstrong Center for Community Learning recognizes individuals and organizations whose dedication has strengthened the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek and expanded opportunities for environmental education, recreation and lifelong learning.
Steve and Rita Black have been selected at the 2026 Outdoor Discovery Center Volunteers of the Year in recognition of their outstanding dedication, passion and countless hours of service. Their commitment has made a lasting impact on the Outdoor Discovery Center and on the thousands of children, families and community members who enjoy its programs each year.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Crooked Creek Lake has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural Community Champion Award for its longstanding partnership with the Outdoor Discovery Center. Through its stewardship of Crooked Creek Lake, environmental leadership, educational programming and continued support of the Outdoor Discovery Center, the Army Corps has played a vital role in enhancing outdoor recreation and environmental education throughout Armstrong County.
The recipients will be formally recognized during Summer's Last Fling as we celebrate the volunteers and partners whose service make the Outdoor Discovery Center possible.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Businesses, organizations, and individuals are invited to support Summer's Last Fling through sponsorships ranging from $50 to $2,000.
Sponsors receive recognition though event materials, social media, website promotion, and event signage while helping strengthen outdoor education opportunities in our community.
Sponsor Deadline: August 28, 2026
Click here to download the sponsorship information.
DONATE A RAFFLE BASKET OR AUCTION ITEM
We are also seeking donations of raffle baskets, gift certificates, outdoor recreation equipment, experiences, and silent auction items. Your contribution helps make this event successful while supporting the Outdoor Discovery Center's mission.
HELP US CELEBRATE 25 YEARS
Whether you attend, sponsor, donate or volunteer, your support helps connect people to resources that enhance lifelong learning through education, recreation and outreach.
We hope you'll join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating 25 years of outdoor discovery and investing in the future of our community.
Armstrong County Scholarship & Financial Aid Fair
Connecting Armstrong County students and families with scholarships, financial aid, and educational funding opportunities—all under one roof.
October 21, 2026
5:30 - 7:30 PM
Belmont Complex (415 Butler, Road, Kittanning, PA 16201)
There is no cost to attend or exhibit.
Explore scholarships, financial aid, tuition assistance, and postsecondary education opportunities while meeting directly with the organizations that provide them.
The Armstrong Center for Community Learning (ACCL) is pleased to host the inaugural Armstrong County Scholarship & Financial Aid Fair, a free community event designed to help students and families explore the many resources available to make education and training more affordable.
Whether you're planning to attend a college or university, technical school, apprenticeship program, or pursue another postsecondary pathway, the fair will connect you with organizations that can help finance your future.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives from:
- Local and regional scholarship organizations;
- Colleges and universities;
- Career and technical schools;
- Apprenticeship and workforce training programs;
- Employers offering tuition assistance and educational benefits;
- Military representatives;
- Financial aid and college access organizations;
- Other organizations that support postsecondary education and career success.
The fair is intended for high school students, adult learners, parents, guardians, and anyone planning to continue their education or training. Families are encouraged to attend together, ask questions, learn about eligibility requirements, and discover scholarships and funding opportunities they may not have known existed.
Unlike a traditional college fair, the Armstrong County Scholarship & Financial Aid Fair focuses on how to pay for education and training, bringing together a wide variety of organizations that provide scholarships, financial aid, tuition assistance, educational funding, and career pathway resources—all in one convenient location.
As a designated Community Education Council serving Armstrong County, the ACCL is committed to providing an institutionally neutral event that helps connect residents with educational opportunities from a broad range of organizations.
Students & Families:
Planning to attend? Students, parents, guardians, and adult learners are encouraged to preregister so the ACCL can provide event updates and help participating organizations plan their attendance.
Admission is free. Preregistration is encouraged, but not required. Walk-ins are welcome.
Click here to preregister to attend for Students & Families.
Please complete one registration per family or household attending.
Scholarship & Financial Aid Organizations:
Interested in participating as an exhibitor? Scholarship providers, colleges and universities, employers, apprenticeship programs, military representatives, foundations, and other organizations offering educational funding or financial assistance are invited to participate.
There is no cost to exhibit, but advance registration is required. Exhibitor registration deadline: October 2, 2026.
Click here to register as a Participating Organization.
For additional information, please contact Justin Nolder, ACCL Executive Director at 724-543-2599 ext. 222 or [email protected].
Check back soon for new events offered by the Armstrong Center for Community Learning, or check out all of the great programs, classes, workshops and camps we offer at the Outdoor Discovery Center at Crooked Creek on our ODC events page.