Monthly Program Newsletter
for Parents, Guardians, and Community-Based Bigs
IN-PERSON ACTIVITIES GUIDELINES
Big Brothers Big Sisters is following NJ state guidelines related to COVID-19. We continue to expect our matches to follow CDC and State guidance on Covid safety and in-person interactions -- see the link below to review our guidelines. We ask that you follow these recommendations and discuss mask wearing and activities with each other (parent/guardian/volunteer/child) when planning outings.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY HAUNTED WALK-THRU AT COLD SPRING VILLAGE
Historic Cold Spring Village is holding a family-friendly haunted walk-thru event called Ghoul Spring Village on Friday, October 22 and Saturday, October 23 from 5:30-8pm. Admission is $4 for both adults and children and tickets are available at the gate.
OCEAN CITY HOWL-O-WEEN DOG PARADE ON THE BOARDWALK
Hosted by the Humane Society of Ocean City, the first annual “Howl-O-Ween” Parade and dog costume contest is taking place on Saturday, October 23 from 3-4pm. Contestants are encouraged to dress themselves and their pooch in zany, fun Halloween costumes in the spirit of the season. Registration begins at 2:00pm at the Sports & Civic Center located at 6th & Boardwalk. The parade begins at 3:00pm and the procession is from 6th to 14th Street on the Boardwalk. For more information call 609-399-6111.
BEACH SWEEPS BEACH CLEANUP
Clean Ocean Action's Beach Sweeps event is taking place on Saturday, October 23 from 9am-12:30pm at 70 different locations up and down the NJ coast! Registration is required to participate. There are numerous cleanup sites in our area, so pick one and help keep the beach clean for visitors and wildlife!
TRUNK-OR-TREAT IN UPPER TWP.
The Upper Township Rescue Squad is hosting a Trunk-or-Treat event on Tuesday, October 26 from 6-8pm at Amanda's Field. Admission is free and also includes a treat bag. Put on your costumes and bring your Little over for a safe and fun trick-or-treating experience.
BOO AT THE ZOO IN CAPE MAY
The Cape May County Park and Zoo’s annual “Boo at the Zoo” event will take place on Saturday, October 30 from 10am-2pm. This event is free and open to the public. Visitors of all ages are invited to wear a costume to this fun family event, which includes activities for the kids, craft station, games, candy, entertainment, animals, inflatable obstacle course, pirate ship and more. There will also be a costume contest!
TRICK-OR-TREAT TRAIN
Head over to DiDonato's in Hammonton to experience their Trick-or-Treat Train running on select dates until Sunday, October 24. Advanced tickets are $12.95 each and include a train ride through a little goblin-friendly Halloween Town, Halloween Hay Maze, a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, endless fun on the giant racing slide, an individually wrapped treat, and more! Advanced tickets are recommended as the time slots do sell out.
FREE ONLINE TUTORING THROUGH ATLANTIC COUNTY LIBRARY
Students of all ages can connect with a certified online tutor to find the help they need. Tutor.com provides homework help and assessment quizzes for students. A library card is required in order to utilize the tutoring service. You do not need to be a county resident to apply for a card - apply for a library card using the button below.
NJ UNVEILS NEW WEB TOOL FOR YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH
Returning to the classroom and regular activities after the disruptions of COVID-19 may cause stress and anxiety for students of any age. These feelings are normal and to be expected; everyone has tough days, but if children or adolescents are exhibiting unusual behavior for extended periods, they may be in need of additional support and care. The State of NJ created a webpage to guide young people and their families to resources that promote student health and well-being, including mental health.
FLU CLINICS IN YOUR AREA
Protect yourself and others with a FREE flu shot from a clinic in your area. A flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu and its potentially serious complications. Many clinics are by appointment only, so plan accordingly.
MORE ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES
Are you new to the BBBS program? Are you having trouble thinking up fun activity ideas that keep everyone safe and healthy? Looking for local resources to help your family through this challenging time? Click the links below to view previous newsletter issues. We sent out a weekly newsletter from March through September and then switched to a monthly format.