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.
FUN, FREE ACTIVITIES AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
Did you know that your local library has TONS of fun, free activities that appeal to all ages? Click the links below to see what your local library has lined up for the month! There are creative crafts, inclusive clubs, interesting workshops, and so much more! Many libraries have "Crafts To-Go" available to pick up and take with you!
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY
The African American Heritage Museum Of Southern New Jersey, with one location held inside the Noyes Arts Garage in Atlantic City, aims to bring to life to the African American experience by documenting the struggle of one group of Americans as they carved out their own place in the wider cultural landscape. Attend the reception of the Memorial Quilt Project and Paintings by Melvin Irons on January 14, from 5-8pm, or visit the exhibit throughout the months of January and February. Museum hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Click the link below to learn more about AAHMSNJ and this incredible exhibit. Entry is free, and donations are appreciated. *Masks are required*

HONOR DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
Ocean City will celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. The ceremony will start at 12 p.m. at the Bill and Nancy Hughes Performing Arts Center at Ocean City High School (entrance on beach block of Sixth Street). The event brings the community together to remember Dr. King through words, song and dance. Search for an event near your to celebrate the legendary impacts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or create your own unique way to honor his legacy!
VIRTUAL ARTS & CRAFTS
There are countless YouTube and Zoom Classes to learn how to paint, draw, and create all sorts of fun crafts! Do a quick online search and decide what you would like to do, pick your favorite indoor or outdoor place, or your Big's home (with permission, of course!) to get artsy and pull out your tablet, cell phone, etc. to take a virtual arts & crafts class or workshop! Linked below is a YouTube live painting for all ages called "Frosty Butts" available live on January 7th at 1pm, and a website for more ideas! Feel free to do your own research and you may end up finding a fun new hobby!
VISION BOARDS & GOAL SETTING
Ring in the New Year by creating a vision board and setting some goals! Vision boards encourage children and young people to dream BIG. It also introduces them to the concept of goal setting. It’s never too early for kids to learn the importance of setting goals and taking an active role in their own success. Goal setting also boosts children’s confidence and self-esteem and helps them become aware of their many strengths. Linked below are two websites to help you and your Little get started! Use the free templates, research your own ideas, or pull out some old magazines, safety scissors, and glue sticks to put their ideas on a poster that they can anchor them throughout the upcoming year.
MATCH'S CHOICE!
Get out of your comfort zone and check out the linked page for a list of 52 ideas for Bigs and their Littles. Find a fun activity that you may not have thought of yet, pick an interesting mini-adventure, or chose an icebreaker that will bring your match closer together by stepping out of your comfort zones!
GODMOTHER'S CAFE
Every first Monday of the month from 8-10am, and every first Tuesday of the month from 6pm-8pm, Godmother's Cafe takes place at Mission Point Church, in Somers Point. They provide feminine and family products to those in need. They welcome teens and women of all ages to come enjoy a cup of fresh brewed coffee and pack a bag of items they may need.
Shampoo, feminine products, soap, etc. Check out the website below for more information or call (609)231-5280.
PAYING FOR COLLEGE ZOOM INFO SESSION
Whether you want to start planning for the future or find out some last-minute information that could save your family some money, click the link below to attend this informational Zoom session on January 9th, from 9:30-11am, titled "How to Go to College Without Going Broke." Those 90 minutes could mean the difference between thousands of dollars of debt. It can also provide hope and help for your children attend college. We understand that college isn't for everyone, but it is smart to learn about options you may not even know you had!
COVID TESTING
If you have been sick lately, you know first-hand how difficult it can be to simply get tested for COVID. Below are links to order *free* at home COVID test kits, and links to COVID Testing Sites in Atlantic (Atlantic City Convention Center) and Cape May County. We are wishing you all a healthy year, so please stay safe out there!
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.