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 have updated our COVID safety policies to reflect the most recent updates -- see the link below to review the guidelines. In regards to face masks – they are no longer required in most outdoor and indoor settings, however unvaccinated individuals should continue wearing a face covering in public spaces - especially indoors - to protect yourself and others. We ask that you follow these recommendations and discuss mask wearing and activities with each other (parent/guardian/volunteer/child) when planning outings. 
BBBS CAPE MAY ZOO DAY
Come celebrate the start of the 2021-2022 school year with us at the Cape May Zoo on Saturday, September 11! We'll have a scavenger hunt, prizes and lunch. Meet at Pavilion 9 at 12pm. There is a map on the flyer showing the best parking locations in relation to our pavilion. This event is for matches only. If you and your Little plan to attend, contact your Match Support Specialist as soon as possible so we can count you in!
PINELANDS PHOTO CONTEST
Go for a hike with your Little in the NJ Pinelands and take some great pictures along the way! If you think your best photo is worthy of inclusion in the annual exhibit celebrating the Pinelands then you could be the lucky winner of a cash prize! More than $2,000 in prizes will be awarded. The deadline to enter the photo contest is January 30, 2022.
SOMERS POINT GOOD
OLD DAYS FESTIVAL
This end-of-summer celebration will take place on Saturday, September 11 from 12-6pm at JFK Park in Somers Point. The festivities will include a variety of music on 2 stages, antique cars, children’s activities, community group participation, and hot dogs, hamburgers, and sodas.
GO APPLE PICKING
Apples are delicious and nutritious and they're currently ready to pick at local apple orchards! Scroll through this list to find the farm closest to you.
BIRDS AND MONARCHS EVENTS
Every year, the changing of the seasons brings with it a wave of animals migrating through the coast. From tiny Monarch Butterflies to giant Bald Eagles, the Avalon Coast sees a myriad of animals passing through. Come learn about the journeys of these animals, where they came from and where they’re going! This migration event is on Wednesday, September 15 at 6pm at Surfside Park, 30th Street and the beach next to Community Hall.

Members of the Atlantic Audubon Society will be leading walks at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge on Saturdays throughout September and October, weather permitting. You'll be sure to spot all kinds of birds in their native habitat and learn from the experts!
BACK TO SCHOOL BASH
Asbury United Methodist Church in Egg Harbor Township is holding a Back to School Bash on Saturday, September 25 from 1-4pm. All are welcome to join! This event was previously scheduled for August and September 25 is the new date.
PFIZER COVID VACCINE RECEIVES FDA'S FULL APPROVAL
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is the first to be fully approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration beyond its emergency use authorization. Learn more by clicking the link below.
EVICTIONS AND FORECLOSURE PROTECTION DURING COVID
Renters making less than 80% of the area’s median income will be shielded from eviction through December 31. Those with income above 80% of the median will see the moratorium come to an end on August 31. A foreclosure moratorium for New Jersey homeowners is now slated to end on November 15.
NJ 211 Service
Whether struggling with a personal challenge like housing, income, food or childcare or recovering from a natural disaster, NJ 211 provides connections to services that often mean the difference between hope and despair. This statewide service is free, confidential, multilingual and always open 24/7/365. Three easy ways to reach them: Dial 2-1-1; text your zip code to 898-211; or chat with them online.
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.