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.
VIRTUAL PAINTING CLASSES
Maybe you love to paint, or maybe it's time to try something new! These virtual painting parties are a fun way to learn to paint and have some fun! Classes are free, but supplies suggested are as followed: 3 brushes (fluffy, flat, & small), red/yellow/blue/white/black paints, and a canvas. If you do not have paint supplies, feel free to get creative! Use what you can find around the house or see what happens if you use crayons or markers! Classes are held via Facebook Live on February 11th, 18th, and 25th at 7pm.
HISTORY AT SUNSET
Batsto Village is beginning a new series called "History at Sunset" beginning February 12th at 4pm. Join a park historian on the second Saturday of every month for a guided walk going over some of the lesser-known people and stories of Wharton State Forest. These programs are FREE and open to visitors of all ages! Meet at the ore boat behind the Visitor Center at Batsto Village at 4pm. Be prepared to be outside for about an hour. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a coat, some water, and your sense of adventure!
CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The Pan-African Flag was raised on Tuesday, Feb. 1st in the quad of Atlantic Cape Community College’s Mays Landing campus signaling the start of Black History Month and a series of events that will run throughout the month at all three campuses. A variety of Black History Month Events including speakers, movie screenings, essay contests and more are planned for all three Atlantic Cape campuses throughout the month. See below for a full listing of events.
GRAND OPENING OF LOVE BEACH BLVD
Love Beach BLVD will celebrate their grand opening during February's Second Friday reception at the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University on Friday February 11th from 5-8pm. Love Beach BLVD will be a work space, retail space, and safe meeting space for LGBTQIA+ Community. There will be free entertainment, vendors, exhibitions, and more!
PLAY PIKMIN BLOOM!
Pikmin Bloom is a free interactive iPhone/Andriod app that evolves the more you walk! Pikmin start as seedlings and grow with every step you take. Once they grow big enough, you can pluck them out and have them trail along beside you. You can make flowers bloom along your way, meet new Pikmin, and log your day with photos all on this free app! Take your walk around the park, or even the block, to a whole new level with Pikmin Bloom!
STORIES OF DISPLACEMENT EXHIBIT
Visit the Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton University throughout the month of February to check out their current exhibit: Stories of Displacement Migration and refugee crisis through the eyes of emerging artists. This is a student exhibition featuring emerging artists from the United States, Germany, and Armenia who are are giving a voice to those who do not have the opportunity to do so in the countries they hail from themselves.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION
The Zion Methodist Church is hosting a *new* walk-in food distribution beginning September 19th from 9am-12pm. The Zion Methodist Church is located at 652 Zion Road, Egg Harbor Township, NJ. Click the link below for more information.
YOUTH PERSONAL HYGIENE
Conversations about personal hygiene may be sensitive and uncomfortable, but they can make a lasting impression on our youth. Improper hygiene can lead to health risks, decreased self-confidence, and peer bullying. Whether you are a parent or a Big, this resource can help you ease your way into approaching and talking to your child or Little in a relatable way about these important life tasks.
EMERGENCY BROADBAND BENEFIT
The Emergency Broadband Benefit is an FCC program to help families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new benefit will connect eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms, and so much more. You may also be eligible to a discount of up to $100 to purchase a computer, laptop, or tablet. Click the link below to see if you qualify!
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.