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 are working to update our COVID safety policies to reflect the most recent updates and will alert you when they are ready to review. 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. 
OUTDOOR SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS
Take advantage of warm sunny days and head outside for some STEM learning. These outdoor science experiments cover a wide range of topics, from electricity to chemistry and everything in between. Most require only simple materials, so they're easy for anyone to give them a try!
VISIT ESTELL MANOR PARK
Estell Manor Park is conveniently located in Mays Landing and is chock full of fun activities you can do with your Little now that the weather is warm! Stop by their Nature Center to borrow bikes and helmets, softball equipment, volleyballs, frisbees, jump ropes, horseshoes and soccer balls. They also have 20 miles of hiking trails, a floating dock for fishing and more!
SUMMERTIME FIREWORKS
What's better than a free fireworks show with your toes in the sand? There are plenty of opportunities to see the spectacular nighttime display every week through the summer. Wildwood's show is every Friday and the Trop will send theirs off on Saturdays, both shows start at 10pm.
MARGATE BEACHSTOCK
Beachstock returns to the Margate Beach Saturday, June 26, 8am-10pm (on the beach between Granville & Huntington Aves). Rain date is June 27th. Mouthwatering food, unique handmade crafts and featured retailers and sponsors will all be a part of this year’s event. Children’s activities, live music, Air Circus single line and stunt kite demos and lessons, volleyball, South Pacific Island Dancers, beach nature walk, all capped off by an evening movie, bonfire on the beach and a performance by British Invasion.
FREE MOVIE NIGHTS IN WILDWOOD
Head to Wildwood for FREE Family Movie Nights all summer long on Tuesdays, beginning on June 29th! They'll be played at Byrne Plaza, 3400 Pacific Avenue in Downtown Wildwood. The movies start as soon as the sun sets, between 8 and 8:30pm. Grab your beach chairs and blankets and enjoy a movie with your Little under the stars! FREE PARKING is available.
TOUR ACUA'S WIND FARM
The Wastewater Treatment Facility has become world renowned as the largest hybrid wind and solar powered treatment facility. It is home to the nation’s first coastal and urban setting wind farm and New Jersey’s first commercial wind farm. Visitors will learn the crucial role the ACUA Wastewater Treatment Facility plays in this process and the need to protect vital natural resources.
COVID-19 FUNERAL ASSISTANCE
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming grief to many families. FEMA is dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus. FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.
LGBTQ+ RESOURCES
During Pride season, we wanted to share some wonderful resources with our parents and Bigs to help create a safe and inclusive environment for our Littles.
FREE NJ STATE PARKS VAX PASS
Every New Jerseyan who is fully vaccinated or receives their first COVID-19 vaccination shot by July 4th is eligible for a free season "State Parks Vax Pass" good for entrance at any NJ State park for the rest of 2021. Once you have your pass, you can go to any of New Jersey's 51 State parks and forest facilities that charge daily walk-in or parking fees and get free entry.
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.