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.
NATIONAL PLANT POWER DAY!
It's definitely not something we think about everyday, but plants provide us with food, fiber, shelter, medicine, and fuel. We need them to breathe! Check out this fun activity below or create your own ideas like planting seeds, painting flowers, or trying some vegan/vegetarian food together to celebrate Plant Power Day!
ST. PATRICK'S DAY
On a holiday that has become increasingly adult and alcohol-oriented, kids activities for St. Patrick's Day can seem few and far between. However, teens don't need alcohol to have a fun-filled St. Patrick's Day celebration; they just need friends and imagination. Here are some ideas to get started! If you feel like getting outside to join in on the fun, take a minute to look up a local St. Patrick's Day Parade near you with the link below!
WORLD POETRY DAY
Poetry can be an effective way for kids and teenagers to understand and communicate their emotions, lives, and thoughts. There are SO many ways to explore poetry with your child, or your Little. The New Day Family Success Center in Galloway, NJ is hosting a free World Poetry Day event on Saturday, March 21st from 10-11am (Pre-registration is required, and fills up fast!) Below are a few websites to get your activity imagination flowing!
FREE RITA'S WATER ICE
The annual free Rita's Regular Ice treat returns on Sunday, March 20, 2022 and they're offering it for an entire week! Celebrate the first day of spring by stopping at your local Rita's for a free Italian Ice treat during the week of March 20 – March 27. Simply *download their mobile app before 3/20* and create a free account in order to get your freebie. Use the link below to find a Rita's near you!
SCRABBLE NIGHT
Avalon Public Library is hosting a free Scrabble Night every Monday night from 6-7:30 pm from now until May! Click the link below to find out more information. If you can't make it to Scrabble Night, playing a board game of your of your choosing it is always a fun way to bond with your child or Little. This is also a quick reminder to check our your local library and see what other free events they are hosting!
FREE TAX HELP
Free assistance in the preparation of federal and state Income Tax Returns is available for taxpayers of every age at Howard Stainton Senior Center in Ocean City for both Atlantic and Cape May County residents. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, you must have an appointment. In addition, if you made less than $66,000 in 2020, you can utilize free online services at www.myfreetaxes.com. Both services are linked below.
UTILITY BILL ASSISTANCE
South Jersey Gas is offering assistance with utilities for those who are struggling during these difficult times. The link below will connect you to all of the available programs that may be able to help, and you can apply directly through their website.
FREE WELLNESS DAY AT STOCKTON
Stockton University in Galloway, NJ is hosting a free Wellness Day on Wednesday, March 30th from 11am-3pm. Hope One Mobile Services, along with many vendors and resources, will be there equipped with information about mental health and addiction, resources, referrals, and Narcan training/supplies. You can check out what other events Hope One is a part of in Cape May County at the link below.
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.