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.
CONSERVATION DAY AT THE ZOO
 The Cape May Zoo is hosting its 4th annual Conservation Day on Saturday, May 14, from 10am-4:30pm. This day is all about raising awareness for the animals we love! There will be keeper talks, interactive stations, activities, and much more to see as you walk throughout the zoo! Click the link below for more information.
CHALK THE WALK
You don’t have to be an artist to get creative and enjoy this free event at Historic Smithville! The “Fun DJ” will be spinning the tunes and playing some exciting interactive games. Chalk the Walk will take place on May 22, from 11am-3pm, along Park Avenue in the Village section of Smithville Park. **Chalk will be provided.**
You can check out the other free events Smithville is hosting this month, such as MayFest and Fantasy AdventureFest, at the link below!
GO FLY A KITE!
As the weather warms up, there are lots of things to do outdoors! When's the last time you've flown a kite?! You can make your own or pick one up from the BBBS office in Northfield (contact your Match Support Specialist first). This month you can also check out the Wildwood International Kite Festival happening from Friday, May 27th through Monday, May 30th.

We also have a variety of different sports equipment available in our office! Reach out to us if you are interested in borrowing something!
COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
Le Tour de Downbeach family friendly bike ride is Sunday, June 5th that takes place through Ventnor, Margate, Longport, and Atlantic City. They are looking for volunteers to help pass out water and snacks to the participants. This is a fun event and a great way to get your little involved in giving back. If interested in volunteering, reach out to Brenda at info@vbanj.com. Be sure to let her know BBBS referred you. For more information about Le Tour de Downbeach, click the link below!
C.R.O.P.S. FARMERS MARKET
Check out the C.R.O.P.S. Farmers Market every Saturday from 9am-12pm located in the rear parking lot of Central Square 199 New Road, Linwood. Among many other vendors and activities, C.R.O.P.S will be there doing education workshops about gardening and sustainability on May 7th & May 14th. The market accepts SNAP benefits to increase accessibility to fresh local produce for everyone.
NJ BAG BAN
New Jersey's plastic bag ban begins May 4th. To help you become more prepared, the link below will provide you with all of the information you need to know to be prepared!
SHORE FAMILY SUCCESS CENTER
 The Shore Family Success Center is a community-based, family-centered neighborhood gathering place located in Rio Grande, NJ. Check out their website below for more activities and plenty of resources!
FREE LEGAL SERVICES
LSNJ coordinates the statewide Legal Services system, which provides free legal assistance to low-income families and people in New Jersey for their civil legal problems. Check out the website below if you need legal help.
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.