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.
PRINCESS AND PIRATE DAY
AT THE CAPE MAY ZOO
Calling all Princesses and Pirates! The Cape May County Park and Zoo’s annual “Princess and Pirate Day” will take place on Saturday, November 12 from 11am-2pm at the Cape May County Park, in Cape May Court House. Visitors of all ages are invited to wear their best dress up apparel to this fun family event, which includes activities for the kids, craft station, games, entertainment, animals, inflatable pirate ship and more.
AMERICA RECYCLES DAY AT ACUA
This free outdoor event offers something for everyone! Stop by the ACUA Environmental Park (6700 Delilah Road in EHT) on Saturday, November 19 from 1-4pm. There will be tons of fun for the whole family including Touch-A-Truck, recycling games, activities and crafts, and an opportunity to learn about recycling and composting.
FREE HORSE AND CARRIAGE RIDES
Take a festive ride in a horse drawn carriage and experience Ocean City from a fun new perspective! Beginning Saturday, November 19, carriage rides will be departing from 6th and Asbury Avenue from noon-3pm on select days.
FUN FALL SCAVENGER HUNTS
Take advantage now while the weather is still nice! Get outside and take a walk and look for festive Fall finds along the way. Click the button below to check out seven different fun fall scavenger hunts.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS EVENTS
Check out these festive family friendly events to kick off the holiday season!

Santa's Tree Lighting Celebration will be at the Cape May Zoo on Saturday, November 26. The Lighting of the Tree will be at 5pm. The celebration will include live holiday music, an ice sculpture demonstration, the polar express train ride, bounce house castle & slide, character appearances, free treats for all and a visit by the jolly man himself in the red suit.
More than 120 Christmas Trees constructed from over 50,000 Christmas lights, magically float on Lake Meone in the center of Historic Smithville and the Village Greene. The lights are even orchestrated to holiday music! The holiday fun starts at Historic Smithville in Galloway on Thursday, November 24 and runs every day from 5:30-8:30pm until Friday, January 6.
Congress Hall in Cape May is extra merry this year! They'll have all kinds of activities and events to get you into the holiday spirit. Don't miss the Congress Hall Annual Tree Lighting event on Friday, December 2. In addition to the tree lighting, they'll also have train and carousel rides, an enchanted vendor village, and more!
SANTA PHOTOS AT BASS PRO SHOPS
Bass Pro Shops is more than just a sporting good store! This holiday season get your photo taken with Santa and participate in other fun activities. Pictures are by reservation only at Basspro.com/Santa.
FLU AND COVID VACCINE CLINICS
Protect yourself and others with a FREE flu shot from a clinic in your area. A flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu and its potentially serious complications. Many clinics are by appointment only, so plan accordingly.
TOYS FOR TOTS
Toys for Tots is collecting toys to distribute to children in our local community to help make their holidays brighter. For more information about their program and how to apply, click on the button for your county below.
FREE COVID TESTS FROM WALGREENS
Click the link below and fill out the order form to see if you qualify. You may be eligible to receive up to eight COVID-19 rapid antigen tests.
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.