Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Jersey Explorer Children's Museum Christmas Extravaganza

It was the JECM version of a star studded spectacular - featuring Queen Elsa from the movie Frozen and Santa Clause himself all the way from the North Pole. The official December 13th, Christmas Extravaganza! Local social clubs such as the motorcycle riders of BlocBurnaz and the wonderful women of Benevolent Beautiez were on hand to raffle off gifts. The East Orange Fire Department was also in attendance to show their support. There were free books courtesy of our partners at Bridge Of Books. In addition, we had an abundance of donations from the United Way and other charities.  

Of course the community of East Orange and surrounding areas of Essex County were present for this cheerful event.We had a packed house! Our visitors had a warm safe haven and full access to the JECM exhibits. Our dependable trustee board at the Jersey Explorer Children's Museum always go above and beyond their means to make sure we are presented in a positive light. Yes it was a Saturday to remember, as the museum was filled with colorful painted snow penguins, bright blinking Christmas lights, holiday music tunes and a digital snowfall on the ceiling of the main hall. We appreciate all the attendees and volunteers who helped make our Christmas Extravaganza a magical unforgettable experience. 

Looking forward to next year! Check out the pictures below.
















 







NJ Youth Corps & New Jersey Institute of Technology "Please Judge Me" Screening

On December 4th 2014, NJ Youth Corps Crew Leader, Doug Bailey attended the Capstone Showcase at NJIT in Newark, NJ. NJ Youth Corps formed a partnership with the Capstone Program which allowed them to work with emerging NJIT graduates on a number of versatile projects. The Capstone students Sam, Alyssa and Ramesh created a short film project titled "Please Judge Me", which focused on stereotypes and how misjudging people can create barriers that inhibit us all in progressing forward. The film itself focused on a teacher who incorrectly labeled a student based on her style of clothing and not her intelligence. He learned a valuable lesson in the end!

The short film was displayed on a 50 inch flatscreen for students and judges alike to view. The Capstone students created a document to show the different stages of pre planning and development that was worked on to complete the project in full. It was certainly an engrossing experience for our Youth Corps students, as they were engaged from the acting, all the way to learning about the post editing procedures. We look forward to our continued alliance with NJIT and the Capstone  Program.