NJ Youth Corps & Bridge Of Books service Benjamin Franklin School in Newark

Thanks to our partners at the Bridge of Books Foundation, over 1000 books were recently donated to the Benjamin Franklin School on Park Ave. in Newark NJ. Benjamin Franklin School educates children starting in Pre-K3 through the Fourth Grade. Their population includes General Education students, Special Education students, English Language Learners and one Pre-K Handicap classroom. Reading is indeed fundamental, and it was a pleasure giving a helping hand to the teachers and students who were very appreciative with this wonderful donation.

We look forward to continued service within our communities!

(RECAP) Go Green! Earth Day Celebration at Jersey Explorer Children's Museum

This past Saturday, the Jersey Explorer Children's Museum hosted the 'Go Green! Earth Day Celebration', presented by the Bridge Of Books Foundation and NJ Youth Corps. The highlight of the event was NY Jets starting offensive lineman D’Brickashaw Ferguson, who was on hand to present and read his children's book titled 'Brick's Way Go Green!'

There were various 'Go Green!' themed tables to help celebrate Earth Day. Tables included information on how and where to recycle, as well as computer games with recyclable themes. We showed a educational documentary on the positive effects of recycling. We also offered a book swap, where guests could bring in their old and used books and walk away with brand new ones. There were arts and crafts initiatives for the kids to make a commitment on going green. Outside the museum, volunteers alongside Youth Corps and the Bridge Of Books staff, planted flowers and added fresh soil to our garden.

Guests of the 'Go Green! Earth Day Celebration' were offered a gracious selection of literature from the Bridge Of Books Foundation. There was food offered in the park courtesy of Robert from First Fridays and Councilwoman Andrea McPhatter. Mr. Ferguson, who was a very gracious guest, stayed to sign a few books, give motivational advice to the kids and take a complete tour through the Jersey Explorer.

We would like to thank the community at large (special thanks to the local youth football teams) for attending and participating. Special thanks to Abby Daly and all the great people at the Bridge Of Books Foundation. We will continue giving away free books throughout the spring and summer, so make sure you stop in and visit us!

 

Jersey Explorer hosts National African-American Read-In

February 21st, marked the date of a very important event at the Jersey Explorer Children's Museum - The National African-American Read-In. We had an outstanding performance from Christine Dixon, who starred as "Harriet Tubman Herself", which truly captivated our audience. Ms Dixon reenacted the life and times of the Underground Railroad's most recognizable conductor, Harriet Tubman in an emotional one woman show. 

We also had visits from some wonderful African-American writers such as Sharon Dennis Wyeth, Ms. Wyet h has written a number of award w inning books for children and young adults, including:  “A Piece of Heaven”, “Once on T his River” and the Children’s Book Council Notable Book – “Something Beautiful.”  Other authors included, Cynthia ‘Lady Rose’ Roberson, also known as “The Singing Librarian” and writer of "RITTA" book series. This singer/songwriter is also a native of Newark, NJ and an Educational Media Specialist for Newark Public Schools. Last but not least we also had Teresha Rue -Hughes,  the author of t he beautifully illustrated “Sungi Bear” series.

The event ended slightly early due to an incoming snowstorm, but we had a amazing time learning from our special guests. Below we have links to all of the participating author’s books as well as pictures from the event. We still have free African-American literature we are giving away at the museum, so please stop by on a Saturday when time permits. Thanks to all who were involved. 

Christine Dixon

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Harriet-Tubman-Herself/118434971530060

 Cynthia ‘Lady Rose’ Roberson

http://www.rittabook.com/index.php

Sharon Dennis Wyeth

http://www.sharondenniswyeth.com/

Teresha Rue-Hughes

http://bookstore.authorhouse.com/Products/SKU-000933473/Where-is-Sungi-Bear.aspx

NJ Youth Corps and Jersey Explorer Children's Museum @ 24 Hours Of Peace in Newark, NJ

24HrsofPeace is our outdoor cultural event aimed at addressing violence through the performing arts. Music, Poetry, Dance, Film and Spoken Word are the vehicles we will use to promote the message of peace and unity in the community. Please join us August 29th 6pm on Clinton Avenue in Newark between Treacy Avenue and Bergen Street. -  https://24hrsofpeace.wordpress.com/

NJ Youth Corps along with the Jersey Explorer Children's Museum were eager to give a helping hand to such a monumental event that directly involves the talents of young people making a positive difference. 

Radio Host, Hip Hop Artist and Activist Hakeem Green showed his support by visiting the JECM before '24 Hours Of Peace' took place. He was in awe of our museum and staff as well as our informative, thought provoking exhibits. 

Hakeem is one of the key organizers for the 24HoursofPeace event, which is presented by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. Thanks to our connections and supporters we were able to donate over a thousand books over the weekend for a unified effort on decreasing violence in Newark and increasing support for the talented citizens who are spreading awareness and promoting peace and love.

NJ Youth Corps and Jersey Explorer Children's Museum @ Orange, NJ YWCA

Saturday August 23rd we were grateful to be a part of the Orange, NJ YWCA blood drive. The drive featured different local vendors as well as NJ Youth Corps and Jersey Explorer Children's Museum on hand to display free books for youth of all ages. We look forward to continued growth and partnership with the newly renovated YWCA of Essex and West Hudson NJ.

JECM/YC Staff Johan ready to give out books and give info on the Jersey Explorer.

The YWCA of Essex and West Hudson NJ hosted a blood drive which will help hundreds of people who need blood.

NJ Youth Corps visit Watchung Reservation and Barnes & Noble

Friday, August 22nd, marked the date of an interesting road trip that started at the historic Watchung Reservation in New Jersey and ended at a Route 22 Barnes & Noble book store. It was a journey that took our city-wise students and staff into a wilderness exploration into nature where we saw vintage artifacts and luxuriant plants. We also did some serious climbing and hiking. We had a glorious time and are looking forward to a return trip soon. Here are some Youth Corps student/staff reactions to our day.

Adam: My trip was extremely fun, I enjoyed every minute of it. I would definitely go back again. I learned nature has extraordinary things about it.

Irene: My favorite part about the trip was everything! I learned a lot about the outdoors. I would go again, I enjoyed myself. 

Stephanie: It was fun! I liked going through the "Ghost Town", and I liked the rock climbing. I liked the teamwork and how we all came together and worked together.

ABOUT WATCHUNG RESERVATION:

Watchung Reservation in Union County is a 2,000-acre wooded tract where animal and plant life are protected.  Highlights of the park include Surprise Lake, the Deserted Village of Feltvile/Glenside Park, the Trailside Nature and Science Center, Seeley's Pond and the Watchung Stables.  Opened in 1941, The Trailside Museum was New Jersey's first nature museum. Although I-78 traverses its northwestern flank, most of the reservation remains in a natural, wild state, and sound barriers muffle the road noise.

  

ABOUT BARNES & NOBLE:

Barnes & Noble, Inc. is a Fortune 500 company, the largest retail bookseller in the United States, and the leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products in the country. The company operates 661 retail stores (as of May 3, 2014) in all 50 U.S. States in addition to 700 college bookstores that serve more than 5 million students and faculty members across the country. Barnes & Noble also operates BN.com