Unique Resources Available to You

For the creative program, we have available some unique resources, including...

• Free DVD cases (sans DVDs, of course)
• DVD cover art (see pic below)
• Recent (but old) magazines, including Nintendo Power, etc

Use them as incentives, or for art projects... if you can think of an idea, they are yours! Please email your program officer for more info!

A word on the magazines and cover art - these were given to me by my PT employer, Blockbuster. I have a whole box, and while there is a lot of good kid-centric stuff, not everything in the box is kid appropriate. You'll need to look through and sort it out. Even the non-kid appropriate stuff can be useful, though! Make these cardboard covers into bathroom passes, signs for rooms, flashcards - whatever!

Encore Careers Purpose Prize - $10,000

Among the many benefits of the NGVSZ is the opportunity we provide for "Encore Careers" - chances for Older Newarkers to "combine purpose, passion and a paycheck." The Encore Careers website is an excellent resource for highlighting these opportunities in our programs, and also gives us the chance to engage older job seekers through out the state.

Each year, Encore Careers highlights the work of dedicated older Americans (60+) who have invested their time and passion into serving their communities. The Encore Purpose Prize awards $100,000 in awards, and nominations are currently being accepted. Do you know someone 60 or older who might deserve some accolades? This is a great opportunity to recognize the work of someone on your staff, or in your organization, or from your community. Check out this link for more information.

Free Xerox Networked Color Printer!

Xerox is reaching out to organizations, offering free network-ready color printers! Here's how it works:

Xerox will lease you, at no charge, one of their networked printers, in exchange for a commitment to buy the supplies from their website. If you spend over $100/month on printing, or would like to expand your printing capabilities, check out the website.

STEM Resources; Pictures from RIF and Camp Fun from Vacamas

It's a jam packed post today, with reosurces from today's STEM curriculum training and pictures from our partners at Vacamas!

The Water Curriculum we reviewed today can be found here: http://www.state.nj.us/education/21cclc/casp/

Inexpensive eye droppers, required for several experiments, can be found here: http://www.amazon.com/100-PIPETTE-EYEDROPPERS-Transfer-Liquids-Airbrush-Paint/dp/B002J0NQCI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1299709636&sr=8-2

Here are some inexpensive magnifying lenses:
http://www.makingfriends.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=1&Product_Code=S-MAGGL

Make science a bit more fun (and tasty) by checking out what they offer at candyexperiments.com. 


NASA offers interesting resources for our programs at this site: http://universe.nasa.gov/au/links.html




And this comes from Vacamas:

Vacamas Programs for Youth staff members brought Dr. Seuss's stories to
life for the children of Sussex Avenue School through costumed
characters from his best-known tales and hands-on activities. Students
of all ages were engrossed in the captivating program.

84 students from Quitman Street and Eighteenth Avenue Schools came to
Camp Vacamas for an action-packed weekend in late February. Students
made four leaf clovers out of play-dough, hiked the Vacamas trails, and
played Minute to Win It, Vacamas-style. 

Essex County Parks Programming for Students and Families

Thanks to Lisette Curry from BGCNewark for sharing thsi info! If you have any information that our students and families would benefit from, don't forget to reach out to your NJ After 3 Program Officer!

LEARN ABOUT HORTICULTURE, HIKING, BUGS, GEOLOGY, PETS, PHOTOGRAPHY, YOGA AND MORE AT THE ESSEX COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER Essex County Executive DiVincenzo Invites Children and Families to Expand their Understanding and Appreciation of the Environment

   
Roseland, NJ - A variety of programs are being offered at the Essex County Environmental Center during the month of March that will teach children and adults about nature and help them gain a greater appreciation and understanding of our environment. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. invites children and adults to visit the Environmental Center where they can enjoy an enriching recreational experience through nature and conservation activities.

�Our Environmental Center has become the premiere location for environmental education and nature appreciation. With the help of our partner groups, our dynamic schedule of events and activities will captivate all ages,� DiVincenzo said. �Walk in our woods, discover habitats, get pointers on gardening, learn about nature photography and much more. It�s all about nature and it�s all at our Environmental Center,� he added.

Events scheduled for March are as follows:

�Wild New Jersey� is geared for adults. David Wheeler, author of the newly released book, "Nature Adventures in the Garden State," is the guest presenter. His book takes readers on a real-life safari through New Jersey. Mr. Wheeler will present an illustrated lecture on his adventures writing this book. He is Director of the Edison Wetlands Association and founder of Wildnewjersey.tv web site. Cost is $8 per adult and free for Essex County Nature Photographer members. Wild New Jersey will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Birding Hike in Essex County South Mountain Reservation� is presented by New Jersey Audubon. Hikers will search for winter birds and early signs of spring. Target species include Black Vulture, Pileated Woodpecker, and many forest birds. Meet in the parking lot of Essex County Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange. Cost is $6 for NJAS members and $8 for non-members. Space is limited. Contact Kelly Wenzel at 973-226-6082 for more information and to register. Birding Hike is scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursday, March 3, 2011
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Meeting Site: Essex County Turtle Back Zoo
560 Northfield Avenue
West Orange, NJ

�Evening Yoga Series� is geared for adults. This �all levels� yoga series will focus on alignment, flow and warmth followed by a restorative pose to unwind the body and mind for bed. Explore some peace and stillness like that of a springtime blossom. All levels are welcome. Dress comfortably and bring your own mat. Cost is $50 for the series. Advance registration and monthly payment is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. No refunds will be given for missed classes. Evening Yoga is scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2011
Time: 6:15 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Spring Yoga� is geared for adults. Spring is a wonderful time to begin yoga or continue on a yoga journey. The warmer weather naturally helps individuals enjoy and deepen their yoga practice. All levels are welcome. Join for the entire series or just one class. Cost is $10 per class. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Dress comfortably and bring your own mat. Spring Yoga will be held as follows:

Date: Fridays, March 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2011
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Three-Day Short Course on Beekeeping� is appropriate for ages 12 through adult. The Essex County Beekeepers Society will present this short course geared for new beekeepers as well as those who need a refresher. Participants will be led through a full year of beekeeping, including everything they need to know from purchasing and assembling equipment to harvesting, extracting, and bottling honey. Basics of disease and mite management and control are covered. Scholarships for this course are available to young people ages 12-22. Visit www.njbeekeepers.org for more details. The class will meet in Garibaldi Hall. For more information and to register, contact Pat Gamsby at bjornlass@aol.com or 973-396-8996. Snow day is April 2. Cost is $90 per person (includes Essex County Beekeepers Society and NJ Beekeepers Association memberships, class materials, continental breakfast, and afternoon snack). Beekeeping Course will be held as follows:

Date: Saturdays, March 5 & March 19, 2011
Field Day TBD
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Little Explorers Spring Nature Program� is a child-caregiver class that uses stories, walks and crafts to develop an awareness and appreciation for science and nature for the child as well as the caregiver. Each session, a different nature or science topic is covered. Space is limited. Cost is $6 per child per session (additional material fees may apply). Advance registration and payment is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Little Explorers Nature Program is scheduled as follows:

Ages: 2 ? to 3 ? years
Dates and Times: Mondays, March 7 through May 23, 10:30 a.m.

Ages: 2 ? to 3 ? years
Dates and Times: Thursdays, March 10 through May 26, 10:30 a.m.

Ages: 3 ? to 5 years
Dates and Times: Mondays, March 7 through May 23, 1:30 p.m.

Ages: 3 ? to 5 years
Dates and Times: Thursdays, March 10 through May 26, 3 p.m.

Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Bug Club� is for children ages 6 to 10. The Bug Club is devoted to young people who want to explore the wonders of insects through field walks, games, stories and crafts. This club meets year-round. Cost is $6 per child per session (additional material fees may apply). Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Bug Club will be held as follows:

Date: Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Project Learning Tree Workshop� is for educators of grades K-12. Project Learning Tree is a nationally recognized activity guide that provides educators, 4-H leaders, Scout leaders or home school instructors with tools for increasing student environmental awareness. PLT activities engage students in interdisciplinary, hands-on experiences that develop skills in problem solving, critical thinking, evaluation, literacy and research. The lessons in the guide are correlated to the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards. Cost is $15 (includes curriculum activity guide). Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Project Learning Tree Workshop will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Outdoor Adventure Club� is for children ages 7 to 11. Participants will go outside and see where the hour takes them. Students might build forts, collect firewood, skip rocks, tell stories, dig for critters, spot wildlife, play tag and more. The hour will be directed by club members under the guidance of a Staff Naturalist who will facilitate all free-play activities. Dress for the weather as all classes will be outside. Cost is $6 per child per session. Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Outdoor Adventure Club will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Birding Hike in Essex County Weequahic Park� is presented by New Jersey Audubon. This is a fascinating place to view a variety of gulls, ducks and geese, plus some woodland birds on their northward migration. Don�t miss out touring this hidden gem within the Essex County Park System! This hike is free. Space is limited. Contact Kelly Wenzel at 973-226-6082 for more information and to register. Birding Hike is scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursday, March 10, 2011
Time: 9 a.m.
Place: Essex County Weequahic Park
Meeker Avenue
Newark, NJ

�Birding Hike in Essex County Hilltop Reservation� is presented by New Jersey Audubon. Participants will explore early spring migrants and late winter sparrows at a restored meadow habitat in the reservation. This is also an excellent place to view raptors. Meet at the sports field parking lot near the intersection of Courter Lane and Mountain Avenue in North Caldwell. This hike is free. Space is limited. Contact Kelly Wenzel at 973-226-6082 for more information and to register. Birding Hike is scheduled as follows:

Date: Saturday, March 12, 2011
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Meeting Site: Essex County Hilltop Reservation
Courter Lane and Mountain Avenue
North Caldwell, NJ

�Spring Safari� is for children grades K through 5. What plant can melt snow? Are there any flowers blooming yet? What early birds are back from winter vacation? Answer all of these questions, and more, as participants explore the wooded wetland just before the start of spring! Dress appropriately for outdoor exploration. Cost is $5 for New Jersey Audubon members and $7 for non-members. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-226-6082. Spring Safari will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday, March 12, 2011
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Cloverbud Pet Club� is for children in grades K-3. Students will learn all about pets and small animals. Non-pet owners are welcome. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-353-1338. Cloverbud Pet Club will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday, March 12, 2011
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Outside Nature Discoveries Club� is for children ages 5 to 6. Participants will venture into the wooded wetland with magnifiers, trowels, containers and more to observe living things in their environment. Curriculum is not structured; students will discover as they explore and document their observations in a journal. Dress for the weather as all classes will be outside. Cost is $6 per child per session. Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Outside Nature Discoveries Club will be held as follows:

Date: Monday, March 14, 2011
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�4-H Lego Club� is for children in grades 3 through 6. Students will use their imagination and build animals, castles and more with other children who are interested in Legos. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-353-1338. 4-H Lego Club will meet as follows:

Date: Monday, March 14, 2011
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Green Kids Club� is for children ages 7 to 12. Discover all areas of environmental science with hands-on fun and service projects! Advance registration and payment are required. Cost is $6 per child per session. (Additional material fees may apply.) For information, call 973-228-8776. Green Kids Club will be held as follows:

Date: Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Nature Discovery Garden Club� is for children ages 7 to 12. As the warm weather approaches, the plants and animals herald the season with new growth and new families. Participants will design special pets that will grow their own live coats with a little care from us, help build a willow den in the meadow and design toad houses to place in the garden. Cost is $6 per child per session. (Additional material fees may apply.) Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Nature Discovery Garden Club will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Time: 3:45 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�4-H Super Animal Kingdom Pet Club� is for children in grades 4-7. Students will learn all about pets and small animals. Non-pet owners are welcome. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-353-1338. Cloverbud Pet Club will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Happy, Healthy Houseplants� is appropriate for adults. Rutgers Master Gardeners of Essex County will teach basic techniques to help plants survive all year long. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Cost is $8 per adult. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Happy, Healthy Houseplants will be held as follows:

Date: Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�4-H Environmental Kids Club� is for children in grades 2 through 6. The environment is filled with things, big and small, that surprise and help us. Discover how much fun it is to learn about the world! Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-228-3785. 4-H Environmental Kids Club will be held as follows:

Date: Thursday, March 17, 2011
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Horticulture for Seniors� will be presented by the Master Gardeners of Essex County. Designed for senior citizens, this month�s topic is on propagation making new plants from old ones. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. This is a free program. Advance registration is required one week prior to the program. For information, call 973-379-5488 or 973-731-0717. Horticulture for Seniors will be held as follows:

Date: Monday, March 21, 2011
Time: 1 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�4-H Young Gardeners Club� is for children grades 1 through 8. Have you ever wondered how vegetables and flowers grow? Where spaghetti sauce comes from? How you can find a rainbow in a garden? The Young Gardener's 4-H Club will help students find the answers to these questions and many more. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required. For information, call 973-353-1338. 4-H Young Gardeners Club will be held as follows:

Date: Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�4-H Stamp Club� is for children in grades 4 through 7. Learn about the history of stamps and stamp collecting. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Advance registration is required. For information, please call 973-353-1338. 4-H Stamp Club will be held as follows:

Date: Thursday, March 24, 2011
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Build Your Own Rain Barrel� is geared for adults. Participants will learn how to build their own rain barrel from a 55-gallon plastic drum. During the rain barrel informational session, Amy Rowe, Environmental and Resource Management Agent for Essex and Passaic Counties, will teach how to build and install a rain barrel, as well as provide water conservation tips. After the information session, there will be a hands-on rain barrel assembly. All tools and equipment are supplied for the assembly. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Cost is $58 per rain barrel. Advance registration required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Build Your Own Rain Barrel will be held as follows:

Date: Saturday, March 26, 2011
Time: 10 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Nature Crafts with Children� is for children ages 7 to 12. Participants will make a craft to test if all bodies of water move, create a beautiful work of art with nature�s paintbrushes and design a special stepping stone for a home garden. Class meets rain or shine. Cost is $8 per child per session (includes $2 material fee). Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Nature Crafts with Children will be held as follows:

Date: Tuesday, March 26, 2011
Time: 11 a.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�New Jersey Woodturners� is for adults. Learn to turn with the NJ Woodturners Association! Discover the wonders of creating art from found pieces of wood, wood species, and turning tips and techniques. Topics vary month to month. Meet in Garibaldi Hall. Cost is $8 per adult and free for NJWA members. For information, call the Environmental Center at 973-228-8776. NJ Woodturners will meet as follows:

Date: Monday, March 28, 2011
Time: 7 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
Garibaldi Hall
621A Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Rock-N-Roll Geology Club� is for children ages 7 to 12. Revel in the fascinating formations of Earth�s geologic creations. Hands-on club activities include exploring local geology, discovering what�s in local soil, and identifying rocks and minerals. Cost is $6 per child per session. (Additional material fees may apply.) Advance registration and payment are required. For information, call 973-228-8776. Rock-N-Roll Geology Club will be held as follows:

Date: Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Time: 4 p.m.
Place: Essex County Environmental Center
621B Eagle Rock Avenue
Roseland, NJ

�Birding Hike in Essex County Hatfield Swamp� is presented by New Jersey Audubon. Early spring migrants may include both passerines and raptors. If conditions are right, hikers may also encounter hundreds of waterfowl. Footing may be wet. Meet in the Stop & Shop supermarket parking lot in West Caldwell. This hike is free. Space is limited. Contact Kelly Wenzel at 973-226-6082 for more information and to register. Birding Hike is scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursday, March 31, 2011
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Meeting Site: Stop & Shop supermarket
Bloomfield Avenue
West Caldwell, NJ

Registration is required for all programs at the Essex County Environmental Center, unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register, please call 973-228-8776.

The Essex County Park System was created in 1895 and is the first county park system established in the United States. The Park System consists of more than 6,000 acres and has 20 parks, five reservations, an environmental center, a zoo, ice skating rink, roller skating rink, three public golf courses, golf driving range, three off-leash dog facilities, a castle and the Presby Memorial Iris Gardens.

STEM CURRICULA ALERT: Space-Focused Lesson Plans, Resources

For those of you looking for high quality STEM content, the Verizon Foundation has posted lesson plans, interactive tools and online resources that will help you and your students explore space (without the trip to Cape Canaveral). Check it out here. Once on the Verizon site, look around, as there is a lot to be discovered!

SIGN THE PETITION to Support High Quality Afterschool in NJ

Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »