If you were to flap open the gigantic atlas, situated somewhere between the hustle and bustle of New York and the historic charm of Pennsylvania, you would find a little jewel named New Jersey. Often affectionately referred to as the "Garden State," it's not just famous for its juicy tomatoes or the taste-bud tingling corn, but it's also a big splash in the world of swimming! The kids of New Jersey, or as our imaginary character, Captain Flipper likes to call them – the "Jersey Water Wizards," are quite the aquatic aficionados. With a backstroke as smooth as butter sliding down a hot ear of corn, they swoop through the water, leaving a trail of bubbles and awestruck onlookers. In the morning, as the sun peeks over the Atlantic Ocean, Captain Flipper, a funny, oversized dolphin with sunglasses and a neon swim cap, rallies his team. With a hearty "Flippity, floppity, let's get hoppity!" they dive into the pristine pools that dot the state, from Hoboken to Hackensack. These wizards are not just swimming for gold medals, but for the golden rays of the sun and the cheer of the crowd. Captain Flipper, with his blowhole that sounds like a laughing trombone, instills in them a spirit of fun, friendship, and a love for the magical dance between water and body. He often tells them, "In New Jersey, we don't just swim; we glide, we play, we make the water our stage." And so, from the tiniest of tots to the tallest of teens, the swimming pools of New Jersey echo with laughter, splashes, and the occasional trombone-like blowhole sound - a tribute to the watery wonderland they call home. And the "Jersey Water Wizards" continue to swim, following the flipper-steps of their funny and lovable mentor, Captain Flipper.
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Stemtree is a top-tier K-12 enrichment center that has been acknowledged with multiple awards for its outstanding contribution to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education. The center provides a unique platform for students to delve into exciting subjects such as Science, Coding, Robotics, Electronics, and Math. This exploration is facilitated through interactive, hands-on learning that allows each student to progress at their own pace. At Stemtree, we believe that personalization is key to effective learning. That's why we tailor our approach to suit each learner's unique needs, ensuring they develop a strong foundation in their chosen area of interest. We understand that every child is different and requires a customized learning path to thrive. We're here to guide them on their journey, providing them with the tools and support they need to excel. Moreover, we're passionate about making learning enjoyable for our students. We don't believe education should be a chore. Instead, we work to create an environment that boosts confidence and fosters a love of learning. At Stemtree, we make education fun and exciting, inspiring a lifelong thirst for knowledge in our students.
At YWCA Northern New Jersey, our commitment to empowering women and girls is stronger than ever. Since our founding in 1919, we have been a leader in the fight against gender and racial discrimination, and we remain the oldest and largest multicultural women’s organization in the world. Our programs and services are tailored to meet the needs of our diverse communities, with a range of healingSPACE initiatives, anti-racism training, policy advocacy, and more. YWCA Northern New Jersey also provides essential child care services and senior wellness programs in the northern part of the state. We have recently extended our reach into Essex County, Hudson County, Morris County, and Passaic County, while continuing our deep commitment to the Bergen County community where we began our mission nearly a century ago. No matter the location, YWCA Northern New Jersey strives to create more just and inclusive communities each and every day. We work diligently to provide support and resources to empower women and girls, improve the lives of seniors, and ensure that everyone can enjoy the same rights and privileges no matter their background.