In the bustling, bountiful land of New Jersey, nestled between the enchanted realms of New York and Pennsylvania, a troop of cheeky, ever-curious kids embark on an exciting exploration activity each day. This isn't your ordinary state, not by a long shot! It's a place where the fragrant pine forests in the south whisper secrets with the gleaming skyscrapers in the north, and where the beach-loving seagulls on the coast exchange yarns with the swift-footed deer in the western hills. Now, let's meet our little troop of explorers. Leading the pack is a feisty, freckled-face firecracker named Tommy Turnpike. Tommy, named after the state's famous highway, has an amusing knack of losing his way but always, magically, winding up in the most stirring adventures. He's as bold as a Jersey tomato, as richly imaginative as a boardwalk funnel cake, and as loyal as a Jersey diner offering its endless mugs of coffee. Trailing behind Tommy, are dozens of sprightly kids, each as unique as the state's many pizza toppings. Millie, the Meadowlands maverick, is as sly as a fox and can spot a rare bird from miles away. Then there’s Benny the beachcomber, who knows every grain of sand on the shorelines and can speak fluent crab! Every day, in this small but mighty state, these kids roam from the Cape May lighthouse to the Great Falls of Paterson, tickling their curiosities and feeding their imaginations. From inventing a time-travelling tomato to befriending a talking squirrel, their adventures are as varied and vibrant as a display of fireworks on a warm Jersey Shore night. Believe me; there’s never a dull moment in the Garden State!
Read morebest exploration programs in Millburn, NJ
For over ten years, Black Belt Leadership Academy has been a crucial force in shaping the character of students through exceptional martial arts training. At our Wauwatosa branch, we foster an environment of inclusivity, welcoming all students, from beginners to seasoned martial artists. Each class at our academy is carefully designed to challenge students on an individual basis, while also promoting a supportive and rewarding learning environment. We believe that by providing personalized attention to each student, we can ensure that they feel valued and motivated, thereby enhancing their learning experience. At Black Belt Leadership Academy, we are committed to nurturing our students' growth not only in martial arts, but also in character. Our classes are designed to instill values such as discipline, respect, and perseverance, in addition to martial arts skills. We strongly believe that the lessons taught here extend beyond the dojo, providing our students with valuable skills for their future pursuits.
In 2013, Jennifer Romanoff, Ed.M., had a lightbulb moment when she and her husband were playfully discussing the idea of leaving his job to play with magnetic tiles instead. This sparked the idea for Genius Gems, an innovative space for children to learn through play. Each visit to our facility brings something new and exciting, with our hands-on, creativity-based activities designed to foster critical thinking and collaboration with peers. Our curriculum is based on the 4 P's - projects, passion, peers, and play - and was developed by an experienced educator. We are inspired by the work of MIT Media Lab Professor Mitchell Resnick, who argues that the world needs more designers, thinkers, and innovators. At Genius Gems, we strive to foster these skills in our young patrons, so that they may be prepared to meet the challenges of the future.