Kids Guide NJ | Enrichment Classes for Kids, Teens & Adults | New Jersey Art, Crafts, Computer, Music, Dance, Theater Arts, Language Classes for Children

New Jersey's guide to places, events and services for children, teens and families
Pick up a copy of the Kids Guide FREE at libraries, stores, schools, real estate and professional offices in northcentral New Jersey and
at tourist info centers throughout the state for a complete calendar and guide to children and family events, programs and services!

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all around enrichment

Adult School of the Chathams, Madison and Florham Park
Office: Green Village Rd. School, 33 Green Village Rd., Room 12 (2nd floor), Madison, 973-443-9222. Unique enrichment classes, trips and workshops for children and adults offered in spring, summer and fall sessions.

The Baird Visual and Performing Arts
The Baird, 5 Mead St., South Orange, 973-378-7754. Over 28 courses in cultural programs include art, dance, theater and music for adults and children starting at 212 yrs. old. Classes are offered year round and run for six weeks at a time.

College for Kids & Teens
County College of Morris, 214 Center Grove Rd., Randolph, 973-328-5070. Academics, sports, recreation, and enrichment classes offered year 'round for ages 4-18. Morning and afternoon sessions in summer with supervised lunch, before and after care.

Community School of Scotch Plains-Fanwood
Evergreen Ave. & Cedar St., Scotch Plains, 908-889-7718. Enrichment classes for grades 2-8, driver ed and SAT Review for high school students, adult courses and workshops and EduTravel for fall and spring semesters.

Hunterdon County Adult Education
215 Rt. 31, Flemington, 908-788-1405. Fall and spring semesters offer adult enrichment and youth courses in theatre, arts, crafts, sports, science and SAT prep.

"J" Crew After School Program
Shimon and Sara Birnbaum JCC, 775 Talamini Rd., Bridgewater, 908-725-6994, x227. Director: Ken Kaus, kkaus@ssbjcc.org. Homework help, swimming, sports, karate, arts and crafts, fitness programs, cooking, computers, daily snack and more for grades K-4. High staff-to-child ratio. Register for 2, 3, 4 or 5 days a week. Busing available from select Bridgewater schools.

JCC MetroWest School of the Arts
Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC Ross Family Campus, 760 Northfield Ave., West Orange, 973-530-3421. Classes for preschoolers through adults. Art, music, drama, dance and special programs.

Jointure for Community Adult Education, Inc.
1124 Rt. 202S, Suite B10, Raritan, 908-722-0233. Cooperative program offering extensive courses and seminars for adults, youth enrichment classes, and before and after school programs in Bridgewater/Raritan, Bound Brook, Branchburg, Hillsborough Twp., Manville and Watchung.

The Learning Laboratory
36 Main St., (2nd floor), Madison, 973-520-8245. Email: the learninglaboratory@gmail.com. This center provides individual tutoring and small group enrichment and skill classes to students grades K-12. See ad and complete listing under Educational Services.

Learning Rx
Chester, 908-834-0606; Short Hills, 973-376-4646; Warren, 908-222-7246; Morristown, coming soon! Learning Rx specializes in cognitive skills training/development. This type of training attacksthe root of a student's learning obstacle; helping them excel in life and academics. Learn more by visiting

Madison Community House After School Classes
Madison Community House, 25 Cook Ave., Madison, 973-377-0244. Classes and 1-day workshops offered after school Sept.-May in cooking, arts and crafts, dance, music and science.

Middlesex Community School
300 Kennedy Dr., Middlesex, 732-317-6000 x20206. Non-profit arm of Middlesex Borough Public Schools offers educational and recreational courses for children through adults each quarter and also features seasonal parent/child activities.
www.middlesex.k12.nj.us, click on Community School.

Morris Hills School of Adult and Continuing Education
Morris Knolls High School, 50 Knoll Dr., Denville; Morris Hills High School, 520 W. Main St., Rockaway, 973-664-2296. Fall and spring semesters include sports, enrichment, SAT and driving courses for kids; enrichment, health and self-improvement classes for adults.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center Arts Training Programs
973-353-8009. Audition applications for Jazz for Teens (open to students ages 13-18), summer arts programs, and music and performing arts scholarships for the following year are accepted beginning in November. Auditions are held in spring.

North Plainfield Community School
20 Harrison Ave., North Plainfield, 908-769-6100. Saturday enrichment classes held at North Plainfield High School for toddlers to grade 6 include sports, dance, cooking, arts & crafts, and parent/child programs.

Raritan Valley Community College Continuing Education
Rt. 28 & Lamington Rd., North Branch, 908-526-1200, ext. 8404. Year round classes for ages 6-17 in computers, academics, enrichment, visual and performing arts, sciences, job skills, study skills, exam prep, sports and fitness.

South Orange Maplewood Adult School
17 Parker Ave., Maplewood, 973-378-7620. Innovative courses, intellectual discovery and creative expression. Open to adults and teens. Learn to cook, sew, start home-based businesses. Learn a language or a new dance step. Parent/child classes in science, cooking, and swimming. College for a Day. Class descriptions and schedules are available in the Adult School's catalog and online.Learn more and enroll website.

Union County College for Kids and the Academy
Union County College, 1033 Springfield Ave., Cranford, 908-709-7600. Enrichment courses for ages 4-17 offered spring, summer and fall semesters. Academic test prep courses for ESPA, GEPA, HSPT/A, SAT and PSAT tests and teen seminars for grades 8-12.

Westfield Adult School
908-232-4050. Most classes held Mon. evenings at Westfield High School, 550 Dorian Rd., Westfield. Classes include adult enrichment and personal growth, SAT & PSAT prep and driver's ed.

Westfield Area Y
220 Clark St., Westfield, 908-233-2700. Youth, teen and family enrichment ranging from Family Time Sundays to parent/child programs, Healthy Kids Day and more. We encourage all members
of the family to participate at the Y.

art
See listings under EnrichmentCrafts for additional creative art programs.

Art Adventures
245 Madison Ave., Madison, 973-660-0405. Come explore the world of art! Classes offered for children ages 2-6 years. Lots of messy art for young artists, more advanced use of materials and techniques for older children. Fun and creativity run free! All classes taught by Evelyn Cucchiara, BFA/MA Art Education & Art Therapy. Free brochure. Sorry, no summer classes offered.

Art-4-All
265 E. Main St., Somerville, 908-725-4490. Year-round art classes for all ages-Mom & Me (ages 3-5), pre-schoolers, children, teens and adults. Students may enroll at any time for classes in painting, drawing, sculpture and printmaking. Scout programs, also. Call for brochure. Barbara Gerson, M.A. Fine Arts/Education.

Creative Hands Art Studio and Atelier
14 Kings Rd., Madison, 908-604-0773. Classical and contemporary training in the fine arts-drawing, painting, cartooning, sculpture, ceramics and pottery wheel-with year 'round classes for ages 3 through adult. Students are taught by professional artists in small classes (10 to 12); use top quality, professional-grade art materials (included in class cost); and are provided an opportunity to develop their artistic vision while obtaining a firm foundation in the skills and joys of creating art. School-year classes once a week offered Mon. thru Sat. in 10-week sessions from Sept. thru mid-June. Flexible, week-by-week summer program offered June-Aug. Fun art birthday party workshops and cartooning classes. Inquire about our homeschool programs.
New
Homeschool Programs.

Hunterdon Art Museum
7 Lower Center St., Clinton, 908-735-8415. Gallery and exhibitions of contemporary art in a 19th century gristmill on the Raritan River. Year round classes for adults & children ages 4 and up, all skill levels. Concerts; outreach programs; art camps.

Hunterdon County Parks & Recreation
1020 Hwy. 31, Lebanon, 908-782-1158. Art classes for children, preschool-age and up, teens and adults.

Livingston Arts Association
973-992-7749. Art classes for children, teens and adults in winter, spring and fall sessions by certified art teachers.

Morris County Art Association
10 Catherine Lane, Morristown, 973-267-1722. Year round art classes and workshops for children and adults in our community.

Newark Museum Studio Classes
Newark Museum, 49 Washington St., Newark, 973-596-6616. Fine art classes are offered on Saturdays during fall and spring for all ages, from toddlers with parent to teens and adults.

1978 Maplewood Arts Center
1978 Springfield Ave., Maplewood. Volunteer-organized, community center features art exhibitions, classes for children and adults, an artists forum and special events.

Roving Press Traveling Outreach
Printmaking Council of New Jersey, 440 River Rd., Branchburg, 908-725-2110. The Roving Press offers printmaking programs including woodblock, silkscreen, papermaking and photography for all ages. One-hour, one-day or weeklong programs are instructed by professional artists. Limited scholarships available for schools.

Somerset Art Association
2020 Burnt Mills Rd., Bedminster, 908-234-2345. Exhibit gallery and classes in visual arts for adults and children of all ages and skill levels beginning at age 4. After school classes; summer classes; special Art Discovery Weeks.

Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm St., Summit, 908-273-9121.

Watchung Arts Center
18 Stirling Rd., Watchung Circle, Watchung, 908-753-0190. Classes in drawing and painting for children ages 6-12, performing arts for grades 3-12 and MusIQ Piano Lab for grades 2-5; summer camps. Memberships available.

The Zimmerli Art Museum Drawing Club
Rutgers University (Tnpk. exit 9 to Rt. 18N), George and Hamilton Sts., New Brunswick, 732-932-7237, ext. 615. After school sessions for young artists ages 6-14.

computers

Gecko Kids Traveling Creative Computer Studio
Julie@geckokids.com, 908-518-1998. A traveling program that is flexible enough to meet any school's needs! Creative, fun and unique classes encourage creative intelligence, fine motor control and technical expertise. Students create their own books or movies right in the comfort of their own school! All work is done on our laptops with Gecko Kids-trained teachers. Contact us and we'll contact your school.

cooking

Chef Central
240 Rt. 17N, Paramus, 201-576-0100; 45 S. Central Park Ave., Hartsdale, NY, 914-328-1376. Classes offered year 'round for all ages from 3 years to adults in each of its 15,000 sq. ft. culinary superstores.

Classic Thyme Cooking School
710 South Ave., West, Westfield, 908-232-5445. Cooking classes for children and adults; children's "Chef For A Day" cooking birthday parties; private parties and special occasions; summer camps and enrichment programs; corporate teambuilding events.

Diamond Hill Montessori School
105 Diamond Hill Rd., Berkeley Heights, 908-464-5051. See listing under Preschools.

P.E.P. Club Kids Cuisine
732-271-1007. Cooking classes and birthday parties for children ages 3-8. Basic cooking skills are taught through a hands-on approach to cooking. Classes are held in several area locations.

ShopRite Culinary Workshops
Rt. 28 E. (North Ave.), Garwood, 908-654-0803; 76 Central Ave., Clark, 732-381-2025; 3166 Rt. 22W, Branchburg, 908-704-3378; Rt. 1 & Rt. 9 & St. Georges Ave., Woodbridge, 732-636-3500. Culinary workshops for children 5-12 yrs. old with adult teach the basics of cooking and healthy eating. Adult and teen classes and birthday parties also offered. www.shoprite.com for workshop schedules and menus.

crafts

A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts
See web for store locator and coupons.

Color Me Mine of Bernardsville
30 Olcott Square, Bernardsville, 908-953-9000. See ad and listing under Creative Fun and Party Places.

Fabricland
855 Rt. 22, North Plainfield, 908-755-4700, ext. 142. Sewing classes for adults and children; tours and sewing workshops for scouts; summer sewing camps available.

Home Depot Kids Clinics
Free how-to clinics for ages 6-12 with adult are held monthly. Advance registration required. Visit website and enter zipcode for local information.

Michael's Stores
1-800-Michaels, visit web for local stores.
Sat
Saturday Kids Club, craft projects designed for ages 5-12.

dance

The Connection Dance Workshops
The Connection for Women and Families, 79 Maple St., Summit, 908-273-4242. Free weekend dance workshops led by professionals are held throughout the year. Open to the public. Call to be placed on dance mailing list.

The Dance Conservatory
Far Hills Center, Far Hills, 908-306-1444. Edward Verso, Director, former principal American Ballet Theatre and ABT certified teacher. Ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern and theatre dance in a nurturing environment for ages 212 through adult. Experienced New York faculty. Limited class sizes. Summer camps & intensives. Extensive adult program.

Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA
1340 Martine Ave., Scotch Plains, 908-889-8880. 3/4 year-old Dance Class introduces children to ballet, jazz, tap, tumbling, music and basic motor skills. 4/5 Year Olds Dance Combo and 5/6 Year Olds Dance Combo feature 12 hour of ballet and 12 hour of tap. Classes introduce children to terminology, barre work, center work and across-the-floor work. 7/8 Year Olds Ballet and Jazz introduces students to terminology, barre and across-the-floor work, and 11-13 Year Olds Hip Hop classes introduce students to terminology, isolations, across-the-floor work and more.

New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble
East Brunswick, 732-923-0005. Pre-professional ballet company offers training in classical and modern ballet to serious dance students aged 9-18.

The PAC at Elefante Music
1790 Springfield Ave., New Providence, 908-464-1019. The Performing Arts Conservatory seeks to provide a safe and positive environment where our students and staff can explore who they are as artists. Classes for dance, drama and musical theater. Summer camp. www.The-PAC.com

filmmaking

New Jersey Film School
1918 Washington Valley Rd., Martinsville, 732-667-3755. Learn filmmaking by making movies. Write, act and direct short films, documentaries, music videos and special effects using state-ofthe-art gear and professional instruction.

gardening

Morris County Park Commission Branching Out
Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 53 E. Hanover Ave., Morris Twp., 973-326-7627. Programs for ages 5-13 to learn about gardening, botany and horticulture. Workshops for preschoolers and adults are also offered throughout the year.
Apr-Jun
Spring Session, registration begins in Feb.
Jul-Aug
Summer Session.

Morris County Park Commission Garden Sprouts
Frelinghuysen Arboretum, 53 E. Hanover Ave., Morris Twp., 973-326-7627. Ages 3-K are introduced to plants and nature through outdoor walks and crafts. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call for upcoming programs.

gifted & talented

Center for Talented Youth
Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, 410-516-0337. Offers summer residential program and school year distance learning courses for students in grades 1-8.

County College of Morris Gifted & Talented
County College of Morris, Sheffield Hall A232, Randolph, 973-328-5072. Offering educational and enrichment programs in multiple disciplines for students in grades 4-12 and also programs for parents of gifted children.

Gifted and Talented Institute
973-831-7779. Located at the Wilson School in Mountain Lakes, the G&T Institute is a Saturday morning academic program for motivated youngsters in grades K-8. With course offerings in science, math, law, writing, chess, public speaking, and many other areas, the G&T Institute is proud to be celebrating our 21st year of excellence in enrichment.

Gifted Child Society
190 Rock Rd., Glen Rock, 201-444-6530. Non-profit organization offer Sat. morning workshops, summer programs, parent seminars and educator training.

Montclair State University Academically Gifted/Talented Youth Programs
Montclair State University, Center for Continuing Education, Upper Montclair, 973-655-4104. Weekend and summer enrichment courses for gifted students in grades 1-11. POGO (Parents of Gifted Offspring) workshop series.
Sept,
Feb
Open House in Sept. for fall, Feb. for spring semester.

Storming Robots, Technology Learning Ctr
3322 Rt. 22W, Building 4, Branchburg, 908-595-1010. Email challenge@storming-robots.com. Fun and challenging Robotics Alley for both thinkers and builders. Storming Robots offers schoolyear Roboclub for grade 2 through high school. Learning materials for grade 2 to 8 will use the LEGO Mindstorms technology, while grade 8 and up will start to use more mechatronics tools. Storming Robots sponsors a selective group of Roboclub kids to participate in annual state tournament. Children will receive true robotics experience, from building chassis from scratch to programming and strategizing to complete projects.
Ongoing
Technology Open House, free 15-min. robotics workshop. Visit website for dates.

especially for girls

The Girl Project
The Connection for Women & Families, 79 Maple St., Summit, 908-273-4242. Workshops addressing topics of interest to girls ages 8-teen are offered during the school year and available for school or girl scout groups.

StarPower! Workshop
Bergen Community College, Paramus, 201-447-2292. Annual free half-day interactive workshop for 5th and 6th grade girls and their parents in spring is sponsored by the Junior League of Bergen County. Topics include self-esteem, cliques, cyber bullying, internet safety, peer pressure and conflict resolution.

language

Bilingual Buds
587 Springfield Ave., Summit, 908-598-8088. Mandarin Chinese and Spanish Immersion for children ages 110. In addition to its well recognized Preschool and Primary School, Bilingual Buds offers full immersion Mommy &Me, Summer Camp, and After School to support students on their journey to bilingualism.

L.E.A.R.N. associates Inc. (Language Education And Resource Network)
21 Church St., Liberty Corner, 908-626-9655. Learn a new language or continue studies in a language of your choice, or study other subjects at your own pace with an experienced tutor. Programs for ages 3 to adults are flexible, friendly, up-to-date, and offered in boutique-style center with bookstore and complimentary café. Off-site instruction also available. Other services include tutoring in math, science, language art and study skills, as well as translation and interpreting. We welcome the Home School community!

Murray Hill Chinese School (MHCS)
Located at Watchung Hills Regional High School, 108 Stirling Rd., Warren, 908-660-4091. E-mail: principal@mhcs-nj.org Chinese language (Mandarin) courses available for school age students from pre-K to High School and adults. Curriculum includes immersion classes (for Chinese-speaking students), bilingual classes (for students from English-speaking families) and cultural classes (for students interested in Chinese culture). MHCS is a non-profit organization established in 1983 with current enrollment over 350 students. Classes run 12:30-3:30pm on Saturdays September through June.

Salta! Jump into Spanish
Edison, 732-549-7722; Peapack, 908-234-2100; Skillman, 609-333-0013; Westfield, 908-232-4949. Parent/child classes, Salta Schoolhouse for preschoolers, after school program, private tutoring for ages 10 & up, summer camp, birthday parties, parents night out. Register now for winter.

music

Carolyn Klinger-Kueter Music Studio
424 St. Marks Ave., Westfield, 908-233-9094. Pre-piano and piano instruction for all ages. Summer programs available. Registering for fall enrollment. Highly qualified staff.

Celebration Children's Choir
Rehearsals at Cranford United Methodist Church, corner of Lincoln and Walnut, Cranford, 908-241-8200. Tuition-free choir for children ages 9 and up is sponsored by the Celebration Singers adult choir. Auditions in Sept. and Jan.

Eastern Conservatory of Music & Arts
Located in the Bedminster, Whitehouse and Flemington areas, 908-439-9979. A non-profit center for lessons from highly qualified music teachers. Professional performances.

Lakeland Youth Symphony
PO Box 173, Parsippany, 07054, 973-402-6010. String students in grades 1-12 develop orchestral techniques, musicianship, and knowledge of string orchestra literature. Program runs Sept.-July with rehearsals at the Parsippany Arts Center. Modified Suzuki violin program for ages 4-7.

Little Music Makers
908-221-9552. Now in its 10th joyful year of operation! An innovative, personalized approach to making music with your child (ages 6 mos.-6 yrs.) and much more. Delightful mix of singing, dancing, rhythm instruments, 12-string guitar, musical flannelboard, puppets, scarves and more. Age appropriate classes and weekly themes. Basking Ridge location. Call for free preview class.

Long Hill Music Center
203 Green Ave., Madison, 973-377-7108. Email: lhmc@lhmc.org. Private lessons for children and adults. PianoSuzuki Piano Violin Viola Flute Sax Clarinet Guitar. "Helping people grow at the right tempoenriching the community, and the discovery/training of musical artistry!"

Montclair State University Preparatory Center for the Arts
Montclair State University, 1 Normal Ave., Montclair, 201-655-4443. Private lessons on all instruments with class and ensemble opportunities and a full range of dance courses are offered for ages 2 1/2 and up.

Music Together®
A joyous experience of research-based music and movement for children birth to 4 years with their parent/caregiver. Ten weekly 45 minute classes filled with songs, dances, percussion instrument play-alongs, lap songs, chants and rhymes. Call for brochure and free demo class. Tuition includes activity songbook, two CDs and parent guide.
· Basking Ridge, Warren, 908-656-0129 & Morristown, 732-868-1837
· Berkeley Heights, Watchung, & Metuchen, 908-755-7510
· Scotch Plains, Westfield, Cranford, Garwood, & Madison, 908-822-9400
· Livingston, Maplewood, South Orange & Millburn, 973-761-7020
· Summit & Chatham, 973-509-9787
· Kinnelon, West Milford, Ringwood, Boonton, Denville, Sparta, Vernon, 973-875-9300

New Jersey Children's Choir
973-655-8889. Auditions by appointment in Sept. for two choirs for boys and girls ages 8-17. After-school rehearsals at Union Congregational Church in Upper Montclair. No prior musical training required.

New Jersey Conservatory of Fine Arts
PO Box 416, Mountain Lakes, 973-402-2004. Independent non-profit organization consists of Symphonic Chorus, Orchestra, Chamber Choir & Youth Choruses for grades 1-9. Auditions for Youth Chorus (grades 6-9) and Junior Chorus (grades 4-5) are held in May & Aug.

New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra
PO Box 432, Cranford, NJ 07016, 908-522-0100. Email info@njio.org. Members of all ages and abilities accepted in three groups: Nouveau for beginners; Symphony for intermediate players and an auditioned Chamber Orchestra for more advanced musicians.

New Jersey Youth Chorus
908-342-1830. Auditioned choral program for children grades 2-12 is composed of advanced, intermediate, and preparatory groups. Auditions are held in May/June with weekly rehearsals Sept.-June.

New Jersey Youth Symphony
570 Central Ave., Murray Hill, 908-771-5544. Three orchestral groups, two orchestral training ensembles, flute choir for grades 3-12 and choir for grades 6-12 rehearse and perform from Sept-May. Auditions held annually each June for the following year. Summer camp.

Paul DiDario, Piano Instructor
908-226-1389, email: paul@pauldidario.com. Piano lessons for all ages, all stages, beginner to mastery. Suzuki piano technique · Piano Olympics Russian Technical Regiment. Paul DiDario's expert training and teaching techniques can help you or your child.

Paul Nazzaro Music Studio
137 Saint Paul St., Westfield, 908-232-3310. Piano lessons with Music Technology. From 512 yrs. through adult. Traditional lessons teaching variety of styles. All students receive professionally mastered CDs of their music and a personal web page with their pieces on the Internet. Caring instruction in private home. Highly qualified staff.

Raritan Valley Youth Chorale
908-281-8509. Youth choir by audition for grades 4-9, geared for adolescent changing voice. Weekly rehearsals in Somerville with concerts throughout the season, Sept.-May..

Springfield Community Children's Chorus
Parish House, First Presbyterian Church, 37 Church Mall, Springfield, 973-379-0012. High quality vocal experience open to area children in grades 3-6 through audition. Rehearsals held Wed. 4:30-6pm during the school year.

Youth Orchestra of Essex County
PO Box 1409, Maplewood, 07040. 973-378-7879. Auditions in Sept. for four ensembles including Overture Strings, a string training ensemble; chamber music ensemble; Junior Symphony; and the Essex County Symphony Orchestra.

safety
Check your local Recreation Dept. program for babysitting and safety courses
offered for children and adolescents.

Babysitting & Safety Workshops
Babysitting, CPR, Community First Aid & Safety and Lifeguard Training for ages 11 and up. Some chapters offer basic safety workshops to youth groups ages 6-13.
· Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross, Southeast Morris County, 1 Madison Ave., Madison, 973-377-0455; Summit Area, 695 Springfield Ave., Summit, 908-273-2076.
· Hunterdon County Chapter, 908-782-4121.
· Millburn-Short Hills Chapter of the American Red Cross, 389 Millburn Ave., 973-379-4198.
· Morris Area Chapter, 973-538-2160.
· Greater Somerset County Chapter of the American Red Cross, 14 W. Cliff St., Somerville, 908-725-2217.
· Westfield-Mountainside Chapter of the American Red Cross, 908-232-7090.

GFWC Woman's Club of Chatham Babysitting Course
GFWC Woman's Club of Chatham Clubhouse, 375 Main St., Chatham, 973-635-1776. Free babysitting course for boys and girls ages 12 & up given annually in Jan.

JCC MetroWest
Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC, Ross Family Campus, 760 Northfield Ave., West Orange, 973-929-2944. Lifeguard training and babysitter training courses.

science
See Outdoor Education Centers for nature and environmental education programs.

Buehler Challenger & Science Center
Bergen Community College campus, Paramus Rd., Paramus, 201-262-0984. Hands-on educational and team-building experience designed to stimulate interest in math, science and technology for grades 5 & up. Groups work together in space mission simulations. Full- & mini-missions available for school, scout and organized groups as well as birthday missions, overnight camp-ins, one-day camps and summer camps for grades 3-12. School outreach for preschoolers and up. Check website for public tour dates.
May
Annual Family Science Morning, for ages 6 & up. Students in grade 5 and up have a chance to participate in a simulated mini space mission. Reservations required, beginning in Jan.

Storming Robots, Technology Learning Ctr
3322 Rt. 22W, Building 4, Branchburg, 908-595-1010. Email challenge@storming-robots.com. The only authorized LEGO Mindstorms Center in New Jersey helps children gain the technology edge. Programs focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through captivating and challenging robotics projects. Offer both onsite and off-site robotics classes for students from 2nd grade through high school. Various programs throughout the school year as well as summer robocamp. If you are a serious robotics fan, you can join our school-year Roboclub.
Ongoing
Technology Open House, free 15-min. robotics workshop available throughout the year. Visit website for dates.

TryScience.org
Supported by more than 400 science centers worldwide, TryScience.org encourages science education through games, activities and experiments.

special needs
See Special NeedsRecreation and Special NeedsHealth for additional programs.

Bethel Ridge Learning Center
Supported by more than 400 science centers worldwide, TryScience.org encourages science education through games, activities and experiments.

EPOCH (Educational Program of Children Handicapped)
Madison Area YMCA, 1 Ralph Stoddard Drive, Madison. Afterschool recreational program for special needs children and teens meets at the Madison YMCA twice a week and offers a variety of enrichment and social opportunities. For more informatin or to volunteer, write to PO Box 231, Madison, NJ 07940.

Music Connection
New Jersey Workshop for the Arts, 150-152 E. Broad St., Westfield, 908-789-9696. Tuition-free instrumental program for special needs children ages 6 and above and parents to study a musical instrument together.

Music Therapy for All Ages
SheriKandel, RMT, MCAT, Westfield, 908-789-9621. See ad and listing under Health Music Therapy.

32nd Degree Masonic Learning Centers for Dyslexic Children
301 Forest Ave., Scotch Plains, 908-322-6241. A national program to combat dyslexia provides Orton-Gillingham tutoring to children from kindergarten through high school free of charge. Open to all children regardless of economic status, race, religion or Masonic affiliation. Professional tutor training is also provided at no cost to those who qualify. Individual and business sponsorships accepted.

Tiny Tots Therapy, Inc.,
551 Park Ave., Suite 5, Scotch Plains, 908-380-7715. Our services: Pediatric therapy: Occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, music therapy. Social Skills groups: Superhero gross motor/handwriting group, music and movement group. Enrichment programs: Yoga, therapeutic art/craft, mommy & me play group. Winter, spring and summer mini camp. Accept most major insurance plans.

Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
703 Jersey Ave., New Brunswick, 732-745-3885. Part of an international network, VSA/NJ provides arts programming throughout New Jersey for children and adults with disabilities and resource and referral services for information or assistance with arts issues. www.vsanj.org

VSA Arts of New Jersey
703 Jersey Ave., New Brunswick, 732-745-3885. Part of an international network, VSA/NJ provides arts programming throughout New Jersey for children and adults with disabilities and resource and referral services for information or assistance with arts issues.

theater

All Children's Theatre
1180 Rt. 46 W., Parsippany, 973-335-5328, email:allchildrensth@aol.com. School year programs (Saturdays) in spring and fall in musical theatre, creative dramatics and comedy. Boys and girls ages 4-5, 6-17. Saturday Spring programs, Cabaret Cafe, Touring Performing Arts Troupe and summer day camps also offered. Established 1983.

Battery Factory Theater
Resident theater of the South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange, 973-325-0795. Classes in voice, dance, acting and stagecraft, culminate in a final production on SOPAC main stage. Rolling admission.

Brightest Star School of Performing Arts
Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Rd., Morristown, 973-971-3726. Year round musical theater prep and interpretation classes for preschoolers to adults.

Brundage Park Playhouse
Carrell Rd., Randolph, 973-989-7092. Youth theater and improvisational comedy classes. Auditions for summer workshop for experienced teens ages 13-17 held in Mar.

Centenary Young Performers Workshop
400 Jefferson St., Hackettstown, 908-979-0900. Professional theater training open to beginning-advanced performers ages 8-18. 15-week fall, spring and intensive 5-week summer sessions culminate with a 10-day Festival of Shows.

Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts
100 South St., Morristown, 973-539-0345 ext. 6582. Performance-based theatrical training program for students ages 5-18.

Creative Dramatics by Shoestring Plus
Douglas Campus of Rutgers University, New Brunswick, 732-932-9772. Professional children's theater offers in-classroom workshops and residencies in creative dramatics and creative writing for grades K-12, 8-week Sat. classes at Rutgers for ages 8-15 and summer acting clinics.

Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre
Baird Center, 5 Mead St., South Orange, 973-378-7754, ext. 2228. Professional theater in residence at the Baird Center offers an internship program for high school and college students and a summer Teen Actors Conservatory.

The Elefante School for the Performing Arts
1790 Springfield Ave., New Providence, 908-464-5928. Provides a safe and positive environment where students and staff can explore who they are as artists. Classes for dance, drama and musical theater. Musical theater camp for children in grades 1-12 offers two-week sessions from June 28-Aug. 6 with a performance after each session. Choose one, two or three sessions.

Essex Youth Theater
In residence at The Studio Playhouse, Upper Montclair, 973-746-3303. Fall, spring and summer sessions of classes in theater arts for ages 4-12.

Growing Stage Creative Drama Classes
The Palace Theatre, Rt. 183, Netcong, 973-347-4946. Theater arts classes for grades K-teen, modern jazz dance troupe for grades 4-adult, summer camp & intern program.

Kelsey Theatre Youth Programs
Mercer Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Rd., West Windsor, 609-570-3566. 10-week sessions of performing arts workshops for children and teens grades K-12 are held on Sat. mornings in fall and spring.

Lackawanna Performing Arts Center
100 Morris Ave., Boonton, 973-257-1500. Professional level training in theater, film arts and dance for all ages and levels of experience.

McCarter Theatre
91 University Place, Princeton, 609-258-6510. Fall, spring and year-long training classes for children in grades K-12. Registration in Aug. for First Stage, a year-long experience in creating, producing and presenting a full-length play.

New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts
593 Bloomfield Ave., Bloomfield, 973-566-9700. Comprehensive theater arts training program for ages 6-18.

New Jersey Youth Theatre (formerly WYACT)
Westfield, NJ, 908-233-3200.
Offers professional classes in drama, musical theater, voice and dance from September through mid-May annually. In April holds auditions for its prestigious, free summer program for aspiring young performers and technicians (ages 16-21+), culminating with one or more professional-level productions presented at New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), and at other professional New Jersey theaters.
Jul 16-25
Rent, suitable for ages 15 & up. NJPAC. Purchase tickets at www.njpac.org or 1-888-GO-NJPAC.
Jul 30-Aug 8
Rent, suitable for ages 15 & up. Algonquin Arts Theater, 173 Main St., Manasquan. Purchase tickets at www.algonquinarts.org or 732-528-9211.

Paper Mill Playhouse Theatre School
Brookside Drive, Millburn, 973-376-3636, ext. 2626. Theater school with Millburn and Short Hills locations offers over 30 classes for ages from four to adult.

The Performance Classroom
Burgdorff Cultural Center, 10 Durand Rd., Maplewood, 847-707-4252. A partnership between What Exit? Theatre and Lydia Johnson Dance offers dance and theater classes for ages 6-18, youth summer camp and dance and comedy classes for adults.

Playwrights Theatre
33 Green Village Rd., PO Box 1295, Madison, 973-514-1787, ext. 21. A professional theater nationally renowned for its educational projects. Drama and writing classes/programming for students, schools, teachers, and community organizations. All offerings are presented in a non-competitive environment by experienced teaching artists who know how the process of creating art impacts all aspects of a person's life. Private coaching is available.

Showkids Invitational (S.K.I.T.)
Hunterdon County, 908-713-1222. Performing arts experience for ages 6-18 culminates in full productions with live orchestra at Voorhees High School in Glen Gardner. See ArtsTheatre.

Somerset County Vo-Tech Creative Arts
Somerset County Vocational & Technical High School, N. Bridge St. & Vogt Dr., Bridgewater, 908-526-8900 x7126. 10 week performing arts classes for ages 6-adult. Evening and Sat. am classes Sept.-Dec. and Jan.- Mar.

Somerset County Vo-Tech High School Performing Arts Department
N. Bridge St. & Vogt Dr., Bridgewater, 908-526-8900 x7277 or 7126. County high school students may participate, by audition, in the Gifted & Talented Performing Arts Program at SCVTHS free of charge.

South Orange Performing Arts Center Arts Education After-School Programs
South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange, 973-313-2787. Youth theater and dance programs for all ages ranging from six to 17.

Tri-State Actors Theater
Crescent Theater, Main St., Sussex, 973-875-2950. Offers acting classes for children ages 6-12, teens and adults.ults.

Villagers Theatre Arts Program
Villagers Theatre, 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset, 732-873-2710. School year and summer theater arts program for ages 6-18 offers instruction and experience in acting, dance, movement, vocal training, music & production.

group & school outreach
The listings below are ideal outreach programs for school, camp, scout, home school organizations and community groups.
In addition, group enrichment activities can be found in listings under Historic Sites, Museums, The Arts,
Outdoor Education Centers, Party/Special Event Entertainment and the above Enrichment categories.

all around

4-H Enrichment Programs
· Somerset County
310 Milltown Rd., Bridgewater, 908-526-6644. Enrichment programs available to any school in Somerset County.
· Union County
300 North Ave. E., Westfield, NJ 07090, 908-654-9854. 4-H programs available to youth groups to learn about trees, plants, animals, food and nutrition, and other topics.

Young Audiences of New Jersey
12 Roszel Rd., Suite B-102, Princeton, 609-243-9000. Not-for-profit arts-in-education organization links professional artists with schools, community centers, libraries and other youth service organizations. Performances, workshops and residencies are available in dance, theater, language arts, visual and media arts, and music.

animals/pets

St. Hubert's Humane Education Program
575 Woodland Ave., Madison, 973-377-8877. Group presentations on a variety of pet topics are available on- or off-site for children pre-K to grade 12.

The Seeing Eye
Morristown area, 973-539-4425, ext. 762. North America's first dog guide school offers free 2-hour tours on selected Mon. and Thurs. mornings at 10:15am. Children should be 9 and older, groups of more than 40 people cannot be accommodated.

computers

creative arts

Roving Press Traveling Outreach
Printmaking Council of New Jersey, 440 River Rd., Branchburg, 908-725-2110. Printmaking programs include woodblock, silkscreen, papermaking and photography for all ages. One-hour, oneday or weeklong programs are instructed by professional artists. Limited scholarships available for schools.

ENVIRONMENT

One Earth So Green & Round
845-534-4543, email: Lydia@LydiaAdamsDavis.com. Singer-songwriters and children's entertainers Lydia Adams Davis and Kathy Byers present a highly interactive ecology concert for all ages with original songs, family favorites and entertaining wild animal puppets where children learn they can make a difference! Now booking for school assemblies, library programs, fairs/festivals and corporate events. Customized programs available. www.KathyByers.com, www.LydiaAdamsDavis.com.

especially for girls

health/safety

Kids on the Block
908-273-7349. The Junior League of Summit's puppetry troupe presents educational programs with themes of disability awareness, medical/educational differences, and social concerns to elementary age children.

ProKids
Morristown Memorial Hospital, 973-971-7096; Overlook Hospital in Summit, 908-522-2963; Mountainside Hospital in Montclair/Glen Ridge, 973-429-6856; The General Hospital Center at Passaic, 973-365-4752. Free health educational programs for grades 1-8 are offered off-site in the schools or on-site at the hospitals.

Uncle John's Traveling Puppet Show
908-508-9292. Preschool Health and Safety Show presented in an interactive and engaging format by full-time professional puppeteer.

literacy

Playwrights Theatre's New Jersey Writers Project
Playwrights Theatre, 33 GreenVillage Rd., POBox 1295, Madison, 973-514-1787 ext. 21. Short-term and long-term hands-on workshops bring professional writers into school classrooms and community centers to guide students in an exploration of the creative process through writing and/or performance. Partial and full grants may be available for qualified schools.

performing arts

Arts Horizons
1 Grand Ave., Suite 7, Englewood, 88-522-ARTS. Arts-in-education organization serves schools in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area with live performances by professional artists, artistinresidence programs and professional development for teachers.

ArtsPower
39 South Fullerton Ave., Montclair, 888-278-7769. National touring company presents professional theater to grades pre-K-10.

New Jersey Performing Arts Center Arts Education Programs
973-353-8009. Arts education programs include school-time performances and in-school residency programs in dance and theater.

Pushcart Players
197 Bloomfield Ave., Verona, 973-857-1115. Professional theater performances, creative drama and teacher workshops.

Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
973-408-3980. Offers Shakespeare Live!, a professional touring program for schools presenting abridged productions for grades 3-12; summer institute for teachers; semester-long interdisciplinary Shakespeare program; and in-school interactive workshops.

retail

Field Trip Factory
866-212-0456. Handles bookings of free educational field trips at local stores including Petco and Wild Oats.

Kings Supermarket
Short Hills, 973-258-4000; check with your local store. Preschoolers through 4th graders can learn about different food products, nutrition and safe food handling through an in-store guided tour.

science/nature

Buehler Challenger & Science Center
Bergen Community College campus, Paramus Rd., Paramus, 201-262-0984. Portable space shuttle for grades K-4; Starlab portable planetarium for grades K-8; EVA (Extra Vehicular Activity) program available for grades 5-8.
Great Swamp Watershed Association
36 Main St., Madison, 973-966-1900. Watershed Association staffers and volunteers bring 3-dimensional tabletop watershed model to classrooms to illustrate how human actions affect the water quality of lakes, rivers and streams.

The Lizard Guys
P.O. Box 6, Raritan, 908-722-1519. An entertaining introduction to live lizards, snakes, turtles, frogs and bugs. Available for parties, day cares, camps, schools, scout meetings and special events. Children will look, laugh and learn with The Lizard Guys and their living fossils in a fun, interactive and safe presentation. Ask about our new Peas & Carrots music show.

New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife
New Jersey Division of Fish, Game & Wildlife, 609-628-2436. Wildlife Conservation volunteers present slide programs focusing on the research, protection and management of endangered and threatened wildlife in New Jersey.

Rizzo's Reptile Discovery LLC
973-586-0444, 201-230-2415, email: rizzo@rizzosreptiles.com. Specializing in reptile, snake and animal birthday parties and educational events that generate excitement about wildlife and nature.

clubs

Adventure Guides
Father and son or daughter activities program for boys and girls ages 5 through 9. Groups, formed in Sept., participate in monthly meetings and special events.
· Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA
For ages 4-12. 908-889-8880. Y Adventure Guides/Princesses program for fathers and sons or daughters ages 4 to 12.
· Madison Area YMCA Family Center
111 Kings Rd., Madison, 973-822-YMCA.
· Morris YMCA
79 Horsehill Rd., Cedar Knolls, 973-267-0704.
· Somerset Hills YMCA
140 Mt. Airy Rd., Basking Ridge, 908-766-7898 ext. 544. Program continues for ages 9-13.
· Summit YMCA
67 Maple St., Summit, 908-273-3330. Summit offers program for ages 3 & 4 also.
· Westfield Y
220 Clark St., Westfield, 908-233-2700.

Boy Scouts of America
Youth program designed for boys first grade and up to learn responsibilities of citizenship and enhance physical, mental and emotional growth.
· Patriots' Path Council 973-765-9322
Union, Essex, Morris, Sussex, Somerset and parts of Middlesex Counties.
Service Center & scout shop at 222 Columbia Tnpk., Florham Park, 973-765-9322. Other scout shop at 1130 Rt. 22W, Mountainside, 908-654-9191.
· Orange Mountain District 201-677-1000
Millburn-Short Hills, Livingston, South Orange, Maplewood, West Orange, Orange, East Orange and Irvington.

4-H Club
No membership fee. Informal educational program for grades 4-13 by Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Individual clubs are guided by one or more adult leaders and concentrate on a particular area such as gardening, woodworking, small animals, horses, seeing eye puppies, food, karate, photography, etc. 4-H Prep is a non-competitive introduction to 4-H programs for grades 1-3. Adult volunteers always needed.
· Essex County
  973-228-3785. 621 Eagle Rock Ave., Roseland. Environmental Club, Photography Club and Gardening Club.
· Hunterdon County
  908-788-1341 6 Gaunt Pl., Bldg. 2, Flemington
· Morris County
  973-285-8301
· Somerset County
  908-526-6644 310 Milltown Rd., Bridgewater.
· Union County
  908-654-9854 300 North Ave. East, Westfield.

Garden State Canoe Club
908-647-2088. Active group devoted to canoeing plans canoe trips almost every weekend year 'round. Meetings held 2nd Tues. of every month at Long Hill Twp. Library, 917 Valley Rd., Gillette, at 7:30pm.

Girl Scouts
For girls ages 5-17. Troops meet regularly in schools, homes, community centers, houses of worship. There is always a need for adult volunteers to work with the girls and in a variety of support positions.
· Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey
Merges the Girl Scout Council of Greater Essex and Hudson Counties, Girl Scouts of Rolling Hills Council and Girl Scouts of Washington Rock Council. Serves girls in Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset, Union and Warren Counties.
East Service Center 973-746-8200
120 Valley Rd., Montclair
West Service Center 908-725-1226
1171 Rt. 28, North Branch
Central Service Center 908-232-3236
201 Grove St. E., Westfield,
· Girl Scouts of Northern NJ 973-248-8200
95 Newark Pompton Tnpk., Riverdale
Bergen, Morris, Passaic, Sussex Counties and the northern half of Warren County
Paramus Service Center 201-967-8100
Randolph Service Center 973-927-7722
1579 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph
· Monmouth Council of Girl Scouts 732-938-5454
242 Adelphia Rd., Farmingdale
Monmouth County, Point Pleasant Borough, Point Pleasant Beach, Bay Head, Mantoloking and Brick

Hunterdon County Canoe Club
908-782-1158. Monthly meetings 1st Tues. at 7:30pm at Echo Hill Environmental Center in Clinton Twp. Canoe trips are scheduled most weekends. Affiliated with the Hunterdon County Park system.

Seeing Eye Puppy Club
Somerset County 4-H, 908-526-6644; Morris County 4-H, 973-285-8300. 4-H Club for grades 4-13 who have an interest in raising and loving a puppy for about 18 mos. before its formal training at the Seeing Eye 973-539-4425.

volunteer/donate

Check with your local United Way, Red Cross or Y, favorite museum or conservation organization for a variety of volunteer opportunities.

Bridges Outreach
Volunteers deliver bagged lunches, breakfast bags, clothing, toiletries and other necessities weekly to the homeless in New York City, Newark and Irvington.

The Children's Museum of Somerset County
Room 280 (Suite 13), 120 Finderne Ave., Bridgewater, 908-595-0001. Youth and youth organizations interested in helping with weekly programs to obtain service hours can contact Tom Davidson, 908-725-4677.

Color-A-Smile Program
P.O. Box 1516, Morristown, NJ 07962-1516. 973-540-9222. Organization collects & distributes children's drawings to nursing homes, hospitals & meals-on-wheels programs. Volunteers needed to supply drawings.

Community FoodBank of New Jersey
31 Evans Terminal Rd., Hillside, 908-355-3663, ext. 221. Open for volunteers to help sort food or work on bulk mailings. The FoodBank's Kids Division includes Kids Closet which distributes new children's clothing and Kids in Need Resource Center which provides free school supplies to teachers and children in low-income school districts. Call for information on volunteer opportunities or to schedule a group tour.

The Connection for Women & Families
79 Maple St., Summit, 908-273-4242. Volunteers, ages 15 and up, needed to help run special needs classes or tutor newcomers to the U.S. in English as a second language.

Essex County United Way
303 Washington St., Newark, 973-624-8300. The United Way of Essex and West Hudson Counties posts volunteer opportunities at uwewh.org.

Freecycle Network
Nationwide online recycling movement connects someone who has good items to discard with someone who has a use for them (computers, sports equipment, furniture, appliances and more). Visit website to find a local group.

Fresh Air Fund
800-367-0003. Become a host family to a New York City youngster ages 6-12 for a 2-week summer vacation.

Pedals for Progress
86 East Main St., High Bridge, NJ 08829, 908-638-4811. A non-profit New Jersey-based organization collects donated bicycles and ships them to developing nations and economically disadvantaged American children. Donations and collection and processing volunteers welcome.

Reeves-Reed Arboretum
165 Hobart Ave., Summit, 908-273-8787. The Arboretum is always looking for youth (preferably age 13 and older) to help with planting, weeding, trail maintenance and other activities.

Santa Claus Shop
Complimentary holiday shopping is provided in early December to more than 500 low-income families and seniors from Summit, New Providence and Berkeley Heights who are referred by local social service agencies. The project is sponsored by the Summit Junior Fortnightly Club, Summit Women's Club and Junior League of Summit and assisted by community group volunteers. Checks for the purchase of gifts can be made payable to SHIP, with Santa Claus Shop noted on the memo line, and mailed to Santa Claus Shop, PO Box 119, Summit, NJ 07901.

Servenet.org
Servenet.org, a program of Youth Service America (YSA), lists thousands of registered non-profit organizations, service projects, and volunteer opportunities. Users can enter their zip code, interests and availability and be matched with organizations needing help.

Somerset County Park Commission Volunteer Opportunities
PO Box 5327, North Branch, 908-722-1200. Diverse opportunities for volunteers include work on wildlife and resource conservation projects; gardens, grounds, facilities management; instruction and special events.

Somerset County United Way Volunteer Center
1011 Rt. 22W, 2nd floor, Bridgewater, 908-725-6640. Volunteer opportunities are posted at somersetonline.org. online.

Trail Maintenance
· Watchung Reservation, 452 New Providence Rd., Mountainside, 908-789-3670. Volunteers help monthly.
· Morris County Park Commission, 973-829-8257.

Union County Parks & Community Renewal
Individuals and groups are always needed to help maintain Union County Parks, 908-527-4231. Adopt-A-Park volunteers assist with after-school programs, summer programs and special events.
Adopt-A-Trail volunteers make a two-year commitment to adopt a trail or section of a trail and monitor and maintain it at least four times a year.

Union County Office of Volunteer Services
908-353-7171 ext. 105. Part of the United Way of Greater Union County, the Office of Volunteer Services publishes a directory of ongoing volunteer projects and posts opportunities on its website, volunteer now.

Union County Rape Crisis Center
300 North Ave. E., Westfield, 908-233-7273. Volunteers needed to work on 24 hr. hotline; accompany victims to hospitals, police depts. or court; and provide presentations to schools and organizations throughout Union County. Training provided Sept.-Nov.

United Way Volunteer Solutions
Volunteer matching application helps volunteers ages 5 to adult, nonprofit agencies, corporations, event organizers and Volunteer Centers get connected.

Volunteermatch.org
Enter zipcode and browse a database of local volunteer opportunites.

Volunteer Management Centers
280 W. Hanover Ave., Morristown, 973-538-7200. Provides information on volunteer opportunities in the Morris County area for youth, adults, families and groups.

Volunteer Placement Bureau of the National Council of Jewish Women
Essex County, 973-740-0588. Community Connections for Teens is a directory of local agencies in and around Essex County that would like teen volunteer help. Available in guidance offices at local high schools or call for information.