Deep in the heart of New Jersey, the Garden State, where the cornstalks sway like a chorus line and the tomatoes are plump and juicy, there exists a special group of kids. These aren't your ordinary run-of-the-mill, peanut-butter-and-jelly-loving tykes. Oh no, these are the Aquatic Adventurers, a daring team of water warriors who love nothing more than to splash, squelch, and slide their way through the summer months. Now, the leader of these Aquatic Adventurers was none other than Captain Ducky Splash, a gallant 10-year-old with a rubber ducky floatie always around his waist. The Captain wasn't known for his extraordinary strength or super speed. No, his claim to fame was his uncanny ability to produce the biggest and most drenching splash this side of the Atlantic! From the rushing rapids of the Delaware River to the foamy frolics of the Atlantic Ocean, these New Jersey natives were the masters of all things wet and wild. They could turn a simple garden hose into a roaring waterfall or a backyard pool into a bustling ocean. They were just as comfortable in a paddleboat as they were in a water balloon fight. And they even dared to conquer the legendary Slip 'n Slide mountain, a feat few had ever achieved without a bruise or two. But amidst the water-soaked fun, these Aquatic Adventurers also discovered something very special about New Jersey. They learned that the thrills and chills of their adventures were not just in the roaring rapids or the epic water balloon fights. Instead, they were in the shared laughter, the team spirit, and the heart-pounding excitement of challenging the waters together. And with Captain Ducky Splash leading the charge, every day was a wet and wild adventure. In the end, they were not just adventurers. They were friends, bound by the magical waters of New Jersey.
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
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.