Creating Special Days for Special Kids!
On August 12-13, the Greater Princeton Branch of AYLUS (GPA) supported the Best Day Foundation at the Brick Beach III Seneca Dunes, Mantoloking, New Jersey.
Best Day Foundation is a volunteer organization that helps children and young adults with special needs build confidence and self-esteem through safe, fun, adventure experiences. It partners other children with a buddy and guides them through a great day of challenging activities such as surfing, bodyboarding, kayaking, and snow sports.
GPA volunteers joined Best Day in creating special days for children with autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, blindness, cancer, spinal cord injuries, and other physical and developmental challenges. There are the following activities depending on conditions:
Tandem surfing
Bodyboarding
Stand up Paddling (SUP)
Kayaking
Beach Obstacle Course
Fun Beach Games
We provide all the gear needed for a fun safe day at the beach. You only need to bring your personal items such as a towel, change of clothes, etc.
Wrap the day up with a fun filled celebration of all the successes with our award ceremony where each participant receives a Best Day team surfer medal.
Schedule:
7:30 a.m. Volunteers check in and venue set up
8:30 a.m. Volunteer meetings and training.
9:00 a.m. Participants check-in opens and are matched with their volunteer Beach Buddy.
9:30 a.m. Volunteers & Participants gather together on the beach for welcome and warm up exercises.
9:45 a.m. Beach Activities Begin!
12:00 p.m. Group lunch for everyone
12:45 p.m. Awards ceremony & group photo
1:00 p.m. Participants are free to leave.
1:00 p.m. Volunteers are required to take down, clean up and pack up
2:00 p.m. Once we are packed up everyone is free to leave
GPA Volunteers at the Brick Beach III Seneca Dunes, Mantoloking, NJ (8/12, 8 hrs): Larry Hu, Claire Hua, Chloe Hua, Helen Yu, Emma Liu, Claire Tang, Sophia Feng, Michael Feng, Alexia Fang, Ethan Fang, Catherine You, Steven Li, Melanie You, Eric Li, Dylan Li
