Category Archives: Fun Things We Do

Camp Au Pair – Under the Sea

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In honor of Shark Week (see below), next week’s Camp Au Pair theme is Under the Sea.

Crafts, recipes, activities, and games related to creatures who live under the sea can all be found here on the Camp Au Pair – Under the Sea pinboard.

Webcams – You can do a google search for aquariums and zoos across the country (and the world) with webcams that allow you to observe sea creatures. Here is one to get you started.

Field Trips can be a great way for kids to learn and have new experiences. Get permission from your host parents before any outings and be sure to take all social distancing precautions. Search online to see if your area has any of the following:

  • Any pet store with fish tanks
  • Aquarium
  • Zoo
  • Nature Center

Television – The Discovery Channel has an annual Shark Week. This year it will be July 11-18, 2021. Much of the programming will be too scary for younger kids, but for nature-loving tweens and teens, it could be a great way to get them interested in sharks and other ocean animals. Check out 15 JAW-some Activities for Shark Week with lots of fun ideas for kids in grades 5 and up, but a few for younger kids too.

Online Games – NOAA has fun interactive games that help kids learn about sea turtle survival.

Videos – Look for fun videos on YouTube about sea creatures. There’s more to see than Baby Shark. Movies like Finding Nemo, Dolphin Tale, and the Little Mermaid also go well with this theme.

Books – Stop by your local library and look for books on sea creatures. The Rainbow Fish is a classic children’s book, your kids may already own. If not, you can find videos like this of it being read aloud.

Photo: mimisdollhouse.com

Au Pairs go Cruising!

statue More than 50 Au Pair in America au pairs from New Jersey recently enjoyed a sunset cruise on the Circle Line. The views from the boat towards the Manhattan skyline were fantastic and everyone got great photos of the “Big Apple” and Statue of Liberty. The cruise was a great way to appreciate the awesome architecture of New York while meeting other participants of the Au Pair in America program.

Au Pairs Visit Broadway!

resizeDespite the cold weather, more than 45 au pairs made the trip to New York yesterday to see the current production of Cinderella. The visit to see the show was one of the monthly cluster meeting activities organized by Community Counselors Anne Alix and her counterpart from Montclair Lois Whipple. The show was a magical rendition of the famous Rogers and Hammerstein production. All of the au pairs enjoyed themselves, and for many, it was there first time seeing live theater in the USA. Bravo Broadway!

A Wet, but Fun, Concert in Brookdale Park

Au Pairs from the Montclair, Glen Ridge, Verona,  and West Orange enjoyed a night out in Brookdale Park recently when they went to see Louis Prima, Jr in perform in concert. Although the weather was rainy at times, everyone enjoyed the big band sounds, and the companionship, of this outdoor concert!

Host Families and Au Pairs Go On Safari

Au Pairs and Host Families enjoyed an evening of minigolf in late June at the Safari miniGolf grounds at the Essex County Recreational Facility in West Orange. The gathering was a social event sponsored by Au Pair in America Community Counselors from around Essex County. Some participants showed the skills of professionals, while others enjoyed their first experience at the game. Nevertheless, everyone enjoyed the camaraderie and companionship of spending time sharing a little bit of American culture and fun! 

Meeting and Greeting at the September Cluster Meeting

Over 50 young women from around the world, who are all participants in the Au Pair In America cultural exchange program, met recently at the Glen Ridge Community Center. Many of these Au Pairs are newly arrived to New Jersey and were excited to meet the other participants in the program, both new and established, for fun and refreshments. The Au Pairs are living in Glen Ridge, Montclair, Verona, Essex Fells, the Caldwells, and West Orange and will stay one year, providing childcare, taking classes and learning about American life.

Au Pairs Celebrate July 4th At Brookdale Park

The July Cluster Meeting for Au Pair in America Au Pairs from Glen Ridge, Montclair, Essex Fells, West Orange, Verona and Little Falls took place last week at Brookdale Park. During the gathering, the Au Pairs were treated to a concert by the Glenn Miller Orchestra and the DuPrees, which was followed by a spectacular fireworks display to commemorate America’s independence. It was a july 4th fireworksmemorable evening for all who attended.

Au Pairs Discuss Water Safety

Happy child in a swimming poolAt a recent cluster meeting for Au Pairs from Glen Ridge, West Orange, Verona, Little Falls and Essex Fells, the group reviewed water safety procedures to use when caring for children at the beach or pool– even around the inside of the house! It was an important topic to cover given the number of Au Pairs who find themselves in charge of children near water during the course of the summer.