Martial Arts schools have grown in numbers over the years.  They are in high demand for children, teenagers and adults.  Some choose a school on the recommendation of a neighbor or friend, it’s close to home or it is inexpensive.  The State of New Jersey mandates no regulation on operating or teaching martial arts.  Hence, the main reason there are so many schools to choose from in a small area.  There are many forms of Martial Arts being taught and the consumer needs to investigate when choosing a school for themselves or their children.  Before registering for martial arts instruction, be aware of what is being taught in the class and what is being said to young children when parents are not around.  It is imperative you know instructors have proper credentials and are knowledgeable in teaching Martial Arts.  Observing classes and instructors, getting recommendations, and interviewing owners is what will aid in the success of learning the appropriate use and correct techniques in martial arts.

An issue that has exploded over the past few months is Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).  MMA is a full contact sport using different fighting techniques from boxing to martial arts and everything in between.  It is performed in a cage-like octagon ring with two opponents and a referee.  It has been described as a no holds barred fighting frenzy.  Since this barbaric entertainment emerged and gained rapid popularity, additional safety rules have been incorporated.  However, MMA takes fighting to a whole new level.  Like boxing, the objective is to knock out your opponent.    Fighters throw each other to the ground and grab hold to make their opponent immobile.  Submission holds gain an advantage since one of the fighters is physically impaired to move.  The other fighter pummels away at the head or body to achieve a severely beaten state even unconsciousness.

This is the new frenzy surrounding Martial Arts.  This type of fighting is affecting children, teenagers and young adults to learn this type of martial arts.  It is being taught on computers; teaching viewers to physically abuse and quite possibly harm themselves and others by mimicking what they see on websites and television.  Welcome to the new wild phenomena of Mixed Martial Arts.

MMA combines grappling, jiu-jitsu and traditional martial arts to overtake an opponent.   Grappling is a lot like wrestling with certain holds, sweeps and throws.  The WWF entertainment factor becomes reality in an MMA cage.  Striking your opponent with your fist or elbow is perfectly legal while you have them pinned to the ground in a choke hold.  Lifting and throwing down your competitor to perform a clinch hold and punching their face or body is also allowed.   Jiu-jitsu is a type of martial arts that teaches choking, submission holds and potentially breaking of bones.  A slightly dazed opponent after a choking move is less likely to offer any resistance.  Immobilizing a fighter to win could lead to unconsciousness, which may or may not be allowed, but is performed.

A 35-year-old MMA fighter, Sam Vasquez, died in Houston, TX on November 30, 2007.  He was hospitalized when he collapsed after being knocked out in the 3rd round of an MMA fight a month earlier.  Doctors performed two surgeries to remove blood clots from his brain.  After the second surgery, he had a stroke and died.    This is the kind of entertainment people of all ages are watching and imitating.

Another instructor in Virginia who teaches Mixed Martial Arts to children kicked an 11-year-old student over 200 times in the abdomen.  This was a challenge to see how many kicks the child could take before falling over.  The child’s parents were not present at the time and did not witness this act.  Parents need to be present at all times when their children are learning karate, jiu-jitsu, tae kwon do or any form of martial arts.  Question instructors and owners on abusive moves and potential dangers you see.

Martial Arts is a precise form of self-defense.  Instructors teach where to hit and how to hit properly without injuring yourself.  Breaking a wooden board the wrong way could fracture or break a hand.  Learning the skill of how to correctly hold your hand while breaking a board allows students the ability to break thicker pieces of wood, as they get older and stronger.  Mastering Martial Arts takes years of practice and teachings.  Utilizing the safety of the techniques ensures no one gets hurt while building character, strength and gaining knowledge.

Parents need to be vigilant that the martial arts being taught to their children, or themselves, is safe.    Schools in the area are beginning to teach a Mixed Martial Arts class andparents may not even be aware there children are learning something dangerous.  Kum Sung stresses safety and proper technique when teaching their students.  No student moves to the next level unless they are proficient in their abilities.  Learning the correct way of hitting, kicking, or breaking a wooden board is what Dr. Sung and his instructors at Kum Sung have mastered over the years.  When locating a Martial Arts school, investigate what they are teaching, how students learn and the credentials of the staff interacting with you or your children.  Dr. Sung describes his Martial Arts teachings as not just a hobby, but a way of life.  This is my heritage and culture this is the same sentiment shared by martial arts masters like Chuck Norris, Jackie Chan and Jet Li.  Ensure you can view all classes and know what your children are doing in the class.  Martial Arts is a safe, physically fit activity that promotes self-esteem and success throughout all aspects of life.  Visit kumsungkarate.com or call and speak to Dr. Sung or one of the instructors.  Be aware of what they will and are actually learning.

By  Tricia Berwick

It’s hard to believe that in a few short months, another school year will be completed.  Summer is just around the corner and that means it’s time to start researching day camps for your kids.   Instead of sitting of sitting on the couch, munching on snacks, and flipping on the television switch or the computer, your child will have stimulating activities with peers.  You won’t have to answer the daily question of, “Mom, what are doing today?   Are we doing anything fun?”  If you decide on a camp experience this summer, that question will be taken care of and you can feel at ease that your child will be busy and productive while having a good time.

According to the American Camp Association, (www.acacamps.org), camp encourages children to explore and learn in a nurturing environment.  It’s also a good opportunity for your child to try new activities and to have a better idea of what he or she is good at and feels comfortable doing.   Sending your child to camp is an excellent way for your child to learn how to be independent, too.

Another important reason to send your child to camp this summer is simply to enjoy the fresh air and to experience nature.  Your child will go on guided nature walks and learn to truly appreciate nature.  It’s always great to take a break from the everyday routine and to see something new.  During the school year, kids are always busy with homework and after-school activities.  However, summer is the perfect time to slow down, have some fun, and enjoy the warm weather.  Camp is a great way for your child to do all of these things with his peers.

Before deciding on a camp, it’s a good idea to gather as much information as possible before you commit to one.   A good technique to find out whether a camp would be a suitable fit for your child is to network with other parents.  Getting feedback from those who have already experienced the camp is one of the best ways to determine if the camp would be a good option.  When speaking to parents, be sure to ask questions about what a typical day is like, how competitive the activities are, what the camp-to-counselor ratio is and how the counselors are screened and trained.

It’s also advisable to ask how counselors deal with difficulties that may arise.  For instance, how do they handle problems with discipline?  Do they call parents when there’s a problem?  It’s important to research the camp’s behavior policies before you sign on the dotted line.  Also, it’s not unreasonable to ask for references beforehand and to research the camp’s credentials.  Make sure to keep a checklist of your information to stay organized and focused while compiling research.

Another significant tip in the selection process is to determine what type of camp would work best for your child.  These days, there are many options to choose from, from traditional camps which feature nature and arts and crafts activities, as well as more specialized camps.  Does your child enjoying drawing pictures?  If so, an art camp would be appropriate.  If your child loves to shoot hoops, run the bases, and swim, a sports camp would be ideal. Or if your child likes dance, you could send her to a ballet camp.  Or perhaps even a camp which studies foreign languages or filmmaking.  Decide on a budget that your family can afford and then ask your child for input.

Point Pleasant Beach mother Joanna Madden, says she looks for a camp that can develop her children’s athletic abilities.

“What’s important to me is how well the counselors can coach my kids, especially my older child,” says Madden.  “My nine-year-old is really involved with sports, so finding theright sports camp is a key factor for my family.  If there’s a camp that is designated for a specific skill, I would be more willing to travel.  I also want to make sure the camp has a down-to-earth atmosphere and allows the kids to be social with others.”

Melissa Nagel, a mother of two, concurs with Madden and says that her kids, ages 5 and 3 have benefited from specialized camps in the past.

“The soccer camp we sent the kids to was small, with only three kids to a class which was great,” says the Point Pleasant mom.  “It was very specialized which helped them a lot.”

Other factors to consider are the cost and the location of the camp.  What is your family’s budget?  Sure, you would like your child to have a fun and rewarding summer camp experience, but it’s also important to determine what your family can reasonably afford.  What about location?  Is it better for the camp to be close to your job in case of an emergency, or should your child choose a local camp so he can socialize with kids from the neighborhood?  What about transportation to and from camp?  Will you be able to drive your child to camp or does the facility offer bus service?  Maybe you can coordinate a transportation schedule with another mom.  This way, one parent can take care of drop off and the other mom can be responsible for pickup.  It’s imperative to plan ahead and figure out the details before making a choice.

Once your family has decided on a particular camp, it’s important to register as early as possible.  Many times camps offer discounts if you commit before a certain date.  It’s also wise to book early if you have specific dates in mind that you would like your child to attend camp.

If you’re thinking about sending your child to camp this summer, start researching the Internet, visit some of the local camps and their staff, talk to other parents about their experiences, and ask your child what type of camp he or she would like to attend.   By working together as a team, you and your child will pick the best camp experience for the summer.

Spring is in the air and summer camp is on  everyone’s mind.  Once again Kum Sung will be offering an exciting summer  camp for children ages five through fourteen years old.  Sung Star  Academy will have a summer camp program for children ages one though five  years old at the learning center. There are openings for infants  6 weeks   through 12 months old year  round.

Day trips are  designed to entertain children ages 4 years old and up. Fun Town Pier, Peddles  and Paddles, bowling, movies, Pirate Adventure, Black Beard’s Cave and more is  planned.  Youngsters under the age of four are entertained daily in a  safe environment while at Sung Star Academy.  A developmentally  appropriate curriculum has been created by the director and staff.  It is  designed to provide stimulating and engaging experience, laughter and a great  desire to return to camp!

Water play,  wading pools, sprinklers are readily available daily for our children to cool  off with.  The greatest amount of fun seems to be found at  our in ground pool. Sung Star campers will receive swim lessons as well as free daily swiming.   It is refreshing to see our older and younger siblings catching up with  each other around the pool and outdoor playground. Our water slide, moon  bounce, DJ dance party and spectacular end of the year  celebration all contribute to the KS tradition of summer  fun.

Sports such as soft ball, basket  ball, field hockey, and beach volley ball are offered daily.   Along  with making arts and crafts  kids love to create “art like” edible snacks  and devour them for lunch! Games, contests and in camp competitions are part  of the fun.

Older campers will be  taught the importance of exercise and nutrition.  K.S. programs are  designed and supervised by experienced educators and top fitness experts.  There is also a focus on self confidence,independence, physical activity and  leadership building in a positive atmosphere.

Most importantly the children receive  Martial Arts and karate training weekly.  Intergrated through karate, is  the teaching of inner strength, loyalty, courage, bravery, kindness and most  importantly respect.  Students are exposed to positive and strong  character building. The expectation of K.S. is designed to expose your  children to these behaviors by creating life lessons.  Several parents  have shared that after the camp experience ended their sons/daughters have  become more aware of the place respect holds for  them.

All of the Kum Sung  instructors are high achieving Masters. When instructors are so well trained  in the art and life lesson of martial arts it transcends with ease to the  students, sending a strong message.  Providing this experience came  through years of their own positive experience and training with Grand Master  Kum Sung.  The karate classes are presented on introductory basis as well  as training those that may be of a higher rank.

For children spending their summer at           For children spending their summer at Sung Star Academy, Grand Master and his wife Youn have designed the highly successful program that exposes and begins training youngster at the age of two!  Parents are amazed by the quick growing achievements they can actually see in their toddlers in minimal time!

A plus for our working parents is that we offer before and after care hour services from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm without an additional charge! The traditional camp day is from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Kum Sung and Sung Star camps are open for the entire summer beginning on June 15th through August 28th.

For our Brick campers transportation is provided to the main camp site.  Drop off is a 7:30 am and the bus departs at 8 am.  End of the day pick up is at 4pm. In addition, Brick campers are invited to attend additional karate classes at no additional cost. ( Brick & Toms River Locations)

Many of our children and families are return campers .  Whether you are  a new  camper or a returning camper, the  Kum Sung  experience is fantastic fun!  According to a KS family, “what the children experienced during K.S. camp were positive experiences and life lessons!”

For More Information

Visit our website at: www.Kumsungkarate.com

732-341-8800 www.sungstaracademy.com

732-341-7500

Zipline, swimming and horseback riding are highlights at Day Camp with the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore

Fun is the number one priority this summer at Amity Acres Day Camp and Sacajawea Day Camp.

At convenient locations in Waretown and Farmingdale, campers choose from activities that include zip line, swimming, arts and crafts and performing arts.

Specialty programs include teen leadership development, cooking and horse care and riding. To maximize the fun, optional campfires and overnights are available as well.

“The joy that I felt that she was able to learn new things and meet new friends is overwhelming,” said the mom of a camper from Keansburg. “That’s what I remember the Girl Scouts to be from when I was younger – sharing with one another, learning new things and having fun.”

“Girl Scout camp was a wonderful experience for my daughter!” added an Ocean County mother whose 8-year-old daughter attended Amity Acres Day Camp. “Everyday she was so proud of herself for trying something new. We can’t wait until camp next summer!”

Girls ages 5 and through 15 are welcome at Amity Acres Day Camp, which runs from June 28 through August 20. A special Twilight Camp is available afternoons the week of June 21 to get girls excited for the summer of fun ahead.

“Amity Acres is an exceptional place for day camp. They had very good staff there; every one was nice, including other campers,” said the mother of a 9-year-old camper.

In addition to girls 5-15, Sacajawea Day Camp also offers a Tag-A-Long unit for brothers ages 5 thorough 11. Among the new program additions this year is a Firefly Unit for 3- and 4-year-old girls and boys.

“I’ve gone to Camp Sacajawea for the past three years. I would like to say thank you to you and all my counselors. I had a great time at camp. I love the activities. I especially like swimming, archery, boating, the Thursday night campfire and learning about nature. However, I don’t like the bugs! You are doing a great job,” said a camper from Seaside Heights.

Operated by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, Amity Acres and Sacajawea Day Camps provide girl-led and girl-focused activities, rooted in Girl Scout values and traditions. Its counselors support, nurture and care for girls, encouraging them to try new activities and make new friends.

“My daughter, Abigail attended Sacajawea and she loves it,” said a mother from Middletown. “She has worn her Camp Sac shirt every day; I had to wash it every night. My husband just bought two more!”

Outdoor fun is all around as girls safely fly through the trees on a zip line, paddle around the scenic lake in a canoe, kayak or paddleboat, or learn to take aim at success at the archery range.

Bus service, before and after care options make life easy for parents. Basic camp costs start at only $135 per week at Amity Acres Day Camp and $220 per week at Sacajawea Day Camp. Many discounts are available to make a summer of fun more affordable.

For more information about Amity Acres Day Camp, visit www.amityacresdaycamp.com or call (732) 751-2755. Sacajawea Day Camp can be reached at www.sacajaweadaycamp.com or call (732) 751-2766.

Parents may be familiar with The Goddard School® and its exceptional academic program for children from six weeks to six years old, but are parents as familiar with Goddard’s summer program? The summer program is a unique blend of fun and learning.

Goddard’s energetic teams of teachers plan summer days filled with developmentally appropriate activities that foster children’s skill building, self-confidence, and cognitive development. Children learn about creepy crawlers, send letters to pen pals, and ‘travel’ to the stars in a positive atmosphere that offers the ideal balance to the school year.

As important as the learning component is to parents, an equally important factor is the opportunity for children to socialize and build memories that will last a lifetime.  Every aspect of the summer program at The Goddard School® takes these corresponding needs into account.

Goddard’s exceptional summer program includes:

• Science and Nature

• Arts and Crafts

• Drama

• Computers and Technology

• Literature and Language

• Cooking

• Music and Movement

• Sports and Games

• Manners

• Special Visitors

Goddard’s summer program is parents’ choice for a safe and nurturing program.   Each school develops a unique learning experience for the children in their neighborhood.  Teachers create lesson plans based on Goddard Developmental Guidelines in order to provide a stimulating experience full of age-appropriate activities and oodles of fun.

As important as the learning component is to parents, an equally important factor is a safe environment.  Goddard answers this aspect with its comprehensive Goddard Quality Assurance Review.  While Goddard Schools must maintain state regulations, they are additionally required to meet the stringent standards of Goddard QA to ensure health and safety as well as curriculum standards in their schools.

Goddard Schools’ summer calendars include special visitors and cultural events throughout the summer.  Visitors provide exciting learning opportunities, in a safe environment, and may include, community helpers; performances by storytellers, musicians, and magicians; as well as outreach programs through local museums.

To learn more about the Goddard

summer program in your

neighborhood, please call

1-800-GODDARD or visit www.goddardschool.com.

Imagine a week where you go on a field trip on Monday, went swimming on Tuesday, had water play on Wednesday, moon bounce on Thursday, had a special guess visitor on Friday at your ultimate scavenger hunt pajama party.  Imagine that days are filled with science experiments, fun games, education, research and lot of arts and crafts.  YOU CAN”T WAIT TO RETURN TOMORROW.

We have planned summer camp activities filled with fun educational experience to create memories that will last a life time. From visiting the Statue of Liberty and Eliis Island to taking a cruise to see dolphins in their natural habitat to hands on experience at the Liberty Center, we have you covered.

One day your children are scientists discovering new facts with fun experiments, digging for fossils at a park and net fishing identifying different local aquatic species. Another week they are artistes at a live play, and being part of a silent masquerade ball where they have to use clues to find the missing jewel.  They will be pirates and take a real voyage and find the villain and win the prize. They will swim weekly and be entertained every week.  They will have so much fun they won’t even know they are learning.  And if you don’t tell we promise we won’t.

Join us at Tutor Time where learning is fun, because it’s always a fun day at Tutor Time.

Choose from our CUB CAMP for children ages 3-5years and ADVENTURE CAMP for children ages 5-12years old.

Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty * Poricy Park Fossil Hunt

Pirate Adventures * Cattus Island Beach Combing

Point Pleasant Beach and Amusement Park * Gymboree

Creative Experience * Bagel Making at Shore Bagels & Deli

Point Pleasant Aquarium * Weekly swimming

Discovery Children’s Museum * Sky Line Dolphin Cruise

Classes now forming for Sports,Parent/Child, Tumbing and

Music Classes.

732-262-0037

There are so many fun and exciting activities that will take place at Ocean Gymnastics Academy’s Sizzling Summer Camp.  Gymnastics plus so much more fun fill each and every moment of our camp.  As in previous years, our campers tend to educate their parents with facts obtained from each of the weeklythemes.  This year’s themes include:

*UNDER THE SEA* SUMMER FUN

*KNIGHTS,PRINCESS,AND CASTLES

* MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU

*EXTINCT AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

* GO WITH THE FLOW

At Ocean Gymnastics Academy children are respected for their feelings, supported for their desire to explore, and encouraged to feel powerful.  Our goal is to help our campers gain a sense of competence in all areas of development within our camp.  At all times the development of our campers self-esteem and confidence is of paramount importance.

Ocean Gymnastics Camp is extremely fast paced, and there is never a dull moment.  Campers constantly rotate from project to project, to gymnastics, to projects, to snack, and back to gymnastics.  A stage provides campers with the unique opportunity to entertain fellow campers with joke telling, songs, dance, or whatever else they would like to perform.  IT’S ALL ABOUT OUR CAMPERS!

Allow your child to experience and grow in a loving, fun, and safe atmosphere which encourages positive self-esteem and fun learning.

WE KNOW HOW TO HAVE FUN AT

OCEAN GYMNASTICS’ SUMMER CAMP!!!

1200 Fischer Blvd. • Toms River

732-270-4500

Help your kids avoid the summer slide with Mathnasium of Toms River’s MATH CAMP! Summer is a great time to catch up and get ahead!  In our relaxed, homework-free environment, Mathnasium enables students to focus on what they need most. Students keep their minds active throughout the summer months by participating in programs designed to develop, maintain, and challenge their math skills and understanding.

According to directors Wayne Gray, Barbara Koehler, and Neil Rankin, all students can excel in school and on standardized tests when they’re given the chance to really understand the materials. When they start the school year prepared, without losing two or three months of knowledge, the results astound parents.  All of a sudden, homework and tests are a totally different experience!

Mathnasium of Toms River is offering a MATH CAMP for July and August.  Students can attend Mathnasium for as little as 4 weeks and as long as 9 weeks. The center will be open from 10AM – 12PM and from 3PM - 7PM Monday to Thursday. Students are encouraged to attend two times a week for one hour each session.

The MATH CAMP programs are specifically designed to help children get ready for the next school year in a more relaxed environment.  In addition, students who will be taking Algebra, Geometry, or Algebra II in the fall can work on a Preview Course at Mathnasium during the summer.   Mathnasium’s MATH CAMP students find learning math is fun, rewarding, and even inspiring!

For more information on

Mathnasium of Toms River, or to register for a MATH CAMP session, please call 732-255-MATH(6284)

or send an email to tomsriver@mathnasium.com

BBQs,Beaches, & Better Grades!

Eagle’s Crest Summer Camp

“WHERE FRIENDSHIPS LAST FOREVER”

Quality and Affordable Summer Camp for every family!

Summer camp is about personal growth, friendships and fun. Our job as camp professionals is to create an atmosphere that enables kids to experience the freedom of summer in ways that they could not at home. It is an opportunity for campers and staff alike to build new friendships and experience new things.

At Holy Family’s Eagle’s Crest Summer Camp we try to think of ourselves as cruise directors giving these young people a different experience each day that they attend camp.  Our great facility enables us the opportunity to provide sports, water activities, fine arts, carnivals and so much more.

We see our campers as “unique” and unique children need unique opportunities. At camp they get to do things that they never did before. Our best days are when campers do not want to leave camp or leave saying, “guess what I did today”!

Most camps offer similar activities. But we offer something that most camps can only hope to achieve.  All of our counselors are former students.  Every counselor has a special tie to Holy Family School and when people care about something it creates a very special place!

Our principal goals are to help our campers learn something about themselves and to promote a healthy respect for each other and the values that we stand for.  Our Kinder, Junior, and Teen Leadership Camps do exactly that, by creating a one of a kind camp experience for all.

Character Party Meals

Food + Characters = Fun!

By Tricia Berwick

Between school, work, and after school activities, many area families have hectic, crazy weeks.  After rushing around from dance class to soccer practice, sometimes preparing a family meal becomes a dreaded chore.  Instead of stressing over what to feed the troops, pile everyone into the car and head to “Kid’s Night” at Perkins or Boston’s Gourmet Pizza.  Your whole family can enjoy a tasty meal together, while the kids will be entertained with characters and games.

On Wednesday evenings from 5-8 pm at Perkins Restaurants in Wall Township, Toms River, and Lacey Township, kids will have the opportunity to visit with some of their favorite cartoon characters, like Elmo, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Boots from Dora the Explorer.

Jamie Deleo, the General Manager of Perkins Restaurant in Wall, says the kids really look forward to meeting the stars from their favorite television shows and movies.

“Having this type of night really brings the kids into the restaurant and they are so happy while they are here,” says Deleo.  “We usually have the same customers come in every week.  Since the characters change every Wednesday, it’s always something different for the kids.  The schedule is usually booked two months in advance, so the customers can call in advance to see who will be appearing.”

Deleo says that kids are also treated to a free balloon, cookie, and a small toy, such as a stuffed animal or puzzle.

On Tuesday nights at Boston’s Gourmet Pizza in Neptune and Toms River, kids will enjoy a similar type of experience.  Your little ones will be able to high five a costumed character, watch a balloon animal being made, and even have their faces painted.  Plus, kids eat free with each paid adult entrée.

Toms River Manager Katie Driscoll says the “Kid’s Night” program has been very successful since it began when the restaurant opened its doors over a year ago.

“The kids are encouraged to get up from the tables and talk to the characters and interact with them,” says Driscoll.  “They’re also encouraged to make friends with the other kids.  The parents love it because they get to sit down and eat while the kids are being entertained.  They can relax for a little while.”

The entertainment at both of these establishments is provided by Kiddy Parties which brings quality children’s entertainment to families in the Jersey Shore area.

The strength of this company, which has been in business for over ten years, is its founder, Lory Bradford.  This mom of two is a natural-born performer and loves being able to bring smiles to children’s faces.  After working in children’s community theatre for a few years, one of Bradford’s colleagues approached her with the idea of hosting private parties for kids.

“At the end of the children’s shows, kids were allowed to ask the performers questions,” says Bradford who has taken numerous professional acting classes.  “The kids always seemed to gravitate to me.  They liked to talk and to ask about the performances.  One of my friends noticed this and then put the idea in my head that I might be good at entertaining children for private parties.  She got me started doing my first party and the parents loved me so much they gave me a very generous tip.”

After that successful first party, Bradford was able to book another party and then yet another.   Word quickly spread that Bradford had a talent for making kids happy.  And, when it comes to making kids happy at parties, parents are willing to pay for good, quality entertainment.  After an assortment of referrals and positive recommendations, Bradford decided to launch her own business.

Bradford and her staff have a blast entertaining children in many ways.  In addition to being dressed as your child’s favorite costumed character, the entertainers will engage the kids in face painting, tattoos, make-up and glitter, play games with all of the children, pose for pictures, blow out the candles, and even stay for some scrumptious birthday cake.  Even while Bradford and her staff is busy painting silly shapes and colorful designs onto kids’ faces, they are still working the crowd by singing songs and telling funny jokes to the little ones.

When kids see a costumed character walk into a party or a restaurant, their eyes always widen in amazement and wonder as they flock to get closer to their beloved superhero or favorite princess.  Parents rush to grab their cameras and snap pictures of the kids as their eyes are glued to these larger than life characters.  However, there’s always one kid in the bunch who isn’t very happy to see this added person on the guest list.   Maybe he or she is shy and off in a corner or nervous about seeing the characters up close.  That’s when Bradford works her magic.

“There’s always one child who is off on his own and isn’t too interested in the characters,” says Bradford.  “But, by the time the party is over, that child is smiling, participating in the other activities, and having fun with all of the kids.  As the saying goes, the show must go on!”

With so many characters and activities to choose from, it’s hard to imagine anyone not having a good time.  Between the special guests, fun games, and lots of singing, there’s always something going on to keep the kids happy.  Even if a person is not in the best of spirits before the start of the party, it’s difficult not to have a smile on your face by cake-cutting time.

“I like that no matter what type of mood I’m in before the party, when I’m finished, I’m in a terrific mood,” says Bradford.  “I just love to watch all of the kids’ faces and to make people laugh.  I really enjoy making the all of the kids giggle at these parties.  That’s the best part for me.”

If you would like to experience Bradford’s magic and her talent for making children happy, check out one of the “Kid’s Night” programs at either Boston’s or Perkins Restaurants.

If your child has a birthday coming up and you’re not sure what to plan for this year’s celebration, surprise your child with something special.  Browse through the Kiddy Parties website www.kiddyparties1.com and design your own party package.  Let the experts entertain all of your party guests this year. For more information, you can also give them a call at 732-202-9449.

After enjoying an exciting inaugural season, Jersey Shore Pirates is back for another summer of fun and adventure along the Metedeconk River. The Sea Gypsy 2, which sails from Riverfront Marina, on Princeton Avenue in Brick, is ready to engage and captivate your children as they search for treasure.

Owners Rob “Captain Scurvy” Corring and his wife Jessica, have prior experience with boating and buccaneers and have created a true-to-life pirate ship adventure. Families across the New Jersey Shore area are enjoying this unique form of family entertainment.

“The public has had a tremendous response to our Pirate Adventures,” says Rob Corring. “Last year we had a rough start with the inclement weather early in the season but as soon as the weather improved, we really started to see the “word-of-mouth” advertising that is so important to us. Friends told other friends and mothers who sailed with their families returned for birthday parties. It was really great to see the return Pirates. We had some mates sail with us three and four times throughout the season. Our crew puts their heart and soul into every trip and we believe it really shows when you see families coming back for another sail.”

“Captain Scurvy,” is part of the energetic and enthusiastic crew, along with 18-year-old Christopher Hendershot, otherwise known onboard as “Pirate Smee.” While on board, both men lead kids on an interactive treasure hunt and teach the little sailors how to properly read a treasure map. Before they set sail, the kids always listen to a few rules about water safety, which is of utmost importance to the Jersey Shore Pirates staff. The kids will then hoist the ship’s flag and begin their journey. Together, the kids on the ship will work as a team to defeat “Pirate Pete,” who has stolen the keys to their treasure. They will collectively use the ship’s water cannons to defeat the enemy and secure the treasure! At the conclusion of the ride, children will be treated to authentic pirate “loot” as a souvenir of their journey.

For Corring and the rest of his crew, the best part of each trip is watching the kids have tons of fun on this high seas adventure.

“What we enjoy the most is the reaction of the kids on The Sea Gypsy 2,” says Corring. “Nothing is better than watching the mates’ faces when they haul their hard earned treasure from the waters, or when they battle the dreaded “Pirate Pete” with the water cannons. Although we offer several sailings a day, every trip ends up having something new and exciting. The reaction of the kids is always the best part.”

For two consecutive seasons, Corring and his crew have enjoyed watching the reaction of little Jake Vowteras. His maiden voyage last year made such an impression on the young sailor that his mom felt compelled to have his birthday party with the family-owned and operated business.

“I have been listening to him talk about Jersey Shore Pirates ever since we sailed on the ship early last summer,” says Jake’s mom, Kimberly. “For nearly a year, Jake has asked when his pirate party was going to be. There wasn’t even a question of what should we do for his fifth birthday! The party was amazing and everyone had the best time. It’s hard to even say who had more fun. And although it’s a cruise for kids, it’s a really nice time for parents too. You’re out on the water, it’s scenic, and it’s relaxing and so enjoyable, even though 22 kids are screaming “Argh!” the whole time!”

Since preparing for the adventure is a major part of this event, Corring and his staff made a few changes during the off-season to further enhance the customer’s overall experience.

“This season we have expanded our offices so that we can present more of an experience for our families and groups when they arrive at the dock,” says Corring. “We have a larger shop where we offer more retail options. It was really important to us, that when you enter our office, you know that we are trying to improve on what we do, and what our guests experience. It took a lot of work over the winter, but we believe it will improve on the overall experience which is what we want. We will always try to exceed our customers’ expectations.”
Customer satisfaction is one of Jersey Shore Pirates’ top priorities. The crew will go to great lengths to make sure that all of their guests have had a pleasant and enjoyable experience aboard the Sea Gypsy 2.

“One of my favorite parts of the business is when we get someone who is slightly skeptical about what we do and then they approach us at the end of the Pirate Adventure to let us know they had a great time,” says Corring. “They admit that they weren’t sure what to expect when they arrived, but as they watched their mini-mates turn into Pirates right in front of their eyes they became believers. Our PirateAdventure is designed to keep the kids’ attention from start to finish. To anyone who has every tried to keep a 4- year-old occupied for almost two hours, you would be amazed how our crew does it for multiple kids at one time, six times a day.”

The Jersey Shore Pirates adventure is geared toward children ages 3 to 10. They sail from May-October and are available for birthday parties, class trips, and families. During October, they sail on Saturdays and Sundays only, with six different sailing times to choose from.

Before the children enjoy this exhilarating adventure, they first must be transformed into swashbuckling pirates. Upon arrival, kids will be welcomed by enthusiastic staff members who will assist the children in selecting a perfect pirate costume. The little mates will then receive their very own pirate names, learn some valuable pirate lingo, and also have the opportunity to get their faces painted with pirate “tattoos.” Before the kids head down to the dock for their trip, the staff will remind the children to keep a look out for “enemy pirates” in the area.

Prior to sailing times for check-in, face painting, and dress-up. For more information, check out their website at www.jerseyshorepirates.com or call 732-899-6100. Reservations are highly recommended and it’s suggested to that you arrive 30 minutes prior to sailing times for check-in, face painting, and dress-up.