Register by June 17 for the Special Parents & Kids Network event
By LAURA FEIGIN
The Sun
Gloucester Township’s Special Parents & Kids Network turns 4 years old this month. The organization is a parent group supported by the township that offers resources to parents of special needs kids and their children.
The group does anything it can to grow the community: it organizes events, such as bowling, skills nights and dances, and collects a resource book with anything from dentists to events to religious programs to sports teams that cater to parents or children with special needs.
“It’s a parent support group just trying to be there and do events,” president of SPKN Judy Guido said.
The group has put together many impactful events, one of the most outstanding being its teen/tween/young adult dance. The dance is for kids in grade six and up, and is especially important to children who struggle with social skills.
“At this age, they are getting old enough to go to school dances, but they aren’t comfortable and one of the biggest things about our group is to get buddies. So, we get a lot of teenagers and adults to be buddies, [and] that way they’re getting more comfortable and more aware of different kids with different special needs and all that, so that’s a big part to it,” Guido said.
At the dance, there is a photo booth, food, games and a DJ.
“You look out there and you don’t know who’s who,” Guido said. “It’s great.”
The event is just as important to the attendees as it is to the volunteers. Many come back year after year to help. Last year, there were 50 attendees and 60 volunteers.
The next event, “Kids Hooked on Fishing & Not Drugs,” is the third iteration the group has put on and will be held on June 24 at Dramesi Lake at the Hilder Lane Senior Center. It is put on in conjunction with The Association of Surf Angling Clubs, which provides fishing rods, if needed, and a safety demonstration about how to fish.
Kids will also participate in a competition for the biggest fish. Judges will measure the fish before they are thrown back in. There are prizes in three age brackets for first, second and third. Winners will be awarded a trophy, rod and tackle box.
After fishing, a hot dog, chips and drink will be provided for all participants and their parents.
The event takes place from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. The rain date is scheduled for June 25.
Only the first 40 fishers will be able to participate. The deadline for registration is June 17. Contact Guido at GloTwpSPKN@hotmail.com or (609) 472–0269 to register.
