Children with special needs are getting their own egg hunt and festival.
The Burlington County Commissioners and Burlington County Sheriff’s Department are partnering with the Burlington County Special Services School District and the Burlington County Division of Parks to host the Spring Family Fest for the families of children with special needs.
The event will be held April 9 from noon to 3 p.m. outside the Special Services School, 20 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton. It is open to special needs children of all ages and their families.
“Every child should have the opportunity to enjoy egg hunts and other spring festivities and this event is one of only ones in the areas that’s specifically designed to be sensory-friendly for different special needs,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dan O’Connell. “COVID-19 prevented us from hosting the Fest in 2020 and 2021, so we’re thrilled to be able to partner with our Sheriff, Special Services School District and Division of Parks to bring it back for children and their families to enjoy.”
“We’re proud to partner in events like this that allow families to enjoy the spring and all the fun associated with the holidays,” said Burlington County Sheriff Anthony Basantis. “It also gives our officers the opportunity to interact with residents and build stronger community ties.”
Children will be able to participate in the sensory-friendly egg hunts in small groups and will be aided by different sounds, flashing lights and magnetic devices. The hunts will be divided into three different sessions:
The first egg hunt will be held from noon to 1 p.m. and is designed for those with autism spectrum disorder. The second will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. and is for children with multiple disabilities. The third will be held from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. for children who are visually impaired, deaf or hearing impaired.
The event will also feature a resource fair, craft vendors and DJ music.
The rain date for the event is April 10.
In addition to family-fun activities and entertainment, the Sheriff’s Department will be sharing important safety information.
“Children will be heading outside to play and enjoy the spring weather, so we want to remind them and their families of some simple precautions they can take, and also what services we have at the Sheriff’s Department to assist them,” said Burlington County Undersheriff Jim Kostoplis.
Burlington County Special Services Schools Superintendent, Dr. Christopher Nagy said the event is another stellar example of County support for students and their families.
“It truly takes a village to support our exceptional students and it is a partnership among members of the community, families, and educators to promote opportunities for socialization and for students to be positioned to work to their potential,” Nagy said. “At BCSSSD, we are the incubator of opportunities for students who are on our campuses. We are fortunate to have a County which embraces BCSSSD and its mission.”
