NJ4S Morris-Sussex

08/04/2026

August is National Wellness Month, a time to make your well-being a priority!

Wellness isn't about being happy all the time or having everything figured out. It's about caring for your mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being through small, intentional choices that help you feel your best.

This month, we invite you to use our Wellness Bingo board as a fun way to practice simple acts of self-care. Whether it's taking a walk, reaching out to a friend, practicing gratitude, or trying something new, every square is one small step toward building healthy habits.

Remember, small moments of wellness add up over time and little choices can make a big difference!

08/03/2026

Our Youth Mental Health First Aid Training for Adults is coming up this month! Registration is still open through Wednesday 8/5.

YMHFA is an evidence-based program where adults can learn practical tools and strategies to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in youth ages 12-18.

The virtual program begins Monday 8/17/2026 and runs every day through 8/21/2026 from 12:00pm-1:00pm.
Don’t miss it – sign up here:

07/30/2026

During week 4 of Rooted Together, our campers turned the outdoors into their art studio!

They started by exploring nature and searching for leaves, flowers, sticks, and other natural materials to inspire their creations. Then, everyone worked together to create one giant nature mural using butcher paper, paint, markers, and the treasures they collected along the way.

Activities like this encourage creativity, teamwork, and mindfulness by inviting kids to slow down, notice the world around them, and work together to create something meaningful. And sometimes the best art supplies are the ones nature provides!

07/24/2026

July 24th is International Self-Care Day, a great reminder that self-care looks different for everyone.

True wellness isn't just about physical health; it's about caring for all parts of yourself. Whether you're nourishing your body, taking care of your emotions, connecting with others, challenging your mind, or finding purpose and meaning, every small step matters.

You don't have to do everything at once. Over time, small moments of care can make a big difference. Which dimension of wellness could use a little extra attention today?

07/23/2026

Even rainy days can't stop us from growing together!

This week, our campers took part in yoga to practice mindful movement and played The Wind Blows For..., a fun activity that helped them discover the many things they have in common with one another.

While the weather kept us indoors, it reminded us that mindfulness, connection, and teamwork can be nurtured anywhere. Every activity is another opportunity to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and support positive mental well-being, rain or shine.

07/22/2026

More color. More fun. More memories. Our 2nd annual NJ4S Morris-Sussex Color Blast Fun Run/Walk will feature additional color stations along the route, so you'll cross the finish line brighter than ever 🌈 ✨🎨!
Save the date and join us this fall in partnership with Vernon Township High School Vernon Township School District and Psi Alpha AP Psychology Students.

📅 Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
🕘 Registration: 9:00am | Run/Walk: 10:00-11:30am
📍 Location: Vernon Township High School, 1832 County Road 565, Glenwood, NJ

This FREE community event will be filled with:
🎶 Music | 🎲 Games | 🎨 Crafts | 👕 T-Shirt Decorating

💡 In partnership with MHA, NJ4S Morris-Sussex is providing white t-shirts for the color blast to those who bring a non-perishable food item or shampoo, conditioner or deodorant to support The Weekend Bag Program, Inc. Learn more: weekendbagprogram.org

👉 There's NO COST to participate - find out more and REGISTER here: runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Glenwood/NJSColorBlastFunRunWalk

07/16/2026

Welcome back to our Rooted Together Summer Series!

This week, we beat the heat by bringing the forest indoors! Campers learned about what's safe (and unsafe) to touch while exploring nature before creating their own Forest Friends with clay and markers. To wrap up the activity, each child introduced their new friend by sharing its name and a little bit about its personality.

Creative activities like this encourage self-expression, build confidence, and help children practice being present in the moment.

-Expression

07/14/2026

There's still time to take part in our Teen Speak® series this summer! Parents and Caregivers can become equipped with communication skills that help overcome the most common challenges of parenting a teen.
Register to join us Thursdays, beginning this week on 7/16:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/HiB57CvYRHiYdNfZzae-dQ

Join us for Teen Speak, a four-session virtual series designed to help parents and caregivers better understand, support, and communicate with today's teens. Teen Speak is an evidence-informed curriculum that teaches parents and caregivers practical communication skills rooted in Motivational Interv...

07/13/2026

We welcome Youth 10-14 and their Parents/Caregivers to join NJ4S Morris-Sussex and Rockaway Borough Public Library to discuss The Amazing Generation by Jonathan Haidt. Pick up a FREE COPY of the book at the Children’s Desk at the Rockaway Borough Public Library to read before the event – or youth can borrow the book from another Morris County library. Youth are still encouraged to attend the event even if they have not finished the book.

Wednesday, July 22 from 6-7:30 pm at Rockaway Borough Public Library 82 East Main St., Rockaway.

Participate in an interactive workshop where youth and their parents/caregivers will:
- explore their digital habits
- discuss the impact of media use
- learn practical strategies for balancing online and offline activities

Participants will leave with tools to support healthy, mindful technology use at home and beyond. Pizza will be served. Registration required: https://engagedpatrons.org/EventsExtended.cfm?SiteID=2550&EventID=591923&PK=

07/09/2026

Our Rooted Together Program is officially underway! Throughout the summer, our Prevention Consultants will be visiting three different camps to help kids build mindfulness skills, connect with nature, and strengthen teamwork through fun, hands-on activities. Follow along each week as we share a glimpse into our adventures!

This week, a group of campers used a parachute to physically express different emotions, exploring how feelings can be communicated in creative ways. They also put their teamwork to the test by working together to guide beach balls into hula hoops using only the parachute. It was a fun way to practice communication, cooperation, and problem-solving while enjoying the outdoors!

See you next week for more on our Rooted Together Summer Series!