New Jersey, or as it's affectionally known, the "Garden State," is a colorful smorgasbord of bustling cities, quaint small towns, sandy beaches, and yes, plenty of gardens! It's a place where every sunset over the Jersey Shore paints a picture in shades of pink and orange, and where every scoop of ice cream tastes a bit sweeter, especially when enjoyed on a boardwalk. It's also home to a group of extraordinary kids, who can often be found engaging in a particularly magical activity: Music Therapy! Enter our friend, Melvin the Musical Moose, a hilarious character who's become something of a local celebrity. With his oversized antlers, floppy ears and a saxophone that he can play with his hooves (don't ask how, it's moose magic), Melvin has a knack for making everyone laugh. He also possesses a softer, sweeter side that's just as compelling - his deep love for music therapy. Every day, Melvin visits children across the state, sharing tunes that elicit boisterous laughter, foot-tapping, and sometimes, quiet contemplation. Music therapy, Melvin explains with a cheeky wink, is not just about making noise or creating symphonies. It's a magical journey that helps kids express their feelings, manages stress, and improves their overall well-being. The children of New Jersey have become expert explorers in this world of sound, rhythm, and emotion. With Melvin leading the way, they strum guitars, bang on drums, and even shake maracas, all the while creating a melody that echoes across the Garden State. Music Therapy, they've found, is not just fun; it's a sweet song of strength, resilience, and joy that they carry with them, long after the notes have faded.
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The Happy Hive is an inclusive play space designed to spark joy and connection for every child. With a special focus on comfort and accessibility for neurodivergent kids, our environment welcomes children of all abilities to explore, move, and create at their own pace. From climbing walls, swings, and zip lines to dedicated zones for pretend play and art, The Happy Hive offers both high-energy fun and creative outlets. While we cater to children ages 1-13 for neurotypical kids, we have no age limit when it comes to kids with special needs—because play should have no boundaries. At The Happy Hive, we believe every child deserves a space where they can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves.
The mission of the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts, “where talent develops and creativity thrives,” is to enrich lives by providing opportunities to develop creative talents and encourage a greater appreciation of the arts through both instruction and performance. Founded by Executive Director Dr. Theodore K. Schlosberg in 1972, the NJWA has been dedicated to helping children, adults and senior citizens explore and participate in the arts throughout the year with private and group instruction, performing ensembles, summer camps and more. The faculty is composed of professional artists, musicians and educators who nurture the talents of each individual student.