New Jersey matches came together on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Jenkinson's Aquarium in Point Pleasant Beach. Mentors and mentees spent the afternoon exploring the aquarium. Jenkinson's Aquarium includes a wide range of marine life, including Pacific sharks and penguins. During the tour, the matches were able to watch the seal and alligator feedings. Jason Makarow attended with his mentee and said, "It was a great event because we really got to interact with other matches."

The matches received a special treat when they were able to feel some of the live animals in the touch tank. The group started by touching a sea star and coral and worked their way up a juvenile shark. When asked how the shark felt, one of the kids responded "It feels really, really slimy." The afternoon was completed with lunch on the boardwalk. Danielle Cooperhouse, the new Mentoring Coordinator for New Jersey, relayed "It was such a wonderful day. I really enjoyed meeting the matches and spending the afternoon getting to know them." The group enjoyed their afternoon together while forming new friendships and learning about marine life.

Ed Teng and his mentee on the boardwalk

Liz Voltman and her mentee preparing to go in the

aquarium

Dean Goldsmith and his mentee enjoying a laugh on the beach at Point

Pleasant

Some mentors and their mentees peer into the piranha tank!

John Dibble and his mentee pose for a picture           The kids enjoyed touching a starfish from the

                                                                                    touch tank

The group listens as Carlos, the tour guide, talk about sharks

A fantastic group shot of all the mentor and mentees outside on the

boardwalk