Toms river schools peer leadership program kicks off

TOMS RIVER— Last year, Toms River Regional Schools kicked off its first Peer Leadership summer camp, which was a huge success. This week, incoming fifth-grade students from the district’s 12 elementary schools were invited to participate in the second annual Peer Leadership Camp.

This week-long program centered on enhancing students’ leadership skills with a focus on self-care, empathy, kindness, acceptance of others, and ability to communicate. The camp serves as an opportunity to extend and build upon the various social and emotional offerings already embedded within the elementary schools’ curriculum and daily practices. The program features team-building activities, keynote speeches from community partners, problem-solving challenges, and opportunities for self-reflection. This exceptional group of students will serve as leaders in various capacities within their home schools during the 2019-2020 school year.

This fantastic opportunity was made possible by funding from the Jay and Linda Grunin Foundation, Toms River Family Health and Support Coalition, Toms River Municipal Alliance, Pine Beach Municipal Alliance, and the Beachwood Municipal Alliance. Community partnerships for the week included RWJBarnabas Health, Toms River Police Department, Caregiver Volunteers, LeadU, and other health and wellness professionals from throughout the area. Additionally, local businesses such as Jersey Mike’s, Johnny G’s, Olive Garden, and Capone’s Trattoria generously provided lunch and snacks to students and staff throughout the week.

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