The Alternative Press

WEST ORANGE, NJ - For the Kids in the PreK 3A & 3B classes of Super Kids Day Care Center in Summit, New Jersey, the outing to The Turtle Back Zoo could not have landed on a better day. It was picture perfect weather. For many of these classmates it would be the last of such trips together as they head towards Super Kids Graduation Day being held on June 23rd at the Millburn Middle School.

The day started off with the kids taking the Turtleback Zoo's train ride. The miniature antique train with a great whistle caused all of the kids to scream as it went off when it went through the tunnel. The track winds through the woods skirting the shores of the reservoir made for some great fun.

Our group then went on to the fish ponds, turtles and, of course, the peacocks who were content hanging out in the shade. One of the highlights of the day was the stop off to get educated on the Elks' antlers, which had just been shed and were beginning to grow back.

When asked what their elbows were made of, Tommy Chyzowych, age 5 from Summit, said, "Bone" and the Zookeeper told the class that Tommy was correct and that's exactly what the the antlers were made of.

Many of the children in this class have been together now since the age of 1 and thanks to the efforts of the Staff at Superkids, they are all well prepared to enter the next phase of their lives and it shows. When asked what kind of animals eat bamboo, Arianna Stolowitz, age 5 from New Providence, replied "Pandas."

We continued on our trek, walking down a fossil path that had bear paw prints and leaves, coming all at once to the electrified fence surrounding the bee hives. Of course, it really isn't electrified and no bees were buzzing but the lesson was learned. Some beekeepers protect bee hives this way so that the bears don't get the honey and we do.

A quick stop at a cool mister along the way provided some relief from the warming sun and all the kids took their turns spraying their faces. Then it was off to feed the colorful parakeets with sesame seed-laden ice cream sticks. Smiles and shouts of joy could be heard over the din of the chirping birds.

A walking tour of the animals ended with a viewing of the kangaroos, one of which the class named Joey. Joey was one of their classmates who had to move earlier this year. The class agreed they all missed him and this was a way to remember their friend. The day ended with a nice lunch and a bus ride home.

SuperKids is located in Summit, New Jersey. For more information you can visit their website at http://www.rainbowacademy.com/nav3f.shtml  or call Bridget O'Brien at 908-598-8383

The Turtle Back Zoo can be found in West Orange, NJ.  Information about hours and group trips can be found on their website at http://www.turtlebackzoo.com/tbzoo/index.jsp