The Brain Injury Association of New Jersey’s Kids on the Block puppet program is a unique way of teaching children about brain injury and safety awareness through the use of an interactive puppet show.  The free performances take place at schools, libraries and community events throughout southern New Jersey.

The “Kids” are a group of child-sized puppets that speak, act and dress like real children.  The Kids on the Block program is powerful in helping break down inhibitions, enabling children to be candid with their questions and concerns.  The puppets also help children feel positive about themselves, accept individual differences, and learn valuable personal skills.

Two different Kids on the Block presentations are performed by the Association—Brain Injury Awareness and Safety On The Go.  For more information, or to schedule a free performance in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer or Salem County, please contact the Association at 732-745-0200.

Download Kids on the Block Flyer

Brian Injury Awareness

The Brain Injury Awareness program was developed with the cooperation of the Brain Injury Association of America and features "14-year-old" Justin Campbell, who sustained a brain injury a few months ago.  This presentation addresses the cognitive and emotional changes associated with brain injury and introduces some common compensatory strategies.  It also examines the impact on relationships with peers, the importance of embracing the present while considering goals for the future, and brain injury prevention.

Safety On The Go

Safety on the Go, the Kids on the Block program on transportation safety, is designed to familiarize children with pedestrian safety, school bus safety, automobile safety, and the safety rules for riding recreational wheeled vehicles, like bicycles, scooters, skateboards or in-line skates.  The curriculum was developed to encourage decision-making skills that help prevent childhood injury and promote healthy routines as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Funding

The Brain Injury Association of New Jersey is able to provide Kids On The Block through a grant from the NJ Division of Highway Traffic Safety and funding from the New Jersey Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Fund, which was created, in part, to provide for public education and prevention activities related to brain injury.  The TBI Fund is administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Disability Services.

The Kids on the Block program is part of the National Kids on the Block Inc. Educational Puppet Program Series, www.kotb.com.

Brain Injury Association of New Jersey's troupe is an affiliate and limited licensee of The Kids on the Block Incorporated, Columbia, Maryland, USA*

*©The Kids on the Block, Inc. All puppets and program materials are protected by United States and other copyright laws. Unauthorized use is prohibited. All Rights Reserved.