Kids Congress Summer Event Offers Fun Civics Games and Activities

FREEHOLD - Assembly Members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey are inviting local elementary schoolers to the second annual Kids Congress, a non-partisan, kid-friendly event at the Freehold Public Library that offers Monmouth County children aged 6 to 10 an opportunity to learn how their government works, why legislators pass laws, and how a law is made through fun games and group activities.

"We’ve both found public service to be one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences of our lives," said Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling (D-Neptune). "We hope to help every child develop the same passion for serving their communities. Last year’s Kids Congress was a smash hit with local Monmouth County families, and we can’t wait to bring it back for a new group of future leaders.”

Last year’s event included activities such as “Build-a-Bill,” where students wrote their own laws about issues they care about; “Kids Committee,” in which students decorated a poster with ideas for improving their communities; and a game of “Kids Congress Jeopardy.” Kids also enjoyed a number of government-related arts-and-crafts activities and puzzles, including a State Seal Coloring Competition.

“If we want our kids to grow up to become good, thoughtful citizens, it’s important to instill in them a sense of civic duty and patriotism at a young age," said Assemblywoman Joann Downey (D-Freehold). "We want to make sure that our kids have the tools and insight to discuss the issues that affect them while also giving them a fun summer experience."

Kids Congress will take place Monday, July 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Freehold Public Library at 28½ East Main Street. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Houghtaling and Downey also are hosting Kids Congress at two other locations in Monmouth County this summer: on Tuesday, July 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Neptune Township Public Library, and on Monday, August 5 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Eatontown Community Center.

Attendees should RSVP to reserve a slot at this event by Wednesday, July 17 at (732) 695-3371 or by emailing AswDowney@njleg.org or AsmHoughtaling@njleg.org with the names of all attendees and the event that they expect to attend. Online registration and more information are available at www.EricAndJoann.com/KidsCongress.

Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling and Assemblywoman Joann Downey represent New Jersey’s 11th Legislative District in the State Assembly, where they work to make the Garden State more affordable for its hard-working residents. The 11th District includes the Monmouth County municipalities of Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Colts Neck, Deal, Eatontown, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Long Branch, Neptune City, Neptune, Ocean Township, Red Bank, Shrewsbury Borough, Shrewsbury Township, Tinton Falls and West Long Branch.