Activation ReACT at Diggerland, USA

We were invited as a family to a press conference to launch the partnership between Activation ReACT and DiggerlandUSA.  As a part of our day, we were provided with tickets to spend the day at DiggerlandUSA.  All opinions are my own. Since Hurricane Sandy happened here in New Jersey, my friend Elizabeth's mind has been busy trying to find a way to help people who have experienced similar devastating events.  She's a person that just isn't happy unless she's working to help other people.  She also is amazing at inspiring those feelings in other people.  She has a way of making you feel like even you, as an individual, have the power to make a big difference in the lives of others.  I feel so fortunate to count her as a friend.  And, when she told us all that she and her family were starting Activation ReACT (a non-profit) we were so excited for her and not the least bit surprised.  It left us all wanting to support her in any way we could.

Last week we attended "Activation Day" at Diggerland USA announcing their partnership with Activation ReACT... and witnessing the first business donation to the cause.  As expected, listening to Elizabeth talk about her new organization and the good she plans to do was inspirational.  It was also awesome to listen to Ilya Girlya (co-president of Diggerland, USA) talk about their support of Activation ReACT.

About Activation ReACT:

Activation Reaction is a national nonprofit to provide ways for people of all ages to lend a helping hand during environmental disasters within the United States. We assist individuals young and old to be proactive in their own neighborhoods using their own talents as a source of creative fundraising for victims of tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters, rather than feeling helpless and distant in times of need.

About Diggerland USA:

Diggerland USA is a construction themed adventure park where children and their families drive, ride, and operate heavy machinery in a safe family-friendly environment.

The new theme park site is centrally located behind the existing indoor and outdoor water park in West Berlin, NJ. The facility footprint covers 14 acres and features over 23 attractions. Diggerland USA opened June 14th 2014.

After the press event, we were able to spend the day in Diggerland USA.  While Zoe & Ana were interested in the park once we got there... I think I was particularly excited.  Growing up my family (Grandfather, Great Grandfather, and Uncle) were all employed with the Town of Morristown, NJ.  They... and a lot of the people we were around, spent their days working these big machines.  Like most kids... my brother and I had pretty big dreams of driving the diggers.  And people I FINALLY got to work a backhoe!!!  I will admit it made me a little giddy with joy.  (My brother is jealous.)

We talked a lot during the day with the girls about how Pop George (their Great Grandfather) and all of his friends drove these cool machines.  I think they had a lot more fun than they thought they would.  And now, every time we see a road crew... we can actually say we did that.  Diggerland USA definitely gave us a family experience we won't forget.  Nick and I spent a lot of the day thinking about how brilliant the park is.  What kid doesn't like trucks?  And the fact that you can REALLY drive this is awesome.  It's such a cool place, and while it's definitely every little boy’s dream... I can tell you of a few girls who think big trucks are pretty cool.

If you want to visit Diggerland USA check out their website.  And... if you would like to get involved with Activation ReACT definitely check them out too.  I know that our family will be participating and supporting Activation ReACT in any way we can.