Summer Service Project Aims to Keep Kids' Math Skills Sharp

An annual Berkeley Heights community service project is returning to help township kids retain all they've learned in math class during the summer.

The program Summer Math Blast, created by Gov. Livingston High School junior Erin Trella for students in grades 2-5, brings math games and activities to community pools and playground camps. 

The Math Blast is getting attention: Trella was honored for the community service effort with a Jefferson Awards for Public Service National Youth Service Award on June 1 at The Newark Museum. She also was awarded a Girl Scout Gold Award for her public service work, according to NJ.com. 

Since its start in 2011, the two-year project has grown from one pool site and 40 participants to at least four locations this summer expected to reach more than 300 kids. It's now a part of the curriculum of the Berkeley Heights Playground Camp at Columbia Park.

And Trella wants the effort to continue past its project two-year concept. She's  looking for community service-minded teens with leadership skills to develop Summer Math Blast for more community pools and camps in the future. For more information or to apply, contact Trella via email.