Today, Egg Harbor Township encompasses 41,600 acres and is comprised of the villages of Bargaintown English Creek, Scullville, Steelmanville, McKee City, Cardiff, Farmington, and West Atlantic City. More than 43,000 people live within the borders of Egg Harbor Township. It is governed by a five-member Township Committee. Members are elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis. The mayor and deputy mayor are appointed every January by the Township Committee. Egg Harbor Township is represented by the 2nd Congressional District and the 2nd state legislative district. Children attend kindergarten through 12th grades in the Egg Harbor Township School District. The Egg Harbor Township High School serves students in ninth through 12th grades. The township is part of the New Jersey's Pinelands National Reserve, which is an ecological system of wetlands, varying plant species, and forests, as well as historic villages and farms. The National Reserve preserves New Jersey's Pine Barrens, which stretches through more than seven counties in the state. Egg Harbor Township boasts Harbor Square, formerly known as the Shore Mall, a shopping complex of stores and restaurants. The township has an array of activities to keep residents and visitors busy. Township activities include basketball for both youths and adults; exercise programs, field hockey; karate; women's self-defense classes; tutoring; outdoor movie nights; free weekend concerts; yoga; and summer camp programs. Egg Harbor Township also offers sponsored activities and community organizations. Recreational bus trips offer residents the chance to visit places like Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Washington, DC, and the Bronx Zoo. Adults can partake in cooking demonstrations at the Egg Harbor Township Community Center at reasonable prices. Storybook Land, which opened in 1955, is located in Egg Harbor Township and has been a happy place for many generations of children. The whimsical amusement park is based on the fairy tale stories of childhood, so many of the attractions are reminiscent of those themes. In addition to the amusement rides, Storybook Land hosts events throughout the year. The park is open daily in May, June, July, August, and December; and weekends in April, September, October, and November. Visitors are advised that May is a busy month as many schools plan class trips to Storybook Land. Egg Harbor Township is close to the shore beaches so that residents can soak up the sunshine, but the activities and events within its township limits keep those who live here occupied. Unlike other places on the outskirts of the barrier islands, there is plenty to do in Egg Harbor Township so it's not necessary to cross over into other towns to find something fun.
