Community Agencies and Businesses Provide Safety Camp for Area Youth

Fifty-five children entering third through fifth grades had the opportunity to learn a variety of safety measures at this year’s summer Safety Camp held on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at the Lunda Park.  The camp was made possible through a variety of community agencies brought together by the Greater Black River Area Safety Council, including Black River Memorial Hospital, Jackson County Public Health,  Ho-Chunk Nation Dept of Health, UW-Extension, Black River Falls School District and the BRF EMS/Fire Dept.

The Safety Camp included interactive presentations and information from a variety of professionals on first aid, bike & seat belt safety, outdoor safety, water/boating, animal safety, fire safety, and more.  Kristi Hanson from the Jackson County Public Health, says, “We were thrilled to have so many kids attend this year’s camp - the weather was perfect!  We have received nothing but positive feedback from kids and volunteers attending the event.” 

Some of the favorite hands-on activities included animal safety by Barb Pfaff from the Jackson County Animal Shelter and her Miniature Pinscher, Tasha.  The kids learned how to safely approach an animal, as well as when to leave it alone or get help.  Shaun Deeney, the DNR Warden, presented on water/boating safety with Dillon Chown braving the Lunda pond.

Because of a grant received through Wal-Mart, each participant received a door prize.  They also went home with a goodie bag filled with fun/educational items, and 42 went home with a much-needed bike helmet provided by the Brockway Police Department. Monica Lobenstein, UW Extension 4-H Youth Development Agent, said, “We are so fortunate to have an event where there is so much educational value for area children and hopefully they will bring this home to share with their families.”

Gabe Bush and Karlie Hudson each went home with a new bike; Anthonie Huntington won an insulated life jacket; and Rebecca Ross won a sports safety helmet.

The Safety Camp was sponsored by Wal-Mart, Perkins, Kwik Trip, Burnstad's, Black River Falls School District Food Services, Ho-Chunk Nation Department of Health, Culver's, Atlas Resin Proppants, Together for Jackson County Kids, Boys & Girls Club, Scholze's Ace Hardware, Moe's Hardware, Pepsi, Black River Memorial Hospital, UW-Extension, and the Greater Black River Area Safety Council.