Every minute of every day, children are injured at times fatally by not realizing the possible dangers that surround them. Through education, many of these accidents can be eliminated and children can lead safer lives.
A total of 114 youth ages 8-11 took part in the 20th Annual Merrill Safety Day Camp for Kids on Tuesday, Aug. 5, sponsored by Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center, UW-Extension-Lincoln County, Lincoln County Farm Bureau and Merrill Parks and Recreation.
“Injury prevention starts with developing good habits at an early age,” said Heidi Duley, R.N. of Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center. “We are delighted with this year’s turn out for our 20th Anniversary and hope the valuable information provided may to participants may one day save lives.”
Safety Day Camp for Kids offers education and training by knowledgeable and highly skilled speakers who work in a wide range of fields. Participants have the chance to hear them, obtain educational materials and most importantly have direct content with the equipment and animals, all while being supervised and having their questions answered.
Safety topics covered by community partners for this year’s Safety Day Camp included water, lawn mower and small engine, highway, animal and gun safety. Additional sessions on the dangers of alcohol, drugs and smoking as well as bullying were provided. Oral health information was included to encourage healthy habits among participants. Ministry Spirit Medical Transportation’s “Spirit Air 2” also made a stop at Safety Day Camp to explain its role in local EMS services.
Safety Day Camp organizers would like to thank the following additional sponsors for their support: American Red Cross, Check ‘N Go, Hugo’s, Lincoln County 4-H, Lincoln County Health Department, Lincoln County Highway Department, Lincoln County Safe and Stable Families, Lincoln County Sports Club, Merrill Area Public Schools, Merrill Police Department, Mosinee Kennel Club, Northwood’s Tobacco-Free Coalition, Tomahawk Railway a Genesee & Wyoming Company Inc., Wisconsin Operation Lifesavers.