It’s Safety Town time again – this well-loved Corvallis summer tradition has been preparing generations of incoming kindergarteners for the fall for 35 years now, and it is still super-fun – just ask any kiddo that’s been.
Offered by the Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis, the program is taught by staff and teen volunteers, who in turn work with community partners to introduce children to important safety concepts. The curriculum includes safety with animals and around water, and gun and fire safety. Combined with songs, art projects, videos and field trips, the program provides a fun, and interactive learning experience.
One memorable Safety Town feature is a miniature town complete with pedal cars where children have fun learning pedestrian and car safety.
“The heart of this program is the generous gift of time from our emergency responders and other community presenters who teach important safety topics at an age-appropriate level.” Says Helen Higgins, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club. “The Corvallis Kiwanis Foundation provided funding support and the Club is still seeking a title sponsor at $3,000 to help cover scholarship requests and snacks.”
A few student and volunteer spaces are still open
There are two – one-week sessions with a morning or afternoon option.
Session 1, Aug. 5 to 9: Morning Option: 9 am to 12 pm. Afternoon Option: 1 pm to 4 pm
Session 2, Aug. 12 to 16: Morning Option: 9 am to 12 pm. Afternoon Option: 1 to 4 pm
There are a limited number of scholarships available. The program costs $100 for the one-week session.
Also, Safety Town has teen volunteer spots available for youth in grades 7 to 12. Teen volunteers assist the Safety Town staff in teaching safety concepts and will be paired with an instructor to work with a small group of participants.
For more information call the Boys & Girls Club at (541) 757.1909 or register at https://www.bgccorvallis.org/programs/safety-town/. The volunteer opportunity for Safety Town is part of the Club’s Johnson Teen Center job skills program, and its participants will work with the Teen Center Director and Safety Town staff. Contact Casey Higgins casehiggins@bgccorvallis.org for more information.
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