All Smiles at Safety Camp 2009

Chalk up another successful Safety Camp for the City of Blaine.

The 13th annual event, co-sponsored by the Blaine Police Department, Spring Lake Park-Blaine-Mounds View Fire Department and Blaine Parks and Recreation Department, is an exciting two-day program designed to reduce the number of accidents and injuries among young children as well as provide the skills to cope with emergency situations. Held at SBM Fire Station 3 in Blaine on July 14 and 15, Safety Camp 2009 again went off flawlessly thanks to the enthusiastic participation of the campers and the tireless work of the camp counselors. 

Upon arrival, the 150 campers were split into six colored teams, with each team led by a police officer, firefighter, paramedic and Parks and Recreation staffer. However, the professional identity of each leader was withheld from the kids to set up a surprise revelation at the awards ceremony at the end of camp.

Following a welcome reception with Smokey the Bear, McGruff the Crime Dog and Sparky the Fire Dog, campers jumped immediately into learning activities. First day morning sessions included outdoor survival tips and practices, personal safety and electrical safety.

A pizza lunch preceded the bike helmet fitting portion, where each camper was fitted for a new bike helmet by safety services experts. Afterward, the teams participated in internet safety and fire safety sessions. They also heard an inspiring presentation from Don Bania, Jr., a quadriplegic who developed his artistic abilities by learning to draw using his mouth. Don awed campers by drawing a picture of Peanuts character Schroeder as they watched. His display of perseverance and message of making wise choices clearly resonated with the young crowd. At the end of his presentation, Don revealed that he also designed and drew the Safety Camp logo found on campers’ shirts.

Unfortunately, a planned helicopter landing by the Minnesota State Patrol was canceled due to inclement weather. Instead, the children enjoyed team-building games to cap off an exhausting but fun-filled day of learning.

Day Two began where the previous left off. Morning activities included water safety in the swimming pool at Foss Swim School and a safety on wheels/brain injury prevention session. As part of the brain injury portion, a local teenager named Drew, who suffered brain injuries among other serious injuries in a bicycle accident last fall, spoke to the campers about the importance of wearing a helmet while biking, skateboarding and other activities.

After re-energizing with a burger lunch, a deejay entertained the children with kid-friendly music and dancing. Campers were then treated to a presentation from the Blaine Police Department’s K9 unit. Officer Rowe and Gunner demonstrated suspect apprehension, and afterward the children were able to meet Gunner up close and personal.

Continuing the animal theme, an animal expert shared several animals – a snake, raccoon and desert fox, among others – with the children while discussing animal safety. The afternoon ended with a performance by magician Brian Richards titled “Drugs Steal the Magic.”

Safety Camp culminated with an awards ceremony at the Centennial Performing Arts Center. In the hour prior, campers arrived with family to find camp counselors dressed in their respective professional uniforms. Getting to know police officers, firefighters, paramedics and Parks and Recreation staff as “normal people” was part of the thrill of the safety camp experience. At the awards ceremony, each camper was presented a medal and certificate proclaiming successful completion of Safety Camp.

Blaine Safety Services would like to thank the many employees, volunteers and sponsors for again making Blaine Safety Camp an extraordinary success. A special thank you and congratulations also goes out to all the campers for their wholehearted participation.

Look for information about Safety Camp 2010 in the Parks and Recreation Department’s Recreation Connection next spring.

Special thank you to the 2009 Blaine Safety Camp sponsors: Allina Medical Transportation; Big Bell Ice Cream; Blainbrook Bowl; Blaine Public Safety Association; Connexus Energy; Cub Foods – Blaine East, Cub Foods – Blaine South and Cub Foods – Blaine West; Foss Swim School; McDonald’s of Blaine; Mercy and Unity Hospitals; Stanley and Patricia Peterson Family; Pizza Hut of Spring Lake Park; SAFE KIDS Anoka County; Spring Lake Park Lions; Spring Lake Park Youth Hockey; Subway of Blaine; SuperMom’s Baker of Super America; Village Bank – Blaine.