Camp teaches kids farm safety
September 21, 2000
Elementary and middle school students from 10 schools will learn the ins and outs of farm safety this weekend at the second annual Farm Safety Day Camp. The camp, which is designed for children in fourth through eighth grade, will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Farm Livestock Pavilion in Kildee Hall. It is organized by the ISU professional agriculture sorority, Sigma Alpha. Holly Blackford, head of the Sigma Alpha day camp committee, said she believes children are moving farther and farther away from the farm, and the event is an opportunity to educate kids in basic farm safety. “The kids will see demonstrations on tractor, mower, electrical, chemical, grain and animal safety, as well as basic first aid,” said Blackford, senior in public service and administration in agriculture. “Many of these kids can’t get the information anywhere else.” Laura Northway, president of Sigma Alpha, said the camp’s main goal is to “teach anyone who could be on a farm how to handle things in a variety of situations.” “The camp is aimed at children from the city as well as those from farms,” said Northway, senior in agricultural business. “Hopefully it will teach kids who aren’t usually in contact with farms what to do or not to do if they do visit a farm.” Blackford said she expects the event to attract between 20 and 40 kids. A $5 entry fee, which includes lunch and a T-shirt, is required for the camp. Farm safety day is one of many philanthropic activities Sigma Alpha participates in throughout the year. “Philanthropy is an important aspect of our sorority,” Blackford said. “Throughout the year we participate in highway cleanup, food and clothing drives and hand harvesting at local seed and corn companies.” Farm Safety Day Camp is sponsored by the Agricultural Business Club, Collegiate FFA, Pre-Vet Club, Dairy Science Club, Alpha Zeta, Dow Agro Sciences, Midland REC, Block and Bridle Club, AST Club and the ISU Ag Foundation. The hands-on safety events and demonstrations are largely presented by volunteers.