End of Summer Safety

Well, they say that by the Fourth of July summer is half over and school is just around the corner, so I guess that’s how it is.  Some folks may already have their vacations in the books for this year and some may still be in the planning stages but if you are one of those who are still looking for some fun and safe things that will continue to entertain your kids for the rest of the summer, we may have some ideas.  If you have yet to head off on your family vacations to the beach or maybe to a popular amusement park, or maybe your kids are going with friends and their families, it’s a perfect opportunity to talk with your kids again about their safety when they are away from home and away from you.  Make sure they have a cell phone loaded with minutes for them to call you when they want, especially if they are going away without you.  Kids won’t admit it, but they miss us when they are away, even when they are having fun.    Also, talk to them about the basic safety “do’s and don’ts” around people they don’t know even if they think they are too old to have the “Stranger” talk.  Kids sometimes forget there are unsafe people around them even in fun places. Remind them to stay with the people they know, don’t take any chances and above all, make safe decisions about what they are doing. 

If you are like me and are planning a “staycation”, think about all the great things this area has to offer.  You can plan family movie night at the Campus Theatre, and enjoy Music in the Park on Wednesday nights.  You can get the kids plenty of sidewalk chalk and have them draw a mural of one of their favorite places to visit.  If your kids are a bit older and still need to let you know where they are at and what they are doing, the Lewisburg pool offers great relaxation and entertainment during the day.  There are also several area community centers like the Donald L Heiter Community Center and the Buffalo Valley Recreational Authority (BVRA) that have action packed summer camps filled with travel and adventure while sneaking some educational value in the mix as well.  BVRA also lists a number of sports, gymnastic and other camps for kids on their website. 

Tell your kids to watch what they post on social media this summer about being away from their parents or not being home.  If you follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, someone else is probably doing that too.  Don’t advertise that you are not home or that they are not with you.  Safety is always first, fun happens after that.  Enjoy the rest of your summer.  Remember, the start of school is only a little over a month away.     

-Heather S., Education Director