Safety Camps
Programs
Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death for children under the age of 14. More children die each year from preventable injuries than from all childhood diseases combined. Children are injured or killed in traffic incidents, burns, drowning, choking, falls, and poisoning.
Each year, poison centers manage over 1 million potentially toxic exposures in children under the age of 12. Changes in family structure and daily routines have increased the risk of accidental poisonings, particularly when children are home without close supervision.
Safety Camp
Safety Camp was first developed in 1990 by the Eden Prairie, Minnesota Police Department and has grown to national prominence. The program teaches children about safety in a fun, day-camp environment while also building positive relationships with police, fire, and medical personnel.
Most camps are designed for children who have just completed 3rd or 4th grade. Camps typically include 60–150 participants and run for 2–3 days. During the camp, safety professionals lead small group sessions covering a variety of safety topics.
Campers rotate through stations, allowing each group to participate in all activities. Sessions are usually 30–60 minutes in length, depending on the program.
Available Activities
These activities can be used for Safety Camp or adapted for other educational programs for elementary-aged students:
If you have questions about poisoning or possible exposures, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.