Generations of Mentor youth have learned the rules of the road and other general safety tips thanks to the annual Safety Town program presented by the Junior Women’s Club of Mentor in partnership with the Mentor Fire and Police Departments, the Mentor Public Library, and Mentor Schools.
Geared for children aged four to six years old, the program offers a fun and interactive learning experience.
Safety Town is led by local teachers and assisted by teen volunteers. Each day has a different theme, as the week includes lessons on water safety, firemen and fire safety, police and weapon safety, bus safety, and stranger-danger. Throughout the day the kids rotate through stations, learn basic traffic information, play on the playground, and create an art project based on the theme of the day.
“I think it’s very important. The things that we’re teaching these kids are things that a parent couldn’t really teach them,” said Mentor Police Officer Jack Skelly, who has been educating kids at Safety Town for the past eight years.
The goal is for kids to be able to learn valuable life lessons through firsthand experience. Some highlights of the program include allowing kids to ride a school bus for the first time, and seeing the inside of a police car, fire truck and ambulance.
Four sessions are offered throughout the summer with a total participation of approximately 350 children each year. Registration begins in February and sessions fill up fast. To learn more, visit the Mentor Junior Women’s Club Website mentorjuniorwomen.org.