Author: Whitney Carman
Planning Unit: Grayson County CES
Major Program: Agriculture & Natural Resources
Plan of Work: Safety Education for Home, Food and Agriculture
Outcome: Initial Outcome
The Grayson County Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Advisory committee expressed interest in focusing on youth and safety in the last program year. There was already a program in the community that focused on student participation in a Safety Day with the local Warren Rural Electric Cooperative (WRECC). While this program was an excellent program, the Grayson County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent reached out to the coordinator with an opportunity to utilize and participate in the Progressive Ag Safety Day. This program is a nationally renowned program that focuses on safety in the home, community, and the farm. This program offers support, curriculum, giveaways, to name a few. The ANR agent met with the committee to discuss collaboration and they gladly accepted. The ANR agent worked with the WRECC representative to plan the program for the entire 4th grade population in Grayson County. This year there were 8 different stations hosted at the WRECC building on April 24th. Those included: Fire/rescue, First Aid, Firearm/Drug Safety, Electrical safety in the home and outside, Water Safety, Internet safety, and tractor/lawn mower safety. The program would not have been a success without the local first responders, agriculture dealers, RECC, health department, and local businesses. Over 272 students were in attendance: 258 white, 6 black, 5 Hispanic, 4 mixed race, and 1 other. There were over 37 volunteers in attendance. Overall, the program was a success due to everyone involved. Based on exit surveys from the students, they enjoyed the hands-on day. One student commented, “I will check for power lines before playing and not touch them.” The students were able to take back information they learned to be better equipped to be safe in their environment.
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