Battalion Chief Cindy Strebel from Running Springs Fire Department demonstrates safety techniques when a small child is choking. She also shared some basic first aid tips for basic injuries that could occur to children while one is babysitting.

Steve Valentine, a professional dancer, led the girls in some stretches and dance moves so they could “shake it off” after sitting so long.

The girls decorated their own babysitting bags which they stuffed with items that could come in handy while babysitting.

Deputy Victoria discussed personal safety and gave the girls important advice on what to do if they find themselves in an uncomfortable or unsafe situation.
(Photos by Virgie Witte)

Learning the ins and outs of staying safe

Submitted by Elaine Tipton

Every Girl Counts – the Soroptimist-sponsored program for middle-school girls – met at Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School on Wednesday, Jan. 25 with a theme of safety.
Deputy Victoria, from the Twin Peaks Sheriff’s Station, discussed personal safety with the girls. She gave the girls tips on what to do if they find themselves in an uncomfortable situation and told them to always reach out to talk to an adult (parent, teacher, counselor, law enforcement officer) as there are many people who will help them stay safe.
Soroptimist member Sheila presented information on Internet safety. The girls, with Sheila’s guidance, identified important things to remember when using online programs or social media sites so that one can keep their identity and personal information private. Sheila also gave the girls a handy reference sheet they can share with their parents as a handy reminder for all so that Internet security is maintained for their entire family.
The girls then got to stretch a bit with some dancing instruction provided by Steve Valentine. Everyone had fun “shaking it off” to some upbeat music.
The event ended with basic first aid tips taught by Battalion Chief Cindy Strebel of the Running Springs Fire Department. The girls learned some basic babysitting safety, including what to do when a small child is choking, and they got to practice their skills on the lifelike dolls that BC Cindy brought for her demonstration.
Making “babysitting bags” was the closing arts and crafts activity. The girls decorated canvas bags that they then filled with items that they can bring when babysitting. The “stuff” they put in their bags included things to use to entertain kiddos (a squishy ball, a list of indoor and outdoor games) as well as safety items (bandages, ice pack) in case they need them for small boo boos. Mountains Community Hospital donated many of these items.
Soroptimist International of Rim of the World wishes to thank Deputy Victoria, Soroptimist Sheila, Battalion Chief Cindy, Steve Valentine and Mountains Community Hospital for their time, information and donations which helped make this Every Girl Counts event an informative and fun experience!
Girls in sixth, seventh and eighth grade at Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School can still enroll in Every Girl Counts and take part in the programs on Feb. 22 and March 22. Applications, which must be signed by a parent or guardian, are available in the school office and at the security desk.