Beaufort County Schools
S.W. Snowden Elementary School’s SPLASH participants had an exciting day of summer camp July 23.
SPLASH stands for Snowden Provides Learning After School Hours.
The volunteer fire and rescue departments in Aurora and Blounts Creek teamed up to educate SPLASH students about fire safety. Students saw a demonstration of how to put on a firefighter’s safety equipment quickly, learned about the training needed to become a firefighter and the importance of teamwork. Students were told not to panic if they should catch on fire. They practiced how to stop, drop and roll.  Then students completed an activity — Get Out of the House! — and learned escape routes for getting out of a burning house safely. To complete the experience, students went outside to view a fire engine and took turns holding a hose as it sprayed forceful water at high speeds. Each student was given a Cappy the Dog fun pages firefighter pack, a junior firefighter sticker and a junior fire chief’s hat.
That afternoon, Investigator Karen Ball with Beaufort County’s Crime Stoppers came to educate students about having a bully free school. Students learned what is bullying, different types of bullying, including cyber bullying, and the possible signs of bullying. Discussion included stranger-danger tips and how to be an everyday hero by setting an example for other children. Students asked questions and were interested in learning more about staying out of the juvenile justice system. Students received jump ropes, tote bags, bookmarks and other novelty items to help them remember the lesson about being bully free.
The day’s events were coordinated by Chynna Bonner (who serves as the media tutor for the SPLASH program) and supplemented the safety and life skills curriculum presented throughout the summer program. The safety and life skills program is published by the Modern Woodmen of America, a fraternal financial service organization.
SPLASH Director Bettie Davis noted the importance of utilizing community members and resources in the education of students about topics that have become more relevant, such as the use of social media and the focus on issues such as bullying. Davis wanted SPLASH participants to understand that it takes everyone working together to make a difference.