Author: dbelisle

Wesley’s Way Foundation was able to provide funding for the third year in a row for the Dare County Smart Kids R Safe Kids program. The following article published in October is from Dare County News, and it gives a good description of the program.

Dare County first graders receive Go Bags, learn important safety lessons

Post Date:10/24/2024 2:35 PM

Since 2021, Dare County Department of Health  & Human Services’ (DCDHHS) Smart KIDS R Safe KIDS program has been sharing important lessons with Dare County’s elementary-aged students about how to be prepared for hurricanes and other disasters as well as how to be safe in and around the water. 

The program got off the ground during the 2021-22 school year thanks to a NC Public Health Preparedness and Response Bright Ideas Grant and has continued with the help of a generous grant from Wesley’s Way Foundation as well as North Banks Rotary Club. As part of the program, Dare County first graders learn about ocean safety, flood safety and how to pack a Go Bag by watching an entertaining professionally-made video developed by Dare County employees. 

Students also receive their very own Go Bag from DCDHHS, complete with a Go Bag checklist, activity book and crayons, whistle, flashlight and water bottle. The bags also include a contact card for students and adults to fill out. 

“The Smart Kids Program is a fun way for students to learn about and prepare for floods without being scared,” said Dare County Department of Health & Human Services Preparedness Coordinator Greta Sharp. “We hope this program reminds adults to prepare as well.”

There were 316 Go Bags distributed to Dare County first graders in September and with the program in its fourth year, that means that all elementary students in Dare County this year have been exposed to water safety education and received Go Bags. 

The program is well received by students, who regularly send thank you cards for the lessons and the Go Bags. “Thank you for teaching me never to take your eyes off the water,” one recent card read. Another thanked program leaders for the Go Bags. “I loved the whistle,” the student wrote. 

For more information on the program, please visit https://www.darenc.gov/SafeKids. To learn more about being a Smart KIDS R Safe KIDS sponsor, please email Greta Sharp at Greta.Sharp@darenc.gov. 

Information on how to build a basic disaster supplies kit can be found here. 

 
DCDHHS Preparedness Coordinator Greta Sharp

Wesley’s Way has continued our tradition of donating water safety items to Camp Allen in Bedford, NH. The foundation purchased and donated a variety of items from Camp Allen’s wish list for their water program and daily camp activities that will make camp even more enjoyable this summer.

Camp Allen is a summer camp that provides opportunities for growth, friendship, and fun for children and adults with intellectual and/or physical challenges in an outdoor environment. Activities include swimming, hiking, arts, music, dance, and adapted sports.

Wesley’s Way was able to provide funding for the second year in a row for the Dare County Smart Kids R Safe Kids program. As part of the program in 2023, 370 first grade students learned about beach safety and evacuation, and all received an evacuation Go Bag with basic supplies and safety information for their parents.

Please remember to take a few minutes to make sure you are prepared for an emergency because you never know when one may occur. Stay safe everyone!

For more information on Smart Kids R Safe Kids, please visit www.darenc.com/safekids or contact Greta Sharp, Preparedness Coordinator with Dare County Department of Health & Human Services at 252.475.5073 or greta.sharp@darenc.com.