Sunday, May 25, 1997

Runnels and Tom Green safety camp for kids is June 18

Farm accidents can happen in a blink of an eye. When youngsters are the victims, it's made all the worse.

Some think farm accidents are just inevitable, but they are preventable.

The second "Texas Farm Safety Day Camp" at Angelo State University's MIR Center will teach kids to steer clear of trouble.

This camp is for 9- to 15-year-old Runnels and Tom Green County youth. It runs from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. June 18 at the MIR Center on ASU's farm. The site is off U.S. Highway 87 north of San Angelo.

Texas A&M Extension Service offices in the two counties are joining "Progressive Farmer" magazine and eight national donors in sponsoring the event. The program teaches farm and ranch youngsters to be aware of safety hazards.

Patricia Hohensee, Runnels County Extension agent in Ballinger, will provide primary leadership for the camp.

"Safety topics this year include safe ATV use, farm equipment hazards, personal protection and health issues, chemical safety, shop and hand-tool hazards, fire extinguishing and weather" Hohensee said.

In addition, special sessions will focus of the use of seat belts and precautions with snakes.

Registration is just $15 per child. The fee covers lunch, refreshments, a T-shirt, insurance, and take-home safety kits.

To register or for more information, contact the Runnels County Extension Service office at (915) 365-5042, or the Tom Green County Extension office at (915) 659-6524.

The camp is limited to the first 125 farm and ranch children registered. The registration deadline is June 4.

Speaking of farm safety

"Progressive Farmer" magazine has won a prestigious national award for its safety efforts.

The magazine earned the award for the best public affairs program from the National Agri-Marketing Association's "Best of NAMA" awards competition.

This award was presented to "Progressive Farmer" specifically for its Farm Safety Day Camp program.