Evanston Safety Town is a summer day camp program based on the program developed by National Safety Town, founded in Dayton, Ohio. Since it began in Evanston in 1977 as a standing committee of the Evanston-Skokie District 65 Council of PTAs, several thousand young people have participated in the program. There have been a number of second generation campers following in the footsteps of their parents. And at least one third generation camper has attended. HIs grandmother was one of the founders and his father attended in the 1980s. Thank you, Nancy Doyle and her son, Barry. 

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The camp entertains as it educates. Teen counselors are an essential part of making the camp a lot of fun. Teens earn community service hours with the contribution of their time. Ages for campers are 4-7 and this year we are accepting 8 year olds who were unable to attend camp during the pandemic. We have found that campers under the age of 4 do not benefit from the program so age 4 by June 1, please. 

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Safety topics covered include crossing the street, what to do in an emergency and when to call 911. Also included are how to approach a strange animal (a therapy dog will visit), safety rules for household fires, water and bicycles, good touch/bad touch (created with the help of a child psychologist), and safe driving practices. Expect to have your driving critiqued by your child!

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The safety topics are available on this site. A schedule of topics will be posted in the room as it may vary. Speakers who visit are policemen, firefighters, a therapy/service dog and a bicycle shop owner. Bike day will be announced several days in advance. Helmets are required.

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Camp is held at Lincolnwood School in the kindergarten rooms at the west end of the building. There is a parking lot on the south side of the building at 2600 Grant and street parking on Colfax on the north side of the building. Please be aware of parking restrictions for street cleaning. The City tickets and tows.

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There is no residency requirement for campers. We welcome residents of neighboring communities.

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Camper allergies have required us to allow no food in the classroom. Please inform us about allergies on the registration form and provide appropriate medication in a plastic bag with the name of the camper and a phone number for a parent or emergency contact. Sunscreen should be applied before the camp begins each day. Sunglasses and hats and visors are welcome. The room has 2 bathrooms and a water fountain.

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Teen volunteers are an essential part of the program. They work in small groups with the campers to explain and reinforce the daily topics and create and color materials that are collected in a booklet for each camper.  Videos, puzzles, and books are also provided to reinforce the rules. 

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Campers requiring more attention can be paired with one teen. Please notify us of this requirement on the registration form. 

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The safety rules are reinforced daily (weather permitting) on the "Town" painted on the playground by a local Boy Scout for his Community Service Badge for Eagle Scout status.

  

Emily Guthrie, Director, has been with the program since 1984. Her own children are now in their 40s. She loves the program and enjoys pulling it together every year as a contribution to the community.

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