By Gary Lloyd
Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale is offering two sessions of “Prepared, Not Scared,” a summer camp teaching safety, self-defense and survival skills to students entering fifth through the seventh grades.
The camps will be held Aug. 5-9 and Aug. 12-16 at Ruffner Mountain Nature Center, and are being taught by instructors from Fresh Air Family and Hoover Tactical Firearms.
“This camp will teach young people to be prepared for whatever life may throw at them,” Hale said. “Our greatest allies in public safety are people who know what to do in an emergency.”
The camp will teach students what to do in a variety of situations — what to do if they find a gun or encounter an active shooter. The program is based on the National Rifle Association’s “Refuse to Be a Victim” program.
“Everyone should have personal safety skills in today’s world,” said Whit Wright, managing partner at Hoover Tactical Firearms.
Through the program, students will learn non-aggressive ways to try to escape an attacker and how to be aware of potential hazards.
Fresh Air Family instructors will teach survival skills, such as what to do when you get lost. Campers will learn how to orient directions, build a shelter, make a fire and which plants are edible. Lessons include learning poisonous from non-poisonous in the plant and animal world.
To register a student, call 757-636-5703 or email Christine@FreshAirFamily.org.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.