Kids

Updated: July 19, 2021

Junior Conservationist Program Announced

The Northwest Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Districts are pleased to offer a free, at-home “Do-It-Yourself” Jr. Conservationist summer program.

The program’s hands-on activities and registration can be found online at www.lucasswcd.org/jrcc.html. The soon-to-be Jr. Conservationist will have fun learning about soil, water, plants, animals, community and nature exploration by completing the required number of activities in each category and submitting photos of the activities or completed projects by Wednesday, August 25. Photos should be sent to local SWCD contacts, who will send participants a welcome message once they register. For a list of SWCD contacts, visit www.LucasSWCD.org.

Upon completion of the program, participants will be sent a certificate of achievement. If you would also like a Jr. Conservationist T-shirt for $10.00 (unless sponsored by your local SWCD), it will be invoiced and available for pickup at local SWCD offices or can be mailed to you for an additional $5.00 fee. The Lucas SWCD will sponsor T-shirts for the first 40 Jr. Conservationists to complete the program in Lucas County.

If you don’t wish to register or receive a T-shirt and certificate, you can still enjoy the activities on your own for free at any time by visiting the website.

If you are interested in participating or have questions, contact Jamie Kochensparger at the Lucas SWCD, (419) 893-1966, ext. 2; or visit www.lucasswcd.org/jrcc.html.

Safe Kids Greater Toledo Hosts Virtual Safety City

Safe Kids Greater Toledo at ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital will host a virtual Safety City program from Monday, July 26 through Sunday, August 1. The virtual education will be provided in the form of videos from community partners throughout the greater Toledo area. The videos will feature local experts such as firefighters, police officers, lifeguards, nurses and safety personnel.

Incoming kindergartners will receive education on a variety of different safety topics. The topics covered will include safe practices with fire, water, animals, police, bikes, school buses, railroads, booster seats, pedestrians and more.

Educational videos from community partners will be posted every morning throughout the week on the Safe Kids Greater Toledo Facebook page. There, participants can watch the designated safety topics for that day at a time that’s convenient for them and their families. Anyone can access and review the safety education provided regardless of where the original Safety City training took place.

Parents can sign up their children for the virtual Safety City at www.facebook.com/SafeKidsToledo. Registration will include an informational packet, fittings for a free bike helmet and entry into a drawing to win a new bike. To guarantee their child receives an informational packet, bike helmet and entry into the drawing, participants must be signed up before Monday, July 19. A location for packet pickup and helmet fittings will be announced at a later date but will occur during the week of July 19.

Safe Kids Greater Toledo works to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the No. 1 cause of death for children in the United States. Safe Kids Greater Toledo was founded in 1993 and is led by ProMedica Russell J Ebeid Children’s Hospital. For more information, visit safekids.org.

New Mountain Bike League Opens To Riders

A mountain bike league is forming in Northwest Ohio for junior high and high school students. Racing is expected to begin this fall.

The Ohio Mountain Bike League is part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). NICA has over 20,000 student-athletes in 31 leagues all over the country. Its philosophy is that every kid gets to ride; no kids sit on the bench.

The Northwest Ohio team will be the Black Swamp Riders. There are two trails not far from Maumee, one at Oak Openings Metropark and one at Ottawa Park.

For more information, visit https://toledomtb.org/grade-6-12-league-info.

Lial Offers Pre-K Program Registration For Next Year

Lial Catholic School in Whitehouse is opening a pre-K program for 3-year-olds for the 2021-22 school year. Lial is currently enrolling for the morning session, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.

If there is enough interest, an afternoon session could open Monday through Friday from noon to 3:00 p.m.

The pre-K program for 3-year-olds will infuse Montessori principles and purposeful play, creating a structured learning environment for the youngest learners. A typical day will include: Bible stories; gross motor play (outdoor exploration); Montessori practical life; sensorial, language and math components; and dramatic play-infused themes.

Children must be 3 years old by September 1, toilet trained and able to express their needs. Call the school office at (419) 877-5167 to enroll.

For additional information, contact Lynn Cherry, head of school, at (419) 877-5167.