A-State To Hold Disaster Camp for Middle School Students 
JONESBORO – Middle school students will get an opportunity to learn to survive a disaster at the week-long, half-day 2015 Disaster Camp at Arkansas State University, Monday through Friday, July 20-24.
The camp, sponsored by the Regional Center for Disaster Preparedness Education at Arkansas State, is for a maximum of 30 students entering seventh or eighth grades in the fall. Disaster Camp incorporates computer technology, science and various disasters, as well as individual disaster planning, first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and coping strategies. The camp finale will involve a simulated earthquake.
“Campers will enjoy diverse methods of instruction and learning, including which natural hazards pose the most significant regional threats,” said Brent Cox, assistant professor of disaster preparedness. “Activities include games in which campers can win disaster preparedness supplies, like a shower in a bag, and making disaster kits they will take home.”
Cox said the camp will also address changing nutritional needs during a disaster. Because of extreme temperatures that can occur during a disaster situation, concerns about food safety can become a problem. Campers will learn about food safety with provided snacks.
The cost is $75 for a single participant or $125 for two participants from the same family. For additional information, contact the DPEM department at (870) 680-8286 or email dpem@AState.edu. To register, fax a completed registration form and a copy of the payment receipt to: Disaster Camp, College of Nursing and Health Professions, P.O. Box 910, State University, AR 72467, or scan the form and email to dpem@AState.edu.
Payment must be made by check or credit card to the A-State cashier’s office. The staff will provide a receipt. A copy of the receipt must accompany the registration form. Payment may also be made in person at the Carl R. Reng Student Union, second floor. Or payment may be mailed to: Cashier’s Office, Arkansas State University, P.O. Box 2640, State University, AR 72467.
The camp’s agenda includes: Monday, July 20—Registration, family group assignments, “Who ya gonna call?” snack, personal disaster kit building, family plan, fire prevention and CPR. Tuesday, July 21—Review game, coping with fear, disaster crawl, snack, food safety in disasters, team building exercise and CPR. Wednesday, July 22—Review game, first aid, skull and crossbones time, snack, HAZMAT, decon water day. Thursday, July 23—Review game, natural disasters, earthquakes, snack, storm tracker, weather radios programming and first aid. Friday—July 24 Arkansas Department of Emergency Management presentation, earthquake simulation, snack, graduation ceremony (5-6 p.m., parents and family are invited).
Camp participants are asked to bring comfortable clothes, tennis shoes or boots (no sandals), sunscreen, inquisitive mind, cooperative spirit and emergency medications (inhalers, etc.)
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