On April 2, in Forestburg, SDSU Extension 4-H held a two-part babysitting clinic for youth ages eight to 14. Twenty-nine youth participated in Sanborn County. The goal of the 4-H babysitting course is to give youth the confidence to handle unexpected situations and to properly care for youth under their supervision.

Youth received hands on experience practicing CPR and what to do if a young child starts choking. CPR, first-aid and safety presentations were facilitated by Marla Feistner, RN, Sanborn County Health Nurse, and Kathy Wingert, RN. “These can be scary situations for most people, and youth who are babysitting need to be properly prepared to know how to handle these situations,” explained Audra Scheel, SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program Advisor. Each child received a first aid kit from the local SDSU Extension county office.

Sherryl Rankin, Sanborn County 4-H Administrative Assistant, provided the youth with knowledge on ages and stages of children and how to entertain them. Each participant was able to make some games to take with them for their babysitting bags.

Youth were also instructed on how to make healthy snacks and meals and what to remember when feeding children. Also discussed was how to run a babysitting business and some character education reminders. Youth participants each received a “4-H Grows Here” babysitting bag to hold all their information and items needed when they babysit. Child Development is a 4-H Project Area and their bag and its contents can be exhibited at 4-H Achievement Days.

If you would like more information about 4-H contact Audra Scheel, SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Program Advisor, at audra.scheel@sdstate.edu or your local SDSU Extension office.

…See a picture in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal!