Josie Gilces and Raj Gandhi recalled the lessons they learned about how to stay safe in and out of their homes during the Kids in Control program at the Boys and Girls Club of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Josie, 8, learned who she could go to in the community if she ever gets hurt and had to ask for help.
Raj, 9, said talking with firefighters and exploring the firetruck helped fire safety lessons stick with him.
"When there's a fire in our house, we can stop, drop and roll," he said Friday afternoon at the center.
Numbers released by the program revealed that 100 percent of the kids who participated in the program reported increased knowledge in handling scissors and knives properly, avoiding dangerous situations away from home and avoiding being victimized when home alone.
They, along with more than 170 kids from Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, took part in the 12-lesson after-school program last year thanks to a $5,000 grant through the Blue Ribbon Foundation of Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Children ages 6 to 11 were educated on first aid, stranger awareness, playground safety, cyber safety and controlling anger.
"We try to focus on health and wellness, especially children because the skills they learn will stay with them into adulthood," said Blue Cross spokesman Anthony Matrisciano.
Boys and Girls Club director Rich Kasavage said speakers from the community, law enforcement and first responder agencies came in and did hands-on, interactive demonstrations with the children, just one of the things that made the first-time program a success.
"It's good for the kids now and for the future," Mr. Kasavage said.
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