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| Vol. 17, No. 39 | Aug. 20, 1998 |
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| Vol. 17, No. 39 | Aug. 20, 1998 |
The arrival of the Delaware State Police Emergency Team helicopter Aug. 14
near the Carpenter Sports Building was an awesome experience for
children enrolled in UD's First Aid and Health Kamp for Kids.
The new program had two phases, according to Judy Herrman, nursing. Nursing students took a course, "Teaching Wellness to Children," taught by Herrman and Kathy Schell, nursing, during one week in August. The following week they put what they had learned into practice, using the camp as the clinical part of their class.
The 14 nursing students were divided into groups and planned activities and crafts around each day's theme.
"They were innovative and came up with wonderful ideas and carried through on them," Herrman said. "The children had fun, and we have had positive feedback from them. In fact, one suggested having the camp all summer instead of for just a week. Being on campus and interacting with college students was another attraction."
On the first day, the children got acquainted, made up rules for themselves (no put-downs, no fighting) and counselors (be nice and like us) and were introduced to first aid. The nursing students acted as victims, thanks to some creative use of washable Halloween paint. The children learned what they should do for such things as nosebleeds, burns and dog bites. The highlight of the day was when the Aetna Hose Hook & Ladder ambulance arrived. The paramedics explained their job, and the children all got to climb inside and look around.
Another day the theme was caring for others. Children cared for dolls to simulate the responsibilities involved in infant care. A real baby was invited as well and was carefully held by the youngsters. The group also discussed caring for elderly people. Other activities included a visit from a police officer who talked about gun safety and precautions with strangers.
During Food, Fitness and Fun Day, the children learned about nutrition and made mobiles of their favorite foods. Yogurt and fresh fruit smoothies were whipped up in blenders as a snack.
The children also talked about stress and its causes. "Homework," said one, while another responded, "My little brother gets on my nerves." Other answers included "not being able to watch cable TV," "my teacher" and "when my friends throw things at me." Responses on how to cope with stress included chewing gum, going to sleep and going off and sitting alone.
"Don't be a couch potato-be a fitness spud!" was the advice about being physically active, and the day concluded with a visit to the pool for swimming and relays.
Other activities during the week included learning about choking, CPR, managing emergencies and the role of health care professionals.
The week ended with a visit from the Delaware State Police Emergency Team Helicopter.
This is the first year of the course and the accompanying camp, which received support from the Center for Teaching Effectiveness.
"We think of nurses in a hospital or health care setting, but they also play an important role today in promoting wellness. This course provided an opportunity for faculty to teach wellness education to students. In turn, the students got hands on experience in working with and teaching children about wellness.
"The children learned about health and first aid, which will always be useful to them, so it's a winning situation all around," Herrman said.
-Sue Swyers Moncure
Photo by Robert Cohen
