Area Youth Get the Basics of Babysitting at Camp
MSU Teton County Extension
Several youth from around the area, enlisted in the Babysitter Bootcamp sponsored by MSU Teton County Extension on June 13. Young would-be babysitters learned first aid skills from Nikki Patten, R.N. The babysitter troop learned that safety of the children in their charge is the first priority. Participants learned how to handle situations from cuts and scrapes to larger emergency-type situations. Repeatedly it was stressed that being prepared and preventing injury makes for a top-ranking babysitter.
Jane Wolery, MSU Teton County Extension, taught the “basics of babysitting,” which included tips on starting a business, promoting your business, investing in babysitting resources, and keeping yourself safe from harm while on the job.
Julienne Gramm, educator, explained about foods for children. Participants learned about food allergies, choking hazards and preparing nutritious snacks. As well, Gramm shared her enthusiasm for using music to inspire children and to provide enrichment activities while babysitting.
Two-month old Cole Wood was the youngest of the instructors, as he and his mother, Lacy Wood came to share about diapering and baby care.
The group got armed for babysitting with some great ammunition from Christina McCollom, Choteau Elementary teacher. McCollom marched the troops through a wide variety of activities from science to art to literature.
Jamie Smith, Choteau Librarian, entertained the enlistees with her storytelling methods and examples of how to build a babysitting day around stories and literature. Smith showed many of the activities, games, crafts that she has used during story-hour at the Choteau Library.
Fully armed, the participants formed squadrons to plan a day of babysitting for various ages and genders of children. Their plans were reviewed by drill sergeant for the Babysitter Bootcamp, Jane Wolery.
Twenty-five youth from Dutton, Fairfield, Augusta, and Choteau registered for the 7-hour boot camp. One participant even came from as far away as Lewistown. Participants ranged from age 9 to 14. Not all are ready to begin babysitting on their own and many will be studying further. Those who wished to have their names listed include: Chelsea Alfson, MacKenzie Carlson, Chottie Crary, Dana Dale, Madi Gameon, Sierra Gramm, Abby Henderson, Jessica Howard, Morgan Klaus, Abigail Konen, Megan Krone, McKenna LaValley, Gavin McCollom, Adrienne Murphy, Tessa Reier, Taylor Schwenke, Abby Smith, Shae Sonju, Alannah Walker, Tara Walton, and Steven Were. Each participant received a copy of the book, The Ultimate Babysitter Handbook.
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