CASSOPOLIS — Cass County youth will have the chance to learn how to put safety first at an upcoming event hosted by the Cass County Council on Aging.

The COA will host its annual Camp Safe Kids event from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, June 17 at the Lowe Center, 60525 Decatur Road, Cassopolis. The day camp, which is free for children ages 9 to 11 to attend, is a collaboration between the COA, Penn Township Fire Department, Dowagiac Public Safety Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Office and Midwest Energy and Communications. The program is now in its 12th year.

Through interactive programs, Camp Safe Kids participants will learn about internet, water, traffic, bike and fire safety. Additionally, children will learn about CPR and first aid, see a demo from the Cass County and Dowagiac K-9 units, and hear a presentation from MEC. Participants will be served continental breakfast and lunch and will also be given a T-shirt and helmet.

“It really is a fun time,” said Sandi Hoger, an event organizer. “The kids always really enjoy themselves, and they really learn a lot.”

Camp Safe Kids can accommodate 35 children. Currently, there are still spots left open for the June 17 program, as event organizers said registration is down from where it has been by this time in previous years.

“Usually at this time, we are at capacity,” Hoger said. “We still have some spots that we want to fill this year.”

Hoger said she would encourage parents to sign their children up for the day camp not only because it is a fun time, but because she believes it is important that young children learn about public safety.

“We just think this is a lot of stuff that they are not going to get anywhere else,” she said. “Water safety, bike safety, all of those things are so important to kids. It’s just a good day for young people to get together and learn some new things.”

Two of Hoger’s grandchildren have taken part in Camp Safe Kids in the past, and Hoger said she believed that it benefitted them. She added that she has seen children come back for a repeat year because they enjoyed the program so much.

“The kids are out of school, and it is just a day where parents can drop off their kids and know that they are going to have a great time,” Hoger said. “It’s a really great program that is unique for this area.”

To learn more about Camp Safe Kids or to register, call the COA at (269) 445-8110.