Published: June 16, 2009 09:26 pm      

Riley Hospital and Red Cross offer Babysitter Boot Camp

Babysitting is often one of the first jobs a teen or preteen will have – and it comes with lots of responsibilities.

“Babysitting is more involved than just ‘watching’ the child,” said Elizabeth Busbee, director of marketing for Riley Hospital.

“Adolescents need to understand that a child’s life is in their hands, and the decisions they make may have serious consequences,” Busbee said.

Riley has partnered with the American Red Cross, Key Chapter, to offer Babysitter Boot Camp. The first session was held Tuesday and will culminate today. A second session will be offered July 22- 23.

Babysitter Boot Camp is a two-day program that teaches adolescents, ages 11 and up, how to handle emergencies when caring for young children.

“The goal of Babysitter Boot Camp is to reduce the number of accidental and preventable deaths among children being cared for by babysitters,” said Busbee.

A group of 24 youth attended Tuesday's session, which was conducted by ARC Certified Professional instructors Rose Borders and Judy Williams.

During the course, students receive hands-on practice in basic life-saving techniques so they are prepared to act in a crisis. The participants also receive helpful tips to make them more confident caregivers. They learn safety and security precautions, such as what to do if a stranger comes to the door and when and how to call for help.

"They are instructed along the principles of FIND: Figure out what the problem is; Identify solutions; Name the pros and cons to the solution; and Decide what you will do," explained Williams.

Today, the youth will receive CPR training for infants and children.

Upon completion of the two-day camp, each participant will receive a card to show they are certified in CPR and a certificate.

"Riley Hospital is very proud to offer this program,” Busbee said. “I believe the program gives adolescents more confidence and knowledge on how to deal with problems, which makes them better sitters, and they carry this knowledge with them as they grow older and become better parents.”



Want to go?



Riley Hospital will offer Babysitter Boot Camp July 22-23, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day in the Riley Hospital Education Building. The cost for the program is $45, which covers materials, lunch on both days, a take-home first aid kit and CPR certification

For more information on the program or to register your child or your child’s babysitter, call Elizabeth Busbee at (601) 484-3586.