Their eyes widened and their hearts beat a little faster. The van filled with excited chatter. Faces pressed against the window. Fingers pointed towards what lay before them. They could hardly wait. And slowly, very slowly, the van pulled into Springdale Fire Station #1. Today was the day students would experience life as a fireman.
Lifeline, comprised of students in 2nd-5th grade, has allowed the opportunity to learn many different life skills this year. Lifeline meets every first and third Saturday of the month. One of the monthly meetings consists of a story from the Bible, complete with games, snacks, and time with leaders. The other meeting introduces students to a wide variety of life skills or community service activities, ranging anywhere from self-defense to fire safety to healthy eating.
Students transformed into ninjas for the first life skill Lifeline in September, as they donned homemade "ninja" headbands and learned self-defense moves. Students practiced their moves on leaders, an activity that students enjoyed and leaders endured. They also talked about fitness and challenged each other to epic competitions in wall sits and planks.
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| Bentonville students at the fire station! |
During the second life skill, Ozone vans transported students to fire stations in their respective cities to tour a fire station and learn about fire safety. Bentonville student Jesslynn said, “I have to say [the fire station visit] was pretty amazing and my favorite part was probably the ambulance.” Others learned valuable lessons: “I learned that when a fireman puts on an oxygen mask, it sounds like Darth Vader.” The firemen also emphasized fire safety, encouraging kids to never play with matches or enter a burning building.
Students’ stomachs were full after the third life skill of the semester: healthy eating. The time began with a review of the basic food groups, followed by food related games and activities. Students’ favorite part, by far, was the snack – Ants on a Log. After receiving a plate full of ingredients, students compiled their very own healthy snack, a piece of celery filled with peanut butter and topped with raisins. Seconds were a must.
The next semester promises more fun activities, including more community service activities for those in elementary. But we’ll keep those under wraps until after Christmas. For now, students enjoy recounting their experiences through Ozone. Said Springdale student Natalie: “This is the best field trip I’ve ever been on.”
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