934th Security Forces go to safety camp

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Samantha Wagner
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL AIR RESERVE STATION --  Members of the 934th Security Forces Squadron, Staff Sgt. Kristofer Geiger and Senior Airman Jacob Rylander, volunteered as camp counselors at the Coon Rapids Safety Camp, July 24-25, at Sand Creek Park in Coon Rapids, Minn.  The safety camp, funded only by donations, is designed to teach fourth and fifth graders basic safety including electrical, bicycle, seatbelt and water safety. 

This years' presentations included helmet safety by quadriplegic artist Don Bania who was injured in a motorcycle accident, power line safety by Connexus, healthy friendships by Alexandra House, bullying by CLIMB Theater, head and brain injuries by Allina, drug awareness, peer pressure and bike safety by stunt bicyclist Rich Wieber, when to call 911 by Todd Messer, Fridley Fire Department; and a drug message by yo-yo expert Dazzling Dave, as well as a roll over simulator, North Memorial Air Care Helicopter, and water safety at the YMCA.

Safety camp participants are separated into six teams.  Counselors are responsible for getting campers to presentations, making sure the kids are safe and having fun. 

"My favorite part of the camp is the kids," said Geiger.  "Seeing them take part in the presentations is rewarding."

"At camp graduation, the kids see the counselors in uniform for the first time," he added.  "Their faces light up when they realize that the people having fun and playing games with them the past two days are also the people protecting them and their community." 

Safety Camp counselors include volunteers from Coon Rapids Fire Department, Coon Rapids Police Department, Allina Transportation and the 934th SFS. The safety camp, sponsored by the Coon Rapids Fire Department, has been held every summer for the past 17 years. 

The 934th SFS became involved in 2003 when Senior Master Sgt. Steven Anderson, (then) Security Forces Operations Superintendent, offered the SFS participation.  Anderson's daughters then became volunteers at the camp.  Geiger was introduced in 2005 and has been a large part of the camp ever since.  

"I can't say enough good things about Kris," said Shelley Chapin, Coon Rapids Fire Department secretary.  "He brings great people.  He shows up early, helps with the set up,  and always asks what else he can do,"  She added. "He is very motivated and has been a great benefit to the safety camp.  While the fire department, police department and Allina transportation rotate volunteers every year, the 934th SFS volunteers stay consistent."

"Kris is bringing great ideas for camp presentations and is excited to bring in additional presenters," said Chapin.  "He's going to be a great asset in organizing future camps."