Progressive Agriculture Safety Day Camp®

The Progressive Agriculture Safety Day Camp® teaches children farm safety education tailored to the type of farming that occurs in their community. The program provides the resources that communities need to conduct one-day safety programs that are age-appropriate, hands-on, fun, and safe for children. The basic program reaches children aged 8 through 13, but safety days may also be conducted for children aged 4 through 7 or for entire families. Camps range in size, but participants are assigned to small groups to provide personal attention and optimal learning conditions. Safety topics included in the day include the use of tractors, motorized farm equipment, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Participants engage in learning stations, demonstrations, games, simulations, and other educational activities.

The goal of the Farm Safety Day Camp is to make farm and ranch life safer and healthier for children through education and training.

A pre- and three month post-test was used to evaluate the effectiveness of Farm Safety Days on 1,780 participants, ages 8 to 13. Scores were computed from 20 knowledge and behavior items related to first aid and safety around animals, ATVs, farm equipment, flowing grains, and tractors. There was a modest, but significant increase from the pre-test to the post-test in correct answers for the knowledge questions, and a significant increase in reported safe behaviors. These changes were consistent for both males and females, for farm residents and no-farm residents, and across all ages in the sample.