From left, Logan Kinn, 3, and Antonio Abi-Nader, 4, learn about fire safety Thursday at the Darmstadt, Germany, Child Safety, Health, and Fitness fest. (Jessica Inigo / S&S)
DARMSTADT, Germany — All decked out in fire hats, Logan and Chase Kinn hardly recognized they were learning about fire safety while climbing aboard the big red truck at the Cambrai-Fritsch Casern Post Exchange parking lot Thursday.
It was too much fun, which made learning easy.
Logan, 3, and Chase, 1, along with other children, were entertained throughout the afternoon at Darmstadt’s Child Safety, Health and Fitness fest, which also made it easy for parents to get important information.
“It’s very difficult for some parents to get out to all the locations that offer services for their children,” said Kevin Mutchler, the 233rd Base Support Battalion safety manager.
“There are so many organizations around the installation, so we made it easy and fun at a one-stop shop today.”
More than 20 organizations gathered in the parking lot to provide health and safety tips and offer child fitness strategies.
Along with the information booths, there was plenty of fun. Game tents, face painting, crafts, a fire prevention puppet show and an American Forces Network live broadcast provided entertainment.
Also available were Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or D.A.R.E., information; child identification kits; McGruff the crime dog; Scouting skills and crafts; car seat installation inspections; a bicycle proficiency course; and a crash test dummy showcase.
“It’s great that this type of information is offered like this,” said Logan’s and Chase’s mother, Brandy Kinn, who attended the fair with her husband, Nathan. The family said the fest was informative and fun.
“We figured out what we could do to make this fun,” Mutchler said. “It’s always important to talk safety, we just have to get it across in a way that keeps people interested.”
