Four-day program for 5th-7th graders

ASHLAND, Ky.— A four-day first responder summer program for fifth through seventh graders, presented by the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center, is scheduled for next week and there’s still time to register.

The program will give participants a hands-on glimpse of the training and skills necessary to be a first responder by learning from local police officers, firefighters and EMTs.

“We’re really excited about it. It’s a collaboration with the Ashland Police Department, the Ashland Fire Department and Boyd County Emergency Services,” Emily Roush, museum education and marketing director, said. “Each day, the kids will work with different professionals; police, fire fighters, EMTs and 911 dispatchers.”

Roush said on the fourth day, the first responders create a scenario in which the participants will have to be the first responders, showcasing what they’ve previously learned.

“It’s educational,” Roush said. “And this is an age when kids start thinking about what they want to do. This is a good opportunity to see those fields.”

The program will take place Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m.-noon each day at the Ashland Fire Department’s Fire Training Drill Tower, located at 1026 Front Street in Ashland. At the end of the fourth day Friday, there will be a pizza party at the museum.

The program costs $20 and children must be registered to participate. The last day for registration is Saturday. For more information or to register, visit the Highlands Museum during regular business hours, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. today, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, or call 606-329-8888.