SPAN program aims to teach life skills

By Alison James

FCT Managing Editor

alison.james@fct.wpengine.com

Living strong will be the focus of a program for children to be held this June in Russellville.

Presented by Franklin County SPAN as part of their efforts to reach out to children in the community, the six sessions will seek to “equip your child with the necessary skills to promote life skills at home, school and play,” as explained by the sign-up form.

This is SPAN’s second year to host such a program, which this year is called Live Strong. It follows on the heels of last summer’s successful sessions, titled Safety First, and will again be held for children of all ages, with a great percentage of participation coming from those enrolled in the summer feeding program.

“It’s just a productive and positive way of working with the children and teaching them good living habits,” said SPAN coordinator Remona Roberson.

Sessions will feature the following topics: fitness, good manners, first aid, getting along, nutrition and personal care.

Alana Parker, with First Metro Bank, will lead the session on getting along with others. She said she plans to address subjects like peaceful conflict resolution and understanding each other’s perspectives.

“Children will repeat what it is modeled,” said Parker. “There are some maybe who don’t have (great modeling in the home).”

Parker said she wants to make sure the children understand not just rote facts about the importance of getting along but the heart of why it’s important to get along.

“It’s the difference between knowledge and education,” Parker said.

Other presenters will come from different career focuses throughout the area.

“We’re excited about providing the camp again and looking forward to working with the children,” Roberson said.

Enrollment forms are available at the Ralph Bishop Center and must be filled out by parents for their children to participate. For more information, call 256-332-0188.