Kids 'R' Kids Crystal Lake owner Ed Kulach is helping students beat the summer heat by giving them "Splash Days."
This has been the hottest summer in recent history – and it’s not over yet. With temperatures topping the 100-degree mark for days at a time, it’s important to remember safety for children.
According to the National Weather Service, heat is the No. 1 weather-related cause of death in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. There are several heat disorder symptoms to be aware of in these extreme conditions, including sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The effects of heat can be more severe with children because their bodies warm at faster rates than adults.
At Kids ‘R’ Kids Crystal Lake, “Splash Days” are set up twice a week. Sprinklers are set up on the outside areas where the students can play and beat the summer heat. This year’s summer camp, Camp Tremendous Time Travelers is already under way and in the “Explorers” phase of the program.
“If we didn’t have a Splash Days at our location, we’d have to limit the amount of outside play time to under 20 minutes,” Kulach said. “Fortunately even the toddlers, who are most susceptible to heat disorders, can play in the water area. The students incorporate what they learned through the Time Traveling Story Moments and run through the sprinklers as T-Rexes.”
Students at Kids ‘R’ Kids Schools and Academies are covered with sunscreen 20 minutes before heading out to play on the splash pads. Parents are required to give their permission when students enroll at Kids ‘R’ Kids, giving teachers freedom to prepare children for the outdoor activities. Parents bring their own sunscreen to prevent allergies.
Headquartered in Duluth, Ga., there are more than 160 Kids 'R' Kids locations in 15 states. Visit www.kidsrkids.com.
– Chris Cashman
