Safety Camp 2026

On Friday, July 31, St. Croix Electric Cooperative was excited to participate in Safety Camp hosted by Western Wisconsin Health. The annual event brought together local organizations, first responders, and community partners to help teach children important safety lessons in a fun and interactive environment. A total of 35 children attended the camp and spent the day learning about a variety of safety topics that can help keep them safe at home, at school, and in their communities.

Representing SCEC at the event were employees Greg Falde and Keith Bauer, who spent time teaching participants about electrical safety through hands-on demonstrations and engaging discussions. Their goal was to help children better understand the dangers associated with electricity while also sharing simple safety tips they can use in everyday situations.

Throughout the presentation, Greg and Keith discussed the importance of respecting electrical equipment and staying away from areas that can be dangerous. Participants learned about Safety Town and were taught why they should never climb utility poles, enter electrical substations, or touch downed power lines. They also talked about the importance of keeping kites, drones, and other objects away from power lines and what to do if they ever encounter an electrical hazard. These lessons helped children understand that while electricity plays an important role in daily life, it should always be treated with caution and respect.

One of the most popular parts of the presentation was the pickle cooker demonstration. This hands-on experiment uses electricity to illustrate how electrical current travels through a conductor. The colorful and interactive demonstration quickly captured the attention of the children and provided an entertaining way to explain a complex topic. Participants were eager to ask questions and learn more about how electricity works, making the demonstration both educational and memorable.

Another highlight for many of the children was getting an up-close look at some of the personal protective equipment used by lineworkers. Greg and Keith showcased the specialized rubber gloves worn by line crews when working around energized equipment and explained why these protective tools are so important. Many of the participants enjoyed the opportunity to try on the gloves for themselves and quickly realized just how much equipment lineworkers wear to stay safe while performing their jobs.

The hands-on activities gave children a unique opportunity to learn directly from utility professionals and helped reinforce the importance of making safe choices around electricity. By seeing real equipment, asking questions, and participating in demonstrations, participants were able to connect classroom-style learning with real-world situations.

Events like Safety Camp provide valuable opportunities for local organizations to work together to educate young people and promote safe practices throughout the community. SCEC is proud to support programs that help children build awareness and confidence when it comes to recognizing potential hazards and making safe decisions. Teaching electrical safety at a young age can help create lifelong habits that protect individuals, families, and communities.

Overall, Safety Camp was a great success, and Greg and Keith did an excellent job representing St. Croix Electric Cooperative. Their enthusiasm, knowledge, and willingness to engage with participants helped create a positive and fun learning experience for everyone involved. SCEC appreciates the opportunity to partner with Western Wisconsin Health and other community organizations to invest in the safety and well-being of local youth, and we look forward to participating in future events that help educate and empower the next generation.