Twenty teens from the Bay View Responding to Emergencies and Disasters with Youth (READY) Club made sure they have a well-rounded education beyond their school subjects.

On November 7, the teens gathered at the Bay View Community Center to learn how to staff an American Red Cross shelter and distribute supplies to people affected by disasters. During the day-long training, the kids and their adult leaders used interactive exercises and charts to learn how to set up a shelter and care for the occupants, as well as how to efficiently distribute supplies in areas struck by fires, floods and other disasters.

At the end of the day, each teen was certified in these areas, making them eligible to assist Red Cross during a large disaster.

“This is a really extraordinary group of teens,” says Regional Chapter Executive Tracey Sparrow. “They are enthusiastic about helping to ensure the safety of our community and we are excited to have them involved with the Red Cross.”

The Bay View READY Club is a free program open to teens ages 13-18 years. With more than 20 youth, the club is a leadership program with a goal to introduce teens to a variety of skills including how to respond to emergencies, problem solving, first aid, team building, public speaking and more. Club members complete three or more community service projects a year and have the opportunity to attend special trainings. To join the club, visit http://www.bayviewcenter.org.

The American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin relies on donations of time and money so they can provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies in Dodge, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth and Waukesha counties. To donate your time, please visit our Volunteer page. Financial donations can be made online through our secure contribution site.You can also support the Red Cross online by becoming a fan on our facebook page and following us on Twitter.