Feb. 1st, 2012
Street Smart Kidz announced it's plans to spend 2012 collecting 1 million signatures on our STOP BULLYING NOW petition, please print, sign and mail us your petition today

Jan. 15th, 2012
Street Smart Kidz of Canada received funding for  our latest "Child Safety Video" titled "The Police Are Your Friends".  Once again Kin Canada stands front and centre when it comes to  protecting our children. This time the help comes from The Kelowna  Kinsmen of B.C. whose generosity allows us to make this very  important video.

Jan. 3rd, 2012
Street Smart Kidz had a woderful time as always at  Future Shop in Courtenay, B.C. during the Christmas Holidays, giving  away 14,555 Free Child ID Kits to parents. Special thanks to GM Chris  Jones and the always great staff of Future Shop.

Dec. 17th, 2011
Signing off for the year. Still watching the FREE ID Kits fly out the 
door. Much Love and Special Thoughts to my beautiful wife and SSK 
Director Cara Baird. My adopted Mom, keeper of "the keys" to my leash, 
SSK Director Shirley Dickie. Much Love to Ken Picket & Family, for the 
sound advice, Finacial backing in 2011, and most of all, for having 
the "BEST" office on Vancouver Island. Ken is SSK Director of subtle 
excellence. Special thoughts to SSK Director Brian Goodwin, who we 
never get enough time with, but with the rebuilt knee's, we know your 
loud voice and outstanding advice will come to the fore front again. 
Special mention to one of our Founders, Dr. Kirsten Emmott, Principal 
Wester, Principal Timms and so very many more that made our seventh 
year so special. 2012 WILL BE A BIG YEAR FOR SSK!

Dec. 1st, 2011

Street Smart Kidz of Canada is once again appearing at Future Shop, Courtenay for the month giving out FREE Child ID Kits to everyone who wants them. Last year, in the month of December, we gave away 14,244 FREE ID Kits and this year Chris Jones, GM of Future Shop Courtenay thinks that record can be broken. I think Chris is nuts! But I'll walk through fire to follow his upbeat enthusiasm. Wish us luck! We will need it.

Nov. 26th, 2011
Street Smart Kidz of Canada releases it's 9th video, "20 Tips For Back To School Safety", sponsored by Future Shop, Courtenay
 

Nov. 17th, 2011
Due to long term pressure from our parent groups, we have "written and 
story boarded the long awaited "20 Tips For Going Back To School 
Safely" video and hope to shoot it in the next couple of weeks. Future 
Shop, Courtenay has once again walked upto the plate to sponsor this 
video. Thank you to Chris Jones the GM, his Management and Staff for 
continuing their Community Service. They continue to be a inspiration 
to all of us here at Street Smart Kidz.
 

November 5th, 2011
For the third straight month, Street Smart Kidz has been interviewing School Staff and Parents about their thoughts on "BULLYING" and what should be done about it. As well as talking to School Staff and Parents for their thoughts, we are now interviewing the students themselves for their thoughts. It's been tough getting B.C. imput from teachers because of their "Job Action" but the rest of the Provinces have been very helpful as well as putting their names to their comments
 

October 22nd, 2011
Street Smart Kidz releases it's 8th Child Safety Video, titled "Internet Luring" , thanks Darrel Fry of 123EZHosting for helping us protect our children
 

Oct. 3rd, 2011

So far we have talked to over 100 school Teachers, Principals, Administation and office staff concerning Bullying, from coast to coast. We are now starting to talk to Parents as well for their insights. More on this topic later. We have also started to write the "story boards" for our next Child Safety Video, titled "Internet Luring" which is being sponsored by Darrel Fry, Owner and Operator of 123EZHosting which we hope to release October 10th.
 

Sept. 1st, 2011
Street Smart Kidz has begun interviewing Teachers, Principals, Administration and office staff concerning the "horrific plague" affecting our childrens everyday school life, BULLYING! We are trying to find answers and get as many opinions as possible from the front line. More on this topic later.
 

July 15, 2011

Thanks for Help on Videos

Steven Baird, Comox Valley Echo

Published: Friday, July 15, 2011

Street Smart Kidz of Canada would like to thank and show our appreciation to Mayor Phelps of Courtenay and Public Liason Officer, Constable Nicole Hall of the Comox Valley RCMP for their incredible patience, guidance and good natured humour while they helped us create our Video Trilogy about Kids and Crime. With their support and help, we were able to create three educational videos showing kids what happens when they break the law, the repercussions of their actions, how it affects their parents and the community they live in. Vandalism is not a victimless crime. Tagging buildings, breaking windows and snapping trees have consequences.

After much editing due to my mistakes, not The Mayor's or Constable's, the videos have finally been released on YouTube and the streetsmartkidz.ca website, and I'm very proud to announce our Courtenay Mayor and RCMP Community Liason Officer N. Hall have had their videos picked up by over 1,000 schools across Canada and the United States, to date. Congratulations to Courtenay City Hall and The Comox Valley RCMP.

I think it's wonderful our community will be known forever by these informative videos, shown throughout schools to kids across North America, as opposed to being called a "box city" to drive through and not worth the time to stop and investigate.

 

May 26, 2011

Video helps Alberni kids get Street Smart

By Wawmeesh G. Hamilton - Alberni Valley News Published: May 26, 2011 1:00 PM

Teens in trouble with the law will get a glimpse of what awaits them in the future, thanks to a donation by Port Alberni Kinsmen. Comox resident Steven Baird was in Port Alberni on May 17 to accept the $1,500 donation from the Kinsmen.

“The Port Alberni Kinsmen have always supported us and we’re thankful for that,” Baird said. Baird is the driving force behind Street Smart Kidz, an organization whose goal is to empower kids to be able to think their way through dangerous situations. Baird and some members of his family are survivors of sexual abuse. “I want to help give kids what they need to avoid situations that I was in once,” he said. The $1,500 donation will go towards the production of videos titled Now That You’ve Been Arrested.

The three-part series will examine what children and teens can expect once they’ve been arrested for a crime. The video will chronicle the arrest, fingerprinting, cell and parents picking up their child from jail. But it will also examine the court process, fine and community service afterward. “We want to show children what’s in store for them should they make the decision to do something they’re not supposed to do and the police get involved,” Baird said.

The video will also show how getting involved on the wrong side of the law can resonate beyond the police and courts. “If mom and dad are going on vacation outside of Canada you can’t go because you have a criminal record,” he said. That record might affect a person’s employment while they are a teen as well, Baird added. The video is expected to take three weeks to produce and will be released on the organization’s webpage as well as on YouTube when it’s finished. Baird was in the Valley last week to thank the Kinsmen for supporting Street Smart Kidz. reporter@albernivalleynews.com

 

Published: Thursday, May 12, 2011

Benefits of Kinsmen sponsored video will last for many years

Siobhan Burns, Special to Alberni Valley Times

The Port Alberni Kinsmen were recently recognized for their support and sponsorship of a video that may save lives.

The local club partnered with Street Smart Kidz and created a short film called the back pack toss. The clip gets a message across to children that is invaluable, especially if they are ever approached by a stranger.

In the video, Street Smart Kidz managing director Steven Baird explains the steps involved in the backpack toss, which was designed to let people know that a child is in danger. The first step is for the child to undo a zipper on their backpack while stepping away from the vehicle that has approached them. The child is told to follow that step two more times, while keeping an eye on the vehicle's door handle.

Read More...

May 5, 2011

COURTENAY ELEMENTARY HAS FANTASTIC SEMINAR...

Street Smart Kidz had a fabulous time hanging out at Courtenay Elementry on May 5th, 2011. What made it really special was Arden Elemantry and Puntledge Elementry were also in attendance for the Getting Ready For High School Conference.

Principal Timms and Counselor Mike Copes put together a outstanding team of presenters to discuss such topics as Drug Awareness, Bullying, Peer Pressure, Sexual Harassment, Violence Prevention, Safe Sex and Cyber Bullying.

Believe it or not, getting our kids prepped for High School is considered "cutting edge" education adopted by visionaries like Principal Timms, Principal Wester and Principal Goodwin to name a few and Counselours like Mike Copes. A loud "Round of Applause" for all involved in this wonderful day! The Kids Loved It!

 

May 3rd, 2011

Street Smart Kidz has received approval and funding from The Comox Lions Club to produce the "very much needed" Child Safety Video titled "Child ID Kit". This wonderful Lions Club understands the importance  of having as many kids as possible being documented by their parents  for safe keeping. We hope to have this video online by May 14th. Next  time you see a Lions Club member, shake their hand. They really care!
 

April 28th, 2011

Whistle Stop of Courtenay was presented with the "1,000" presenters  award after their Child Safety Video titled "Valuables or your Life"  was shown in over one thousand schools through out Canada and the  United States. This video really "hit a home run" with parents and  educators after heinous situations in Toronto, Winnepeg and Vancouver  when kids tried to hang onto their possessions while being robbed.  Thank you Barry! Tammy and Johnny! You stand tall in the  community.
 

April 24th, 2011

Street Smart Kidz would like to thank Principal Timms of Courtenay Elementary for inviting Street Smart Kidz to be one of the many highly  respected presenters at the "Getting Ready For High School" Seminar  being held May 5th at Courtenay Elemetary. We are honored and will be  there with a smile!
 

April 17th, 2011

Future Shop of Canada, Courtenay, B.C. Canada location, was presented  an AWARD from Street Smart Kidz of Canada for their Video titled "Code  Word" which has been presented in over 1,000 schools throughout  Canada. Steven Baird, Managing Director of Street Smart Kidz  attributes the incredible response to this Child Safety Video to it  being shown on 19 other Child Safety websites and the support of the  Toronto Education Network. Congratulations to General Manager Chris,  his team and Company for truly being community leaders.
 

April 10th, 2011

Well, today was the day! The long promised Child Safety Video, " Your Valuables or your Life" was finally available on YouTube.com and streetsmartkidz.ca and I hope everyone enjoys it. I promised it on April 4th, but found that I needed to add to the final product, so I tortured our outstanding video producer/director/editor and then made our incredible Webmaster wait for days until she received it.

So apologies to the The Whistle Stop, the wonderful sponsors of this video, thank goodness you were so understanding.  Being a perfectionist does have its drawbacks but in the end it is worth the wait. This video will most importantly impact our schools and our children, so IT WAS WELL WORTH IT!!! Thank you, Whistle Stop, Fuzzy Filmz.com and WowWebDesign.com ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK has paid off and will continue to do so in out next important video. Steven

 

April 7th, 2011

Street Smart Kidz would like to thank the Comox Valley Lions Club for a wonderful roast beef dinner and lively conversation afterwards. It was a pleasure to address a group so in-tune with todays youth concerns. Our scheduled 10 minute talk grew to half an hour and could easily went further had it not been election night. Lets all hope this very vital Community Service Group continue's it's outstanding contributions to Comox Valley!
 

April 2, 2011
Steven Baird is honoured to be speaking at The Comox Valley Lions Club on April 5th, 2011
Street Smart Kidz will be handing out FREE Child ID Kits at Courtenay Air Force Park April 3rd to April 17th, so come down and say hello and drop by the "Cafe on the Walk" for a snack prepared by Donna 
and her fabulous crew
Street Smart Kidz " is PROUD to be invited to be a part of "The Cyber-Bullying" Seminar, conducted at Courtenay  Elementary and attended by students from Puntledge Elementary as well as Arden Elementary on May 5th, 2011.  Thank you Principal Timms for the invitation and we guarantee a very "surprising and entertaining presentation"!
 
Read More News
 

March 28, 2011
Fuzzy Filmz has just completed shooting our 3rd Child Safety Video. As  always, Tyler, Owner & Operator was brilliant in his Direction and  Production of our Child Safety message. This video, "Your Valuable's  or Your Life" will be available April 4th, 2011 on YouTube and  www.streetsmartkidz.ca .
 

March 24, 2011
Street Smart Kidz of Canada has agreed to be part of the May 5th, 2011  symposium being held at Courtenay Elementary. Students from Arden  Elementary, Puntledge Elementary and Courtenay Elementary will be  gathering to discuss the devastating plague consuming our kids, it's  called Cyber-Bullying. We are excited and READY to discuss this blight  with inter-active games, what if scenarios and the latest in legal  repercussions. PROPS to Principal Timms for organising this day and  the Principals of sd#71 who joined his iniative.
 

March 21, 2011
We are still waiting for the weather to clear to shoot our next video  sponsored by the Whistle Stop, titled "Your Valuable's Or Your Life"
 

March 15, 2011
Hello Parents. We are finally done fighting the weather at the Whistle  Stop! We gave out 1,902 FREE Child ID Kits and 947 Child Safety  Booklets during our stay while we endured the WORST weather we have  ever encountered during our seven years! VERY SPECIAL thanks to Barry,  Tammy, Johnny and the "Store Crew" for all of their support, cheer and  "holding us down" during the gale force winds!
 

Feb 28, 2011 Whistle STop Pub
Hi Folks. Due to the absolutely brutal weather we have endured here in Comox Valley during the month of February, we have lost 10 days of giving away FREE ID Kits and Child Safety Booklets. So we are going to stay an extra few days to try and make sure we see everyone who wanted this wonderful information. So come down and see us at The Whistle Stop , where we will be every day until March 11th, weather permitting
 

Feb 15, 2011 Street Smart Kidz at the Whistle Stop Pub - drop by and say Hello

Hello to everyone from the Whistle Stop here in Courtenay B.C.  So far we have had a difficult time here for one reason and it's the only reason. Lately the "weather has just been BRUTAL". We have endured pounding rain, wind chills, snow and sleet. Booklets, umbrellas & tables flying across the road into the adjoining park is a regular daily occurrence.

Still, we are having too much fun! We have still been able to hand out over 1,400 Child ID Kits and 881 Child Safety Booklets. Not bad when you consider we are dealing with a situation right out of the movie "Twister" on a daily basis.

2

Whistle  Stop

We have 10 days remaining at this fantastic "Comox Valley Institution" and we are going make our goal to produce the next Child Safety Video. Just ask JOHNNY, Comox Valleys very, very best bartender. Johnny is a institution all by himself. Say JOHNNY anywhere in the Valley, they know who your talking about.

Thank You to Tammy! You have taken great care of Street Smart Kidz during our visit. Thank You to the "STORE GIRLS"! Tough job working in a liquor store, yet these girls want to make a impact on Child Safety! Please come down and see us at the Whistle Stop where we are giving everything away for FREE! Which we do 24/7/365!
 

January 29th, 2011
After a week of searching and despair, Tyeshia Jones was found. The young woman, 18, a suspected victim of foul play was found near Duncan, B.C. shortly after 11am Friday. Calvin Jones, Tyeshia's father, described her as "a very kind and generous young woman".  Street Smart Kidz would like to offer our prayers and thoughts to Tyeshia's family, friends and her community. If we can do anything to ease the communities pain/sorrow, please, contact us.
Steven Baird
 

NEWS UPDATE: by The Canadian Press , 01/27/2011 @ 2:24pm MONTREAL
Quebec actor has been arrested just a few hours after failing to appear in court today on various charges of Child Pornography. Jean-Francois Harrison sent documents to the court and Crown Attorney saying " I don't have to turn up" at the Montreal Courthouse this morning. Police then called Harrison on the phone and he told them in no uncertain terms, "I'm not going anywhere near a Courthouse". Police then issued a warrant for his arrest. This isn't the first time Harrison hasn't showed up in court. Last November he skipped another scheduled appearance, which lead to his arrest at a friends house. Those charges were for possession of Child Pornography for Distribution. END

*from Steven: "Can anyone else hear the cracking of the ground we walk on? We now allow Child Pornographers to TELL US when they will go to court? The Police now call Child Pornographers and ask why you didn't go to court today? WHY DIDN'T THE COPS GO TO HIS HOUSE, GRAB HIM BY THE NECK AND BRING HIM TO COURT? The answer is the Cops wanted to. The Canadian legal system wouldn't let them. If they did what they wanted to, they would be in jail now, while the Child Pornographer would still be free to work his craft. Thank your Local Judge and Prosecutors! Steven Baird
 

January 8, 2011 - Future Shop Helps Children
3
Street Smart Kidz spent the month of December 2010 with a booth outside of Future Shop, Courtenay, at the invitation of Future Shop General Manager, Chris Jones. Their role was to help parents in their selection of gifts for their children, and to teach the parents all of the safety features possible with games, laptops and computers that the Future Shop clientele were purchasing.

Future Shop employee's and Management fully supported this program and received hundreds of compliments from parents for providing this FREE service. Financed by the donations of Comox Valley residents and visitors,

Future Shop and Street Smart Kidz are proud to announce the joint creation of the Child Safety Video called "Code Word" which will be released on Jan. 13th, 2011. This video can be viewed at the Street Smart Kidz' website, www.streetsmartkidz.ca or on the Street Smart Kidz channel on Youtube.com. Steven Baird, Managing Director of Street Smart Kidz of Canada stated " it was a absolute joy to work with Chris and his very talented staff during the Christmas Season". Future Shop set a distribution record by allowing us hand out over 14,000 Child Safety ID Kits completely free at their store front. Baird also said it was a honour to work with such community oriented staff, and the Future Shop Management was wonderful!
Thank you, Future Shop!   1
Congratulations to all!
 

December 2, 2010
Hello Parents. As I'm sure all of you have read, listened to and thought of with complete dread; Clifford Olson was up for parole again this week. Now, we all know this "animal" will never be released but it's always a 2 year event which terrifies Canadian parents and opens the wounds once again for the victims of the families. Observing this 2 year event, shaking my head in remorse and pain for the families and shaking my FIST in anger at our politicians and so called justice system, I came across the VERY BEST ARTICLE I have ever read on this subject by "Roy Green". I know you recognize the name, as many of us have been following his work on his blog www.roygreenshow.com and his "Opinions" for the National Post. I encourage you to visit www.nationalpost.com (for December 1st) , place your cursor on "opinions", select" Full Comment" and scroll back . Alternately, when visiting the National Post website, look up "Roy Green". Intelligent thought provoking material. I'm a huge fan of his Law & Order mentality. We need to protect our children! Seniors! Women! Minorities! Roy Green has answers. Not all of them. But many more than Ottawa seems to have! Roy Green is also Syndicated Nationally on the Corus Radio Network! Please, give him a listen! Steven Baird
 

Canadian Tire - Thank you !  Nov 26th 2010
Street Smart Kidz would like to thank all Management and Staff of the Canadian Tire Store located in Courtenay B.C. for the wonderful week we had together. The weather had -20 wind chills, rain, snow, hail and 11 minutes of sun. Yet we gave away 1317 FREE ID Kits and 1081 FREE Child Safety Bookletsto parents in the worst of weather conditions.
The Staff were OUTSTANDING! As were the customers. Special thanks to the Cape Breton crew who appeared out of no where with hot coffee and words of encouragement every day. You made the weather bearable. Thank You! Come and see us at Future Shop where we start tomorrow, November 27th. Especially you Cape Bretoners. If the weather stays the same, I'll need the love.
Steven Baird
 

July 18, 2010

A warm and loving hello to all of our Street Smart Kidz of Canada friends. I have, we have, missed you more than we could ever write or say. As the people closest to us know, we have been "off the air" for 12 weeks due to my health issue's. Your support, emails, phone calls have meant a great deal to me. I have issue's that still need to be dealt with, but the sporadic "new content" of the last 3 months is over.

We are back on track, the team of Street Smart Kidz of Canada has never been stronger. The Directors are lean, strong and ready. There will be no disruption of service again. Special thanks go out to our partners for their patience during this ordeal, they have stood beside us, supported us, didn't drop us and believed! I'll be eternally grateful to www.deal.org (RCMP YOUTH SITE),Help!... We've Got Kids (Canada's best Updated Magazine on Family issue's) and Little Warriors (www.chinastrategies.com) who always provide cutting edge information on Child Safety. ( OH HOW I ENVY THEIR BUDGET) I hope they will always continue to teach! So here's the plan. I have to let go for a while. Ken will step in until I'm back. Shirley Dickie of Wowweb@telus.net will keep Ken in line, as well as other Directors as Ken needs them.  

 

April 22nd, 2010
Street Smart Kidz of Canada is proud to announce another opportunity to share all of our FREE information with another great Canadian community. The Barrie , Ontario Police Department has posted a link to streetsmartkidz.ca to provide it's citizens with as much information as possible to keep their kids safe and informed. Special thanks to Sgt. Allan. January 20th, 2010Street Smart Kidz of Canada is proud to announce we are teaming up with the National Youth Services branch of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Sharing our wealth of information will hopefully advance the cause of keeping our kids safe and informed. Special thanks to Project Officer Erin Mulvihill.
 

News Jan 10, 2010
From March 1st to the 5th we will be attending Aspen Elementary School in Comox.  We will be spending our time with their students talking about Safety.  Walking back and forth to school, internet safety, how to deal with bullies and much more.  The Aspen PAC and Aspen administration have been fabulous to work with. We can't wait to see what Principal Corrine Wester has set up for our agenda.
 

December 19, 2009

Hello Parents, it's wonderful to be able to chat with you again! As most of you are not aware, December 2009 has been a write off for me, culminating in emergency surgery last Sunday. Through the grace of powers beyond, and the absolutely amazing powers of Surgeon, Dr. Benjamin Sawyer, the Emergency Staff , Dr. "Darryl" of Emergency, RN's Michi and Shelbey, anesthetist " Man With No Name" ( can you hear " Spaghetti Western" music in the background?) and all of the remaining people who saved my life on December 13, 2009, I hope and pray Santa spoils you! They all work at St. Josephs Hospital in Comox Valley. Put simply, St. Josephs Hospital saved my life on December 13, 2009! I thank everyone involved, and the hundreds of people who work everyday, to keep this wonderful Hospital clean, patients with meals, equipment updated and repaired, and most of all, the grace in which they do their jobs. Truth be told, I'm a brutal patient when I'm in agony, yet everyone I was involved with during that horrific day, showed complete tolerance and caring. I will never forget any of you. THANK-YOU! Steven Baird

 

Editorial for December 6th , 2009
It's the season for love, caring, redemption, but most importantly, taking care of our most precious possession, our children. I've been hanging out at malls and shopping centres for the last two weeks, and I've noticed something that really scares me and I hope you will think about it as you travel through the crazy maze of Christmas shopping! I have seen 11 infants crash their faces against the push bar of shopping carts, and draw blood. I have seen parents have a momentary lapse, juggling boxes and NOT know where their children were. I have seen 9 Parents lovingly put their children into their car seats after putting away their purchases, only to close the door and walk the shopping cart back to it's stand 500 metres away. Sometimes it's the little thoughtless things that get us into trouble.  Take care and have a great week. Steven

Street Smart Kidz News - December 6th, 2009
 We have had another great week here at Street Smart Kidz, although nothing went according to plan. We were looking forward to spending some time at Superstore, but it wasn't meant to be. On our first day at Superstore, after setting up our information booth, we were lost in the crowd. X-Mas tree's arriving, pallets of toys being moved around, people lost and confused because of the new renovation, parking issue's , taxi issue's, shopping cart issue's. In short, we were unable to talk to Parents about Child Safety. Superstore provided us with a great venue to talk and teach, but Street Smart Kidz is not, and never will be aggressive in trying to spread our message. In short, it wasn't a good fit.

So we didn't slack off! We planted ourselves in various places in Courtenay through the week and closed our week at Canadian Tire. We gave out 635 Child Safety Booklets for the week, with 78 given out at Canadian Tire on Friday in 5 hours. We have talked to many amazing parents during the last week who have taught us a lot, much of which will be in next years Editorials. This week we will be hanging out at Future Shop in Courtenay. I'm looking forward to working with their amazing staff and clientele. Whenever I need a question answered about our office electronics, Street Smart Kidz always goes to Future Shop. Come down and say hello. Steven
 

Nov 29th - 2009 - Superstore Promo
This week we will be outside of Superstore in Courtenay, talking Child Safety to all the Parents who drop by our booth. We have 100's of cards, I.D.Kits and Safety Booklets to help spread the Child Safety Word, and I have set a personal goal of directing over 1,000 parents to our completely FREE website. So come on down to Superstore, say hello, and lets talk Child Safety for a minute. Street Smart Kidz will be there all week.
 

Nov 28th - 2009 - Canadian Tire Promo
We have just finished a SMASHING week outside of Canadian Tire in Courtenay, BC. We were able to introduce our FREE website to over 700 parents, and they now know where to go for FREE Child Safety Information. I really enjoyed working with Theresa and her outstanding staff. The entire store is truly committed to customer service and I was able to observe countless times of staff going above and beyond duty to ensure customer satisfaction. Hats off to Canadian Tire of Courtenay for making Street Smart Kidz feel at home and allowing us to bring our Safety message to so many parents. Thank You!

Nov. 18th - 2009 - Aspen Elementary Meeting A Success
Just finished a wonderful meeting with the Aspen Elementary PAC Association with the Principal and Vice-Principal in attendance. It  was a bright and lively conversation about Child Safety and how it  affects all of our schools! I learned a lot, as I hope the PAC did.  Many were unaware ASPEN ELEMENTARY was responsible for Street Smart  Kidz Official Policy on student conduct. Put together by the principal  and focus group, since publication on Street Smart Kidz, over 400,000  parents and school administrators have reviewed and implemented in  whole, or in part this outstanding philosophy. GREAT JOB ASPEN  ELEMENTARY!

Nov 18th - 2009  - Booth at Canadian Tire Nov 22th to 28th

Street Smart Kidz will be setting up a booth at Canadian Tire in  Courtenay from Nov. 22nd until November 28th! We will be outside, available to talk to anyone interested in Child Safety and wanting to get involved in our next Child Safety Video called "The Worm". It's another Self Defense Video, being shot and edited by the FANTASTIC people at Video For Heyer. Please come out and see us!
 

Oct. 10th - 2009 Not Available Thanksgiving Weekend
Although Street Smart Kidz is taking a break over the Thanksgiving  Holiday weekend, we will still have someone answering emails even though the office is closed. So if you need our help, thoughts or anything else, please send us a email. The phones will be answered  again starting Tuesday morning.
 

Oct. 13th - 2009  PAC Meeting Pending
This week I'm looking forward to pitching a Street Smart Kidz Tour  through Aspen Elementary, to the Aspen PAC on October 20th. I'm looking  forward to meeting the PAC and exchanging idea's. As I know many  parents and students who attend this outstanding school, I'm looking  forward to working with them.
 

Airport Elementary, < ,  4 of #4 Part School, To Back>sd71@.bc.ca
We had a few days at Airport Elementary, sd71@.bc.ca , and had a BLAST! 
We had a great time talking about being safe at home and at school and  I think I learned as much as the kids did. A special thanks to all the  teachers and students who made me feel at home, and to the wonderful PAC association and Principal Brian Goodwin who invited Street Smart  Kidz. Last but not least, the 23 emails from students and parents just  to say "THANK YOU" was a very pleasant surprise. Airport Elementary is a  great school full of pride and I enjoyed every minute I had there.
Thank You!  Steven
 

Sept 28, 2009  SSK Safety Classes now at Airport Elementary
The Street Smart Kidz Office will be closed today, as we are at Airport Elementary, here in Comox B.C , giving Safety Courses to all the grades over the next 3 days.< ,  4 of #4 Part School, To Back>
Hats off to Airport for being such a progressive school. I look forward to working with you.
 

Sept 12, 2009
 ABOUT THE NIHI VIRUS

During the last 3 weeks, I have broken an ankle, crashed our web site, then fried our hard drive. So if trouble always comes in three's, we should be safe for the next year. During this broken ankle episode, I've had a great opportunity to read and research many topics, including the H1N1 virus. I have come across many "terror" articles lacking in facts and few articles based on solid research done by credible experts. I'd like to share one such article with you. It answered all of my questions and I hope it does the same for you.

This article was published in The Vancouver Sun on 04/09/2009 , with sources from: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, British Medical Journal, New England Journal of Medicine, Bio-security and Bioterrorism, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ontario Ministry of Health, the Ottawa Hospital.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THE  H1N1 SWINE FLU VIRUS?

Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people also report diarrhea and vomiting.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORDINARY SEASONAL FLU AND A FLU PANDEMIC?

The symptoms are the same, but they can be much more severe with a pandemic, which affects younger, healthy people who don't normally suffer as much from seasonal flu. THERE ARE OTHER DIFFERENCES: -seasonal flu happens every year, while a flu pandemic happens only two or three times a century - seasonal flu is usually around from November to April, a flu pandemic can come in two or three waves, with each wave lasting about two months -about 10% of Ontarians get seasonal flu each year, about 35% of Ontarians could get flu during a pandemic - most people who get seasonal flu recover within a few weeks, during a pandemic, more people who get the flu will recover more slowly - seasonal flu is hardest on people who don't have strong immune systems such as the very young, very old and people with certain chronic illnesses, people of any age could become seriously ill with flu during a pandemic

HOW LONG CAN AN INFECTED PERSON SPREAD THE H1N1 VIRUS TO OTHERS:

- people infected with seasonal flu and H1N1 flu can infect others from one day before showing symptoms to seven days afterward

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT:

People who are well but who have an ill family member at home with flu can go to work as usual. You should monitor your health every day, and take everyday precautions including washing your hands often with soap and water.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET SICK?

Stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to get medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events and public gatherings. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health-care provider, who will determine whether flu treatment is needed.

WARNING SIGNS OF SEVERE FLU, REQUIRING URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION IN CHILDREN:

  • fast or troubled breathing
  • bluish or grey skin colour
  • not drinking enough fluids
  • severe or persistent vomiting
  • not waking up or not interacting
  • being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
  • flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough

IN ADULTS, EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS INCLUDE:

  • difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • bluish or grey skin colour
  • bloody or coloured sputum
  • chest pains
  • sudden dizziness or confusion
  • severe or persistent vomiting
  • high fever lasting more than three days
  • low blood pressure
  • flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

CONTAMINATION AND CLEANING:

How long can flu virus survive on surfaces such as books and doorknobs? - studies have shown that flu viruses can infect a person for two to eight hours after being on surfaces. On nonporous surfaces, they can survive for up to a few days.

WHAT KILLS THE FLU VIRUS?

- flu virus is destroyed by heat as well as chemical cleaners with chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents, iodine-based antiseptics and alcohol-based cleaners.

IN CONCLUSION

I hope this answers your questions. As always, knowledge is power. I've read over a hundred articles and visited over a hundred web sites and the common theme through out is CONSTANT hand washing is the prevention key. Also, keep an eye on your children's school. Do they have enough hand washing stations. Are they ALWAYS supplied with the proper materials. There have been a lot of budget cuts at schools across Canada, and this is not the place to make cuts, so keep an eye on this situation.

If you have any other information on H1N1, Street Smart Kidz should tell our parents about, please contact us at www.streetsmartkidz.ca .

Last but not least, ignore the " sensational TV programs and articles". Just use common sense, practice the preventive suggestions and get help if you need it.

 Steven

August 8th, 2009
 
STREET SMART KIDZ BACK PACK TOSS RECORD

Well August 8th, 2009, was a big day for Street Smart Kidz! We own the Guinness World Record for the most kids doing the "Back Pack Toss " at one time. We had 35 kids participate, which is now the record, and fun was had by all. I'm so glad we did the event at the Comox Recreation Centre, because at the last moment we had to move the event indoors because of the weather. We lost many participants because they drove by the field where the event was originally going to be held, didn't see any kids, and kept on driving, not realizing we had moved the event into the GYM!


4
Photos courtesy of Brian Hartt

The first sign of rain in two months in Comox Valley, and it happens on our "Back Pack Toss" day! Hats off to all the parents who took the time to stop the car, and go inside the Recreation Centre, because of you we made a WORLD RECORD, and the video will soon be on our web site, YouTube and delivered to Guinness, as soon as Richard and his crew at VFH Video Prod. gets a chance to edit it.

5

It's time to give thanks for our success!

  1. The Port Alberni Kinsmen, with-out who, this would never have been possible These guys even drove up to Comox, BC, just to cheer on the kids. THANKS Guys! This great bunch of men and women can always be found at portalbernikinsmen@yahoo.ca
  2. Richard and Chad from VFH Video Production - need some high quality work done, these are the guys, look for them at www.vfhproductions.com
  3. The Courtenay Elks #60, who gave away free pancakes to kids and parents, and even made sure the staff of the Comox Recreation Centre, and Ambulance drivers had a full tummy, GREAT FOOD! www.elks-canada.org
  4. Thanks to the Comox Valley Lions Club, for pitching in where ever needed
  5. Thanks to Raymond Henderson and the JetFM team for two weeks of promo, this event would never have happened with-out you, news@jetfm.ca , also I'd like to request "Baba O'Riley" when you have a chance
  6. Thanks to the team at The Eagle FM for two weeks of promo, these wonderful people are always at info@973theeagle.com
  7. The Anderton Bistro &Pub for the lunches, Hey Folks, these people have great food and service, check out www.andertonbistro.com
  8. Thanks to our Comox Directors, Brian, Ken and Cara
  9. Thanks for all the articles to The Comox Valley Record, editor@comoxvalleyrecord.com , and The Comox Valley Echo, dmartin@comoxvalleyecho.com
  10. Thanks to The Boys and Girls Clubs of Comox Valley and all of the Recreation Centre's of Comox Valley for sending out emails to all of your members and parents telling them of our event. Is this a great community or what?
  11. but not least, I can't possibly say or express my admiration for J. David Durrant. You, Kevin and the rest of your staff are completely over the top when it comes to community service and customer service. The Comox Recreation Centre is simply the "VERY BEST" when it comes to meeting the communities needs through it's programs and service.

To all the parents who came up to myself and the other directors, wanting more of the same when it comes to child safety education, please contact David at, jddurrant@comoxrecreation.com . If Street Smart Kidz is booked, David will find what your looking for. Talented man, staff and program! As I was walking out the door and heading home on Saturday, I heard a whisper that Airport Park Elementary wants to beat the record we set. In fact it was a PAC member Executive I think who said "we want this record".

So to the 35 kids who did such a outstanding job getting this record , I say, OUTSTANDING JOB! Enjoy your record while it last. You are the worlds best, at this moment!

   

July 24, 2009

We have been talking about it for months between our Directors, friends and family, so we can now PROUDLY announce it's finally here.  The date, time and location are firmly written in stone. It's a done deal!Street Smart Kidz is proud to announce that on August 8th, 2009 , we going to set a Guinness World Record, for the largest amount of kids doing the "Back Pack Toss" at one time.This historic event will take place at the Comox Recreation  Centre between 10am and 12 noon, Saturday morning with 200 volunteer kids, and a few volunteer parents helping out.  To find out about "the back pack toss" click here.

Set a world record, have fun, and help save kids lives is what it's all about here at Street Smart Kidz.Hey KIDZ!    Just show up at the Comox Recreation Field at 9:30am, with your back pack from school half full of stuffed animals, wearing a WHITE T-Shirt and you will be in the video that sets the world record. YOU WILL BE FAMOUS!

We could never attempt this with out our MAJOR sponsors. I'd like to introduce them to you, and if your there on the BIG DAY, give them a  hand-shake or a pat on the back. These are truly people who care about  kids. If you can't be there, look them over on our links page and send  them a nice message. They stepped up to the plate, and knocked one out of the park for Child Safety!

  1. wowwebdesign@telus.net

  2. J.David Durrant - Director of Recreation and "The Outstanding Staff" at the Comox Recreation Centre

  3. Richard from VFH Video - more details to follow as soon as we can get him off the ladder

  4. The Elk's Club of Courtenay for the kids breakfast - more details to follow  when Lisa isn't swampedd

  5. The Guinness Folks

  6. B.Goodwin, you are always available with fantastic advise, an open ear when Shirley doesn't listen, and NO, I'm not taking your money!

  7. K.Pickett can always make a brutal day turn into a laugh, we should all have a K.Pickett in our lives, if you don't have one, mine's available for  rent, but you can't feed him or get him wet, and you must sign a waiver.

This will be a great event, held in one of the greatest cities in Canada! Please come out and cheer our volunteer kids on. It's all about the kids!!
   

July 4th, 2009

 
 
 
June 30, 2009
A very special thanks from Steven to the following KINSMEN for service  above and beyond duty during our training weekend. We have already  received over 100 compliments to your organization!


SATURDAY -- Bob Stefiuk, Brian Hart, Steve Kalugin, Dave Hubert, Mitch Gardner,  Scott Green, Tom Anderson, John Clint,
SUNDAY -- Tom Anderson, Dave Hubert, Ken Ahrens, Steve Kalugin, Kyle Alarie,  Darren Kozlowski, Mah Perry, Dan Van Kley, Bob Stefink, Brian Hartt,  Keith Gagnon, John Clint

Steven's very special thanks to DENNIS and BRIAN! Keep taking care of  kids! Its what it's all about.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The Kinsmen Club of Port Alberni have stepped up again!

They have contributed to the cost of our video being shot by VFH Video on August 8th in Comox with over 100 kids doing the "BACK PACK TOSS".

World Guiness will be there  to participate( to make it official)

Congratulations To the  continuing love and affection The Kinsmen of Port Alberni have always  shown the kids of Canada.

  
 

June 29th, 2009
Street Smart Kidz had a fantastic time visiting Port Alberni, BC, on  June 27 & 28 to conduct our Child Safety Seminars. Our host, The Port  Alberni Kinsmen really threw out the RED CARPET treatment to all of  the kids, parents and Street Smart Kidz.

The Kinsmen participated by taking photograph's, finger-prints, educating parents on the program and were used as "perpetrators" for  the kids to practice on. The Kinsmen were also given a special gift as 
55 children gave them all a special handshake in appreciation for what  they have been given.
 

July 3rd, 2009
The Kinsmen Club of Port Alberni have stepped up again! They have purchased a one /third share of our video being shot August 5th with  over 100 kids doing the "BACK PACK TOSS". World Guiness will be there  to participate( to make it official) Congratulations To the  continuing love and affection The Kinsmen of Port Alberni have always  shown the kids of Canada.
 

JUNE 30th, 2009
A very special thanks from Steven to the following KINSMEN for service  above and beyond duty during our training weekend. We have already  received over 100 compliments to your organization!
SATURDAY -- Bob Stefiuk, Brian Hart, Steve Kalugin, Dave Hubert, Mitch Gardner,  Scott Green
Tom Anderson, John Clint,
SUNDAY -- Tom Anderson, Dave Hubert, Ken Ahrens, Steve Kalugin, Kyle Alarie,  Darren Kozlowski, Mah Perry, Dan Van Kley, Bob Stefink, Brian Hartt,  Keith Gagnon, John Clint

Steven's very special thanks to DENNIS and BRIAN! Keep taking care of  kids! Its what it's all about.
 

JUNE 29th, 2009
Street Smart Kidz had a fantastic time visiting Port Alberni, BC, on  June 27 & 28 to conduct our Child Safety Seminars. Our host, The Port  Alberni Kinsmen really threw out the RED CARPET treatment to all of  the kids, parents and Street Smart Kidz.

The Kinsmen participated by taking photograph's, finger-prints, educating parents on the program and were used as "perpetrators" for  the kids to practice on. The Kinsmen were also given a special gift as 
55 children gave them all a special handshake in appreciation for what  they have been given.
 
 

June 4th, 2009
Street Smart Kidz would like to give a warm round of applause to AIRPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL in Comox, BC. Their incredible PAC has decided to invite Street Smart Kidz into their school Sept. 25th and 26th 2009 so we can address each class for 45 minutes and give them some general safety tips to make the school year more enjoyable and safe. I look forward to teaching all the students the "back pack toss" and "the Worm" to name just a few of the great things we will be learning together. I look forward to working with a cutting edge Principal, Teaching Staff and Parents Group. Keep up the great work!
 
 

June 3rd, 2009
Street Smart Kidz is growing. Shirley and I have decided we need some help and have found some outstanding support troops who will bring the additional expertise we need to keep the office running smoothly. So please join us in welcoming Ms.Terri Jackson and Mr. Brock Jackson to the Street Smart Kidz family. To learn more about them and their new assignments please look at the "About Us" section on our site.
 

June 2nd, 2009
We have just received some FANTASTIC news from the Port Alberni Kinsmen Club. After hearing 60 kids were unable to pay to take the 2 hour Street Smart Kidz Seminar because of the tough economic times all Canadian's are facing these days, the BIG HEARTED KINSMEN said "that is unacceptable! Our group will come to the aid of these kids, and make sure they have the life skills they need in today's world". Our hats are tipped to the Port Alberni Kinsmen Club, and we look forward to working with such a community minded group. Seminars will be held June 27th and 28th. To register or for more information call the Street Smart Kidz office at 1-250-890-0634. The next time you see a Kinsmen, shake their hand, and give them a pat on the back. They deserve it!
 

May 2009

Child Safety Seminars were cancelled this last weekend in Port Alberni, due to a lack of funding. 58 children were signed up to attend, but only 6 were able to pay for the seminar, leaving 52 children unpaid, and in need of assistance. Street Smart Kidz is committed to putting all of these children through our Child Safety Seminars, despite these tough economic times.  We will be fund raising in Port Alberni starting this Thursday, May 7th, and will  continue until the remaining money needed is raised, at which time we will be holding our Seminars at the Best Western as previously arranged.  I look forward to seeing you in Port Alberni.  If you can help call 1-250-890-0634.
Steven Baird
 

May 2009

Child Safety Seminars Classes for age groups 6-9 and 10-12.   Topics include:

  • "self defense"

  • "what can happen if you runaway"

  • "internet safety"

  • "how to handle bullies"

  • and many other life saving skills

To book a seminar in your town call 1-250-890-0634 or for more information contact Street Smart Kidz at info@streetsmartkidz.ca.