Noah Furcht (left) and Sam Sietsema attended Legionville on Sunday, July 21- Friday, July 26, learning skills they will put to use as school crossing guards at School District 166 this year. In addition to being instructed by Minnesota State Patrol officers in first aid and crossing guard procedures, the boys took part in traditional camp activities.
Two local students headed to Legionville, a training center for Minnesota school patrol and bus patrol officers, in Brainerd on July 21 – 26. Sam Sietsema and Noah Furcht, both of Grand Marais, will be crossing guards at School District 166 this year and they were pleased to have some training before assuming their posts on Tuesday, September 3.
Sietsema and Furcht applied to represent Cook County Schools after State Trooper Leah Carpenter visited the Sawtooth Elementary 4th and 5th grade classrooms to talk about Legionville Camp. Intrigued by the idea of learning safety from the Minnesota State Patrol—as well as the chance to go canoeing, swimming and other traditional camp activities— Sietsema and Furcht wrote an essay about school traffic safety and why they wanted to attend Legionville.
Sawtooth Elementary School Principal Gwen Carman commended the boys for their efforts. “Their essays were very sincere,” she said, noting that by attending Legionville, the duo is committing to serving as crossing guards for two years.
Carman said the cost of the training camp is covered in part by the Minnesota State Patrol, however when the funding fell short, Trooper Carpenter was adamant that the boys be able to attend. Carpenter approached American Legion Post 413 in Grand Marais, which agreed to provide additional funding.
At camp, Sietsema and Furcht were trained in the procedures of school safety patrol work at intersections and in bus patrol work. Instructors are members of the Minnesota State Patrol. In turn, the boys will now help train other patrol members when they return to their school.
While safety training is the primary goal of Legionville, the students were incredibly busy at camp with track meets, swimming, tug-of-war games and canoeing. Americanism, good citizenship, and sportsmanship are also encouraged in a pleasant and entertaining manner.
Asked what he liked best about Legionville, Sam Sietsema said, “The instructors— there were some crazy instructors there that were a lot of fun.”
Noah Furcht enjoyed “canteen,” the small store where campers could purchase snacks and souvenirs and hang out with friends. Furcht said he enjoyed meeting other kids from around the state.
They both enjoyed learning news skills, including first aid and how to keep kids safe while crossing the street. Furcht told his mom, Margo Furcht, “Did you know I can hit a car with my flag if they are about to run into a kid?”
The boys expressed appreciation to the Minnesota State Patrol for the opportunity to attend camp. Principal Carman added, “I appreciate the work of the students, the help from the American Legion and the ongoing dedication of State Trooper Carpenter. I hope this is an ongoing trend.”
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