Libraries across the country are helping to promote this event this summer and fall. The Myers Memorial Library in Frewsburg is participating in this program. To participate, children can pick up the reading challenge which includes reading three books on wildfires or the environment and earning four badges by completing various activities. The reading challenge sheets are due back by Aug. 15 at the Myers Memorial Library. Those who return the challenge will receive a certificate and get a chance to win one of the library’s Smokey Bear prizes. A local Girl Scout troop donated a sleep bag, tent, board game, and a few books which will be given out to three winners.

Recently, the Myers Memorial Library had the US Forest Service – Allegheny National Forest bring Smokey Bear and his handlers to the Carroll Town Park for a program. Frewsburg’s Summer Rec children and community members attended the program and learned how they could help stop wildfires. 90% of wildfires are started by humans. The children learned Smokey Bear’s important rules including: never play with matches, lighters or fire, never leave a fire unattended, always use water and a shovel to put out a campfire, always make sure the campfire is completely out before leaving it.

Smokey’s handlers demonstrated how to properly put out a campfire by dumping water on a campfire and then using a shovel to stir the coals and checking to make sure the coals were cool. The children also got to draw pictures for Smokey Bear which he then stamped for them. The program ended with a group picture with Smokey Bear and the participants singing Happy Birthday to Smokey Bear. More information about the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge can be found at www.smokeybear.com. Write Smokey Bear a letter at Smokey Bear Washington, D.C. 20252.