Interact Club Service Project Results in 11 New Certified Babysitters for Estes Valley Families
Students learn hands-on CPR techniques
During the 2025-26 school year, members of the Estes Park Middle and High School Interact Club set out to solve a problem they heard repeatedly from families throughout the Estes Valley: finding qualified babysitters was becoming increasingly difficult.
Today, that student-led service project has become a reality.
On June 2, eleven Estes Park middle school students successfully completed an American Heart Association First Aid, CPR, AED, and Babysitting Certification course made possible through funds raised by the Interact Club.
The Interact Club, sponsored by the two Rotary Clubs of Estes Park, is a student-led service learning organization that empowers students to identify community needs, develop solutions, and make a positive impact through service. Earlier this year, Interact students raised money through community fundraising efforts, including Christmas light recycling, serving hot chocolate during the Catch the Glow Parade for donations, and volunteering at the winter Sleigh Games event.
Students chose to invest the money back into their community. After speaking with parents and community members, students identified a need for more trained babysitters in Estes Park. They decided to use the funds they raised to offer a babysitting certification course free of charge to middle school students.
Former Estes Park Middle School Principal and current Options School Coordinator Janet Fanning was selected to teach the course. Throughout the training, students learned far more than basic babysitting skills. Participants received certification in Adult, Child, and Infant CPR, First Aid, and AED use while also learning practical childcare skills such as supervision, emergency response, feeding and bottle preparation, diapering, swaddling, age-appropriate play, and communication with parents. Students also learned how to conduct safety check-ins with families, gather important emergency information, and establish professional expectations when caring for children.
A significant component of the course focused on child development and understanding how children's needs change as they grow. Students explored age-appropriate activities for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-aged children while learning how play supports social, emotional, language, and problem-solving development.
All eleven students successfully completed the course and earned their CPR and First Aid certifications.
The project is an excellent example of authentic learning in action. Students identified a community need, raised funds through service, collaborated with community partners, and created a solution that benefits both young people and families in Estes Park. In the process, participating students gained valuable life skills, professional certifications, and potential opportunities for entrepreneurship through babysitting services.
For families in the Estes Valley, the impact may be equally meaningful. The community now has eleven additional young people equipped with the training and confidence to safely care for infants and children, helping provide parents with more options when childcare is needed.
"This project represents exactly what we hope students experience through service learning," said Superintendent Ruby Bode. "Our Interact students listened to the community, identified a need, and used their time, talents, and resources to create a meaningful solution. Their efforts have created opportunities for their peers while supporting families throughout the Estes Valley."
The success of the babysitting certification program demonstrates the powerful impact that can occur when students are empowered to lead, serve, and create positive change within their community.
