CANTON — A free personal safety seminary will be held Thursday, Aug. 18 for area students who will soon be leaving for college campuses and returning to schools in the coming weeks.

The event is planned from 6-7 p.m. at Canton's Bend in the River.

Topics to be addressed include:

• Becoming familiar with new surroundings

• Safety techniques important while attending all activities

• Effective communication methods on campus, in dormitories, and entering facilities

• Personal safety and awareness at social gatherings

• Basic self-defense and escape methods effective in eliminating risky encounters.

Parents and youth of all ages are welcome to participate. The seminar is being offered as a part of Canton Recreation Summer Activities.

Those in attendance should wear loose fitting clothing, exercise footwear, and also have a mask available, as a few of the routines will require close exchanges. The seminar is being conducted by Black Belt instructors of American Kang Duk Won Karate who offer ongoing programs throughout the North Country.

The seminar exercises are quite active and will present stretching, balance, and breathing techniques which are all intended to increase a person's focus and confidence.

Time will be available for questions to be asked by those participating.

For further information, contact Frank Palumbo, AKDWK Director, 315-854-6880.