The Twin Cities Chapter of the American Red Cross, leaders in emergency training, offers Babysitter Training Courses that teach all of the skills needed to be a great babysitter. The interactive course teaches first aid and safety skills to prepare babysitters to prevent and respond to emergencies.

In addition to first aid skills, the course also covers basic childcare topics like diapering, feeding, and discipline. Graduates receive a Babysitter's Handbook and First Aid & Safety Kit.

Class dates vary, so visit the website for current schedules and registration information. Age limits are strictly enforced.

The Red Cross is an excellent resource for health and safety classes, as well as disaster preparation, swimming lessons and lifeguard training, and, yes, even instruction in pet first aid.

Babysitter certification classes for kids for ages 11 to 15 cover leadership, safety, child care, and first aid. The classes last 6.5 hours, include a Babysitter's Handbook, and cost about $60; participants should bring a bag lunch.

Saint Paul Public Schools has preK-12 programming comprising a wide array of educational opportunities, including traditional elementary, middle, and high school classes; special education programs; classes for four-year-olds; alternative learning centers; and language and art immersion.

Community Education offerings provide low-cost enrichment classes for adults, children, and families. Each session is filled with terrific arts & crafts, language, fencing, gymnastics, science, sports, and computer classes. Babysitter training classes are also available.

The St. Paul JCC offers fitness classes and gym facilities (including a pool) with programming for all ages, as well as a technology center and library, sports leagues, summer camps, school release day trips and workshops, parent/child classes, and afterschool care. The center also hosts family events and special workshops, including babysitter training, and martial arts and scuba lessons for teens.

Childcare is available most mornings for kids ages six weeks to six years (with advance reservations) while parents are on-site to work out or attend classes. ($2/hour; Call 651.255.4757 to book.)

The JCC's offerings for teens are particularly notable. The Teen Lounge (open to members in grades seven to 12) features a stereo and big-screen TV with VCR and DVD player; pool, foosball, and ping pong tables; and internet access and a DVD/CD burner. Teen-only events and programs include a support group for GLBT teens, sports and leaderships organizations, and a Performing Arts School that mounts productions throughout the year. Van service is available to transport kids to the JCC from area schools.

The JCC also offers training for the JCC Maccabi Games, a Jewish Olympics-style competition. Kids in grades eight and nine can apply to be counselors-in-training at the JCC's Camp Butwin near Lebanon Hills County Park in Eagan, an ACA-accredited facility for kindergarteners and up offering summer camps with boating, climbing, crafts, nature, and theatre components.

Teens can also earn money as Party Peppers, helping out during birthday parties for kids ages five to 10 which are offered to member children (guests need not be members) at the center on Sundays. Parties include activity leaders, a decorated party room, set-up and clean-up, and use of the pool and gym. Call 651.255.4740 for more information.