Each year, CAPA presents "The Bubbylonian Encounter" to over 1,000 elementary school children in Hillsdale County.  "Bub" teaches children about good, confusing and bad touching as they watch Bub, an alien from outer space, learn about his new sense of touch.  Bub and the students learn that touch can be wonderful - warm, comforting, and loving - but it can also be confusing, like a tickle fight that gets too rough or an exuberant aunt who wants to pinch their cheeks.  Children also learn that sometimes people, even someone that they know, can use touching, hugging and kissing to hurt them.  They are encouraged to trust their feelings, and that they need to say "NO", then "GO", and TELL an adult. 

*************************************************************

Students say:

"I learned that if somebody touches you in private places you should tell an adult.  If somebody hurts me, I would tell one of these people:  Mom, Dad, teacher, counselor or principal."

"I liked the part of the play when Bub came from his planet.  I liked it because Bub made lots of funny noises."

"I learned some touching is good and some is bad."

"My favorite character was Bub because he was weird, eager, and energetic like me."

"I learned about the three kinds of touches."

*************************************************************

Teachers and Parents Say:

"I wish I'd seen this play in the 70's - I could have eliminated lots of therapy."

"It is a very effective way to get the message across.  Very nice presentation of a difficult subject."

"The message was clear and the distinction between acceptable and unacceptable touching was presented tastefully - thank you!"

"The script is excellent, and the actors did a wonderful job!"

*************************************************************

Experts Say:

"The Bubbylonian Encounter" is a very pleasant way to help youngsters learn about one of life's not-so-pleasant realities.  A must for every community."        -Leonard Lieber, Former Executive Director, Parents Anonymous

"The Bubbylonian Encounter" is an important contribution to the prevention of child abuse.  Through this entertaining and informative production, children can learn a definition of forced sexual contact, what to do if that should occur, and that family members can be involved.  I only wish that every child could see it."     -SuEllen Fried, National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse

*************************************************************

About the Actors

Three Hillsdale College students will make up the "Bub" cast for 2008. "Bub" is the lead character assisted by Betty, who helps Bub and the students learn how to be safe in this world.  A third student and adult facilitate the question-and-answer session after each performance, fielding questions about the play's message, the planet Bubbylonia, and college life. 

In past performances, student actors traveled to Waldron, Pittsford, North Adams/Jerome, Litchfield, Jonesville, Camden-Frontier, Gier and Bailey Schools in Hillsdale, Reading, Concord and Hanover-Horton, to share the message of personal safety with students.  A public performance was also given at the Hillsdale Community Library.