Street Smarts

Going on a hike? How about a hike around town? Or perhaps you and your Scouts are pounding the pavement drumming up Popcorn Sales. Before you know it we'll all be out canvassing the neighborhoods, Scouting for Food.

What do all of these activities have in common? You guessed it - just walking around. Our BSA is an organization that is nearly as old as the automobile. I looked through a lot of old Scout Handbooks and it seems to me that there has always been great concern about safety in and near the automobile.

This is especially important as we hit the streets selling popcorn and then gathering food in November. Some scouts will be in the neighborhoods to sell Christmas wreaths and some will collect Christmas trees. If you have considered an urban hike you may want to review "street smarts" with your Scouts as well. Maybe some of your Scouts walk to and from a troop meeting.

Now, you might say we did all of this in kindergarten. That's right! But did you ever read Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten? A little refresher is in order. We have all seen a child dash unexpectedly out into the street. Have you ever been on an outing where there was never a concern about horseplay? The unexpected happens. The Sandwich Principle reminds us that Trained Leaders and Discipline hold together the ingredients of Safe Scouting activities. Accidents can be prevented. So even when we are about town on a traditional Scouting activity, we need a plan and we need a moment of instruction before we set out.

In the neighborhoods: wear your Scout uniform. Use the sidewalks and respect your neighbors' yards and property.

Consider reflective tape or a red blinking bicycle light if you are walking at dusk or after dark. Check for cars before you step off the curb. Cross the roadways at the street corners or on the crosswalks wherever possible.

If there are no sidewalks walk on the left side of the road facing the traffic and walk single file. A responsible Scout or leader should walk in front and in back. At dusk or in the dark, wear reflective material and carry a flashlight. Avoid night walking along the roadside whenever possible.

When all of the Scouts are back in the car, secure the seat belts even if it is only a block or two from home.

If your Scouts go knocking on doors, we encourage that an adult leader should be nearby. As a leader you need to know where all of your Scouts are at all times. The buddy system provides another good safety strategy. Most folks are pleasantly surprised and receptive to see Scouts in neat uniforms at the door, but no one should enter into the home of stranger.

Now hit the streets. Could it be that hiking in the mountains is a safer place to be?

There are many great discoveries to be made just walking about town. But wherever you are on the go, go safely.

By Dr. Tom Long