PREVENT crime!

Tonight we started the Crime Prevention merit badge. Of course, we have an edge on this topic because our scoutmaster is a cop. Soooo, out came the real footage of a drug house, footage from the Best of "Cops" & a video called "Faces of Meth."

We had a great discussion about drug, alcohol & kava use. The boys came up with a great question asking "Is Bula ok to drink?" For those of you who are not familiar, BULA is a new carbonated drink that has "ava" as an ingredient. Kava is a narcotic root & although does not give you the same effects as alcohol, it does alter your normal state of mind. This is a controversal topic, but our Bishop came in & gave us the simple answer of "NO. Which is important? Your covenant with your heavenly father or the worldly traditions of your culture?" This is something for our scouts to really think about. So thanks Bishop for the insight!

The scouts got a real kick out of watching the videos-we thought it would help bring to life the issues of our discussion. So below is a link of one of the videos they viewed- "faces of meth"

Here are ideas that our scouts came up with on how to prevent crime in their own neighborhoods:

• Go out & talk to your neighbors and make friends. This is a great way to notice strangers more easily in your neighborhood but also creates a sense of block unity. People are more likely to watch out for you & your home if you know each other.
• Support your Neighborhood Watch program.
• Even if you are not sure, but have a suspicion....call the police tipline if you have any worries about illegal activity going on in your neighborhood.
• Call 911 right away if you see a crime happening!

These may seem like simple methods, but unfortunately not very many people actually put these to action.

PARENTS: We have given scouts the assignment to bring in a news clip of a crime that has happened in their neighborhood or city. They will sit down seperately with their scout counselor to discuss this clip, how it effects their community and possible solutions. This is part of their badge requirements.

Parents, please take the time to sit down with your scout (maybe before church since we don't start til 3pm) and share with them your thoughts and ideas about this merit badge. Help your scout find a news clip. An involved parent will create an involved scout.