The Campfire Chronicles

Mike is our Scout of the Week because he has worked hard to do his best work, check his writing for capitals and periods, make wise choices, and have a positive attitude in all that he does.

A 5-week D.A.R.E. program for Third Grade began this week at Linnaeus West! Officer Alston will come for 5 Thursday mornings to talk to the scouts at Camp Linus. This week he talked about BEING SAFE:

• What is a rule and why do we have them?
• 4 words for keeping safe.
• Noticing Details
• When can you use 911?
• What is an emergency?
• What happens when you use 911?

Rule: Something or someone that tells you what to do or what not to do. We have rules because they keep us safe.

4 words for keeping safe: Know, No, Go, Tell:
Example: When a stranger asks you to get in their car. What do you do?

1. What do you "know" about strangers?
2. You know it's dangerous so you say "no."
3. "Go" to your teacher, parent, or babysitter.
4. "Tell" them about the stranger.

Noticing Details: Look at a picture of a person and car for 10 seconds. How many details do you remember? Do you know what the color was of their hair, eyes, clothes, shoes, skin, car? Did you notice the license plate? Any other details?

When can you dial 911? Emergencies.

When is an emergency? Anytime you think someone's in trouble and might be hurt, or might do something dangerous.

What happens when you call 911? Anytime the digits 9-1-1 are dialed in a row, a computer screen at the police station shows the address of the house where the phone call was made, the names of the people who live there, the phone number, and directions to the house. The police will call back, but even if they are told everything is fine, they will go visit the house to make sure. That's why it is very important not to call 9-1-1 unless it is really an emergency!

What does it mean to "turn around" one's behavior? Imagine that someone's behavior is going in an inappropriate direction. What would this look like?

Perhaps this person is not listening, not following directions, not giving best effort, not keeping hands and feet to self, not checking one's work for capitals and periods, or not making transitions quickly and quietly. The behavior is not looking respectful and responsible. However, it is possible to "change directions." It's like stopping the car and turning it around!

"Turning around" behavior is when one stops, thinks about what a wise choice would be - about what he/she should be doing right at that moment - and then changes his/her behavior to be more appropriate.

When someone "turns around" his/her behavior, we can see that person begin to listen attentively, begin to hear and follow directions, begin to give their best effort and check their work, begin to keep hands and feet to self, and begin to make quick and quiet transitions.

To "turn around" behavior isn't easy. Making the effort shows courage and caring, and it is valued at Camp Linus.