Local scouts learning about community

A number of local youths were treated to a tour of two locales most adults try their hardest to avoid when 18 area Cub Scouts were taken on a tour of the city jail and courtroom by the organization's leaders and members of the Rector Police Department on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

The tour was part of the Cub Scouts' "Go See It" program, wherein the group goes out into the community to learn in a hands-on way about the various types of jobs and responsibilities held by people in the area. The Cub Scouts hold regular meetings on the first, second and third Tuesdays of the month at the Rector Armory, with their "Go See It" meeting usually taking place on the fourth Tuesday.

"The goal with our "Go See It" nights is to help the kids take an interest in the community and what goes on here," Scout Master Dawn Bennett said. "It helps give them a better understanding about all the different parts of the community and helps make them want to be a part of it."

The visit to the jail not only offered a glimpse into the work done by the RPD, it also provided the scouts with helpful safety lessons and education.

"We fingerprinted each of the kids so that we could have that on file in the event of an emergency," RPD officer and Cub Scout Den Leader Kelly Baker said. "Just that step alone can help a lot for identification purposes."

Baker also said each scout completed a phone sheet listing important numbers. The sheets featured all local emergency information, as well as contact numbers for family members which the scouts brought from home. The sheets are designed to be kept near home phones in order to make reaching the right people and agencies easier during an emergency.

"Just a few simple steps like that can make a big difference," Baker said.

The scouts also took part in a mock trial in the courtroom. This not only brought about laughter from the young participants, it also served as an introduction to parliamentary procedure.

"It was a really good experience," Bennett said. "The kids had a lot of fun and were given some helpful information. We're hoping to do more things like that."

Cub Scouts is open to boys ages seven to 10-years-old. Persons who are interested in learning more about the program may contact Bennett at 870-215-2682.