The Singing Scoutmaster: The Safety Line

At summer camp, there's always a safety line in the swimming area - a rope with floats that marks how far you can go. Some scouts look at that line and think it's holding them back from the deeper, more exciting water beyond.

But that line isn't there to limit your fun - it's there because that's as far as the lifeguard can see clearly and reach quickly. Beyond that line, you're not just putting yourself at risk; you're forcing the lifeguard to make a dangerous rescue, you're disrupting everyone else's swim time, and you're breaking the trust that keeps the whole system working.

A Scout is obedient. When we follow the boundaries set by those responsible for our safety, we're not being weak or timid - we're being smart and considerate. Because every rule we follow makes us more trustworthy, and that trust earns us more freedom in the future.