The Lay of the Land

Navigating through town and taking public transportation is a great way to teach map skills in a different way. It is also good practice for the kids to give directions and learn pedestrian safety skills. This meeting completes the safety requirement from the first star and covers some of the requirements from the map reader and guide badges. Kids can complete the Guide Badge on their own by filling out this worksheet.

• Opening Ceremony
• Pedestrian and Bike Safety
  • Crossing the street, visibility, best practices (Pedestrian Safety Tips)
  • Bike Safety (Helmet use, appropriate clothing, where to ride, hand and verbal signals, ALPACA)
• Discuss how to get help in an emergency
  • Stranger Safety, identifying safe people to ask for help
  • Police/Fire/Ambulance (911, discuss non-emergency numbers)
  • Poison Control (free stickers, magnets, and brochures should be available from your state poison center)
• Talk about Maps
  • What are some different kinds of maps? Do you use the same kind of map navigating around a city that you do in the wilderness? Why?
  • Hand out street maps/public transportation maps
• Navigate around Town
  • Find important locations on maps
  • Plan a route on public transportation, look at schedules, then complete it
  • Let the kids practice being the head navigator and giving directions
• Closing Ceremony

• Maps of Area
• Public Transportation Schedules/Maps
• Poison Control Handouts
• Public Transportation Fare
• Guide Badge Worksheet Handout

• Show that you understand road safety rules for biking and walking.

• Be able to give clear and concise directions to the examiner.
• Be aware of the dangers of speaking to or being approached by strangers.
• Know how to call for police, fire, ambulance, and poison control.
• Know the name or number of at least two public transportation routes, and at least two places each way on these routes.

• Be able to describe the difference between road maps and topographic maps and know when to use each.