WCSO SRO Charles Mothershed teaches safety class for Walton Trail Cub Scouts

 Learning what it’s like to be a law enforcement officer and avoiding peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol was the topic of the day Thursday when Wilson County Sheriff’s Officer SRO Charles Mothershed spoke to the Walton Trail Cub Scout Day Camp Thursday.

An estimated 90 young people from first to fifth grade attended the camp held this week at Cedars of Lebanon State Park. “This is my favorite part of the job,” said SRO Deputy Mothershed, “talking to the kids and trying to help them understand what our job entails along with trying to teach them how to keep themselves and others safe.”

WCSO Corrections Deputy Jonathan Binion and his wife, Keisha, are also active in the day camp held each year at the park. Students earn badges and awards along with learning a variety of outdoor skills such as archery, swimming, hiking and safety while having fun. Each day, the students have a guest speaker.

With the aid of coloring books and photos, SRO Mothershed teaches the youngest students about the importance of finding an adult and not touching a weapon if they find something that could hurt them or someone else in the woods or anywhere else. They are taught about “stranger danger,” and what to do if a stranger tries to lure them away from safety. And, of course, they get the opportunity to ask questions about his job and see the patrol vehicle and all its features. The older ones are given advice regarding peer pressure to try drugs and alcohol and have a chance to try on DUI goggles to see how difficult it is to navigate while under the influence of alcohol.

“It’s really rewarding,” Deputy Mothershed said, adding that if there’s one take-away he wants students to get from his class, it’s that law enforcement are here to help them, keep them safe and learn how to keep themselves safe.