“Climb if you will, but remember that courage and strength are nought without prudence, and that a momentary negligence may destroy the happiness of a lifetime. Do nothing in haste, look well to each step, and from the beginning think what may be the end”.  Edward Whymper, “Scrambles Among the Alps” (1871).

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Edward Whymper made the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865.

Unfortunately, during the descent, four of his party of seven fell to their deaths, a reminder that an outdoor activity is not over until it is over . . .

Cliff Jacobson, long-time outdoorsman, made a similar observation in the Sept-Oct 2016 issue of Scouting magazine, where he makes the observation “Exercising patience becomes especially important when young people depend on you to help them make critical decisions [regarding the safe conduct of the program] during an outing.”

Again, the event is never over until it is over . . . 

Safe Scouting!

Do nothing in haste . . .