• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
• A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
   

• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• By using a flashlight, Trick-or-Treaters can see and be seen by others.
• Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.
• Only trick-or-treat in well-known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Never cut across yards or use alleys.
• Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
• Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
• Always walk. Never run across a street.
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks.
• Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.
• Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will.
• Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.
• No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.
• Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.
   

• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.
• Try to divide up treats for the days following Halloween.
• Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.
   

1. Guess the number of jellybeans in the jar.
2. Guess who is under the costume.
3. Candy toss. Put a box on the floor. Give each child 5 pieces of candy to throw in the box.
4. Have a ghost story telling sessions with the lights down low and music. Try a ghost sheet for added affect!
5. Play "Guess the Monster". Someone describes a monster and the children have to guess who or what it is.
6. Set up a craft table or two and have the children draw and color things associated with Halloween.

• Assign at least two people (appoint one to serve as treasurer) who are experienced and comfortable with handling money.
• Both should be present when money collected from fundraiser is counted (preferably in the school, church, or group common place) and always using calculators.
• Both individuals should sign all requests for money, using a numbered receipt book for all cash disbursements.
• It is a good idea for both of these individuals to be from separate households and perhaps covered by a fidelity bond to cover losses resulting from honest mistakes or the rare dishonest acts.
• Accurate records of incoming revenue and outgoing expenses should be recorded by the treasurer and regular reports submitted to organization leaders.
• Deposit money in a timely manner - preferably daily. In between bank deposits, make arrangements to keep money under lock and key.

Mike Mikali, Head Coach
Raritan Rebels U14 Softball Girls