MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Now that kids are out of school, many people are enjoying being outside taking the family to the park for some summer fun.

But do you think about protecting yourself from the criminal element?

Parks are typically very safe places to go but in this day and time it never hurts to be safe.

Today, I caught up with a group of Girl Scouts whose leaders take park safety very seriously.

It's summertime and for some, there's nothing better than a day at the park.

"I bring my kids to the park a lot to use the different facilities, the tennis court, the bike path, and just the playground equipment that is different than what we have at home," says Girl Scout Volunteer Jaquie Stiver.

But do you think about park safety?

Members of law enforcement say you can never be too safe, starting with your vehicle that's usually not parked in the sight of your activities.

"The biggest thing about a vehicle is make sure all your valuables are out of sight and make sure you lock those doors," says Maryville Police Sgt. Jason Barham.

Sgt. Jason Barham with the Maryville Police Department says the park is full of people having fun but there are instances where having fun is not their motive.

We've been given instincts for a reason and people have to listen to them. When something doesn't feel quite right, usually it's not," says Sgt. Barham.

That's something the Girl Scouts who are enjoying day camp in Springbrook Park in Alcoa take real seriously is safety.

"We always make sure we can see our children at all times. and we're aware of the people that are in the park around us," says Stiver.

Sgt. Barham says children should be taught not to yell no if someone tries to grab them because they could be perceived as just being unruly.

"Scream this is not my mother. This is not my father. Usually those type words will get people's attention when just no, no, no, maybe would not." says Barham.

And Stiver says they go the extra mile when it comes to protecting their girls.

When they arrive or leave, they just can't walk to or from their parents car.

"Oh no. The parents need to come up to the picnic tables and sign their children in and out everyday," says Stiver.

Sgt. Barham says it always helps to do scenarios in your head.

For example, while you're jogging think about what you would do if someone came up behind you.

He says by thinking about it, that helps you to know how you'll react.

Barham also says, for both kids and adults, have a buddy with you.