No one ever will know how many young lives the Reality Tour has saved over the past 10 years by steering students away from using illegal drugs.

But the success of the program can be measured by its longevity.

No doubt in the early days there were doubters about whether the program could be effective. The fact that the program has served more than 8,500 residents over the past decade testifies to its important, positive impact so far, and it would be a big mistake if the emphasis on the tour were ever to dwindle, causing young people to be deprived of its message.

This is an era when young people are more at risk of being exposed to illegal drugs than probably ever before.

And, Butler County being an illegal-drug target area by people from places like Pittsburgh and Chicago makes it essential that all available resources are directed toward fighting that scourge.

The Reality Tour is one of those resources — indeed, a weapon.

Encouraging young people to steer clear of illegal drugs not only helps them, but can prevent the spread of drug use to friends and other acquaintances.

In addition to young people, the messages contained in the Reality Tour are important to parents, grandparents, guardians — anyone who tries to set a positive example for young people, not only by imparting the perils of becoming hooked on drugs but also by watching for signs of drug use, such as different behavior patterns.

Responsible adults monitor the company that their sons and daughters keep, as well as maintain positive lines of communication, whereby peer pressures, including temptations to experiment with illegal drugs, can be discussed openly in the privacy of their homes.

But it’s the Reality Tour that has been the real eye-opener for many young people, tracing the downward spiral of those who succumb to the temptation and smoke that first marijuana cigarette or, worse, try cocaine or heroin.

Not only does the Reality Tour deal with what happens when people start using drugs and what happens as addiction progresses, but also focuses on ways to help reduce the risk of substance abuse before it gets started.

The interactive program, which serves children 10 or older, is offered in 18 Pennsylvania communities and in 10 other states. Butler County is fortunate to have this resource within close reach.

In observance of its 10th anniversary, the Reality Tour is inviting families from southern Butler County to visit Fun Fore All in Cranberry Township from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday for a day of support and, beyond that, a two-hour pass to both outdoor and indoor attractions.

Pass sales that day will benefit the tour.

Young adults whose lives were kept clean of drugs as a result of the tour hopefully spread the program’s message to other young people. And as they grow older and have children of their own, they will be able to further deliver the message that doing drugs is dangerous, deadly and a no-win situation.

The Reality Tour will have an important place in this county as long as there are illegal drugs.