Youngsters have fun learning to be drug free
March 10, 2011- Lock Haven Express
LOCK HAVEN - The Advocates for a Drug Free Tomorrow hosted nearly 100 children at the Lock Haven YMCA recently where the kids went to "Kick It with the Advocates." Judging by the turnout and comments made by parents in attendance, the second annual event was another success.
Evidence from The Search Institute suggests family support and communication are among several protective factors which are instrumental in the prevention of substance abuse. Danielle Hardy, Co-Chair for the coalition and Prevention Program Specialist for the West Branch Drug & Alcohol Abuse Commission indicated the event served its intended purpose. "One parent said that they had a lot of fun together in all of the activities and thanked us," Hardy said.
Jamon Andrus, a fellow member of the coalition and Clinical Supervisor for Crossroads Counseling in Lock Haven, reported similar feedback stating, "One parent I spoke to when I was helping at the rock wall said, 'Today was a good day.'"
Laurie Welch, employed by the Penn State Cooperative Extension is also experienced in preventive services for our youth. Welch stated, "Saturday's event was really nice. It was well organized. My kids had fun."
Also among the protective factors noted by The Search Institute is gaining a sense of worth from and belonging to the community. Hardy suggested the day fulfilled the children's needs in this way as well.
"The kids really enjoyed ZUMBA and the instructor was great with the kids. The rock wall staff were extremely busy and were excellent with the children and made them feel at ease. The children enjoyed making crafts and playing games at the stations with LHU students," Hardy said. The Lock Haven University students were representatives of the university's AmeriCorps Vista program in its volunteer service to the coalition and community as well.
Along with swimming, rock wall climbing, and ZUMBA, the day also offered face painting, a duck pond, fish pond, puppets, butterfly finger painting, and a sign language activity. The Advocates also offered light refreshments and bottled water, the latter supplied by First Quality Paper Products.
The Advocates displayed an informational table regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs in hopes they might spread the message and help prevent substance abuse as well. The event was free to the public. Interested parties can direct inquiries regarding the Advocates for a Drug Free Tomorrow to the West Branch Drug & Alcohol Abuse Commission at (570) 323-8543
