Volunteers, youth sought for “Drug Education For Youth” program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Derek VanHorn
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Officials here are looking for mentors and children to help kick off a yearlong "Drug Education For Youth" prevention program.

The two-phase Department of Defense-sponsored program - known as DEFY - is geared for children ages 9 to 12. The camp will be free to all who sign up at Grand Forks AFB.

Adopted as a joint operation between the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy, DEFY deters "at-risk" behaviors by giving kids the tools they need to resist drugs, gangs and alcohol.

"It's a model program that has proven to work," said David Frisch, Drug Demand Reduction program manager. "It is designed that all of this information will stick with the kids and provides them the tools to make the right decisions."

Phase one begins with a June 18-26 day camp. Mentors will lead the kids through bonding activities and workbook modules at the base's Liberty Square and lead a field trip to Itasca State Park, Minn.

The classroom curriculum covers goal setting, leadership and teamwork skills, relationship and conflict management, substance abuse prevention, gang awareness and self-confidence. Classes will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the week and lunch will be provided daily.

Phase two consists of one meeting per month until May 2013. The monthly meetings will support the training and education received during the initial camp.

Regular participation will be rewarded. Those who miss less than three meetings throughout the year will receive their program diplomas during a free trip to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota, in May 2013.

Military volunteers are urged to request their time at the camp as an alternate duty location - pending commander's approval - so they won't be charged personal leave time.

Call the Youth Center at 747-3150 or Demand Reduction at 747-5522 to volunteer.

Frisch said they are looking for 10-12 volunteers and have room for up to 25 children.