PDA

View Full Version : DEFY: The Drug Education For Youth



thedrifter
08-11-03, 08:11 PM
Submitted by: MCB Hawaii
Story Identification Number: 20038814427
Story by Sgt. Joseph A. Lee



MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii(July 31, 2003) -- The Drug Education For Youth program began its annual two-phase program with a daytime non-residential summer camp aboard MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, July 22 - 31.

The first phase, a nine-day summer camp program, is the start of a year of learning for the children of DEFY, according to program coordinator, Daryl Picadura.

"We try and educate the children to build a well-rounded person, with classes on team building, goal-setting, conflict resolution, decision-making and self-esteem, along with basic education about drugs, alcohol and tobacco," said Picadura.

Drug Education for Youth is a prevention program for kids ages 9 - 12. The DEFY purpose is to deter "at-risk" behavior by giving kids the tools they need to resist drugs and develop positive social skills.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the DEFY program was recently named best youth outreach drug demand reduction program in the Navy for fiscal year 2002, additionally receiving the Secretary of Defense Community Drug Awareness Award for the second time since 1999.

"DEFY made great strides in FY02," said DEFY program manager Timm Bentley. "We feel very fortunate that the efforts of everyone involved with DEFY around the world have been recognized."

The award-winning program is designed to operate in two phases.

The first phase of the DEFY program allows the children to become acquainted with their mentors while building a foundation of education. Children participated in the President's Physical Fitness Challenge, maneuvered ropes course obstacles, learned basic CPR and water safety, and visited local military monuments together.

"Because the program is for Department of Defense families, it is run by mostly Navy and Marine Corps all-volunteer staff. We feel it is important to help open the children's eyes to see a little more about what their parents do for a living," said Picadura.

"Many times when one parent is on deployment, it can be rough for the remaining parent to handle the children by themselves. So we help in that way too, giving the children something to do with their time while learning valuable life skills."

The second phase is designed to reinforce the concepts and training received in phase one. Once per month during the school year, mentors and staff provide positive support during group mentoring sessions and interactive workshops with the children.

"The youth leave DEFY with a better sense of self," Bentley said. "It goes beyond learning about drugs and what drugs can do to their brain. They learn who they are, what they are and the difference they can make in their own community."

The Secretary of Defense Community Drug Awareness Award will be presented during the opening ceremony of Red Ribbon Week on Oct. 27, at the Pentagon.

For more information about DEFY on MCB Hawaii or to volunteer, call Daryl Picadura at (808) 257-8559.


The Drifter
:marine: