Hard to resist DEFY (Drug Education For Youth)

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GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Drug Education For Youth is a self-esteem building program that provides kids with the tools they need to resist drugs, gangs, and alcohol.

In essence, the DEFY program provides leadership to kids and thereby strengthens our military communities. The motto is: Strong children.... Strong families.... for a Ready Future.

Initially developed by the Drug Demand Reduction Task Force, DEFY is sponsored by the local command and limited to youth of military families ages 9-12.

A 2-phase program, DEFY begins in the summer with either a five-day residential or an eight-day non-residential camp program. This challenging, fun-filled week in the summer is followed by a year of mentoring.

DEFY focuses on building youngsters' self-image and setting goals. It stresses interpersonal relations, and emphasizes leadership and teamwork. Along the way it raises awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs, as well as the dangerous effects of peer pressure to join gangs.

The structured curriculum offers education, skill development and physical fitness. DEFY is all about creating positive experiences so that kids will choose healthy alternatives instead of substance abuse and gang involvement.

The 5-day summer leadership DEFY camp starts July 11-20, at Goodfellow's chapel annex and includes an educational field trip. Participants meet continuously throughout the year on a monthly basis doing fun activities. The class will be limited to 40 children and 20 adult mentors. The suspense for Adult Mentor sign ups is June 11 and June 25 for youth.

A mandatory meeting for all parents will be July 9 at 1830 in the Goodfellow Chapel fellowship hall.

For all registration forms visit the Navy Detachment, Bldg. 420, or www.donhq.navy.mil/defy.m

For more information call program coordinator Reginald Epps (325) 654-1595 or 
(214) 600-0351