CAMPERS LEARNING TO DEFY DRUG USE

It's not every week you get to climb into the cockpit of a fighter jet, go
rock climbing and have fun meeting new people.

But that's what many area youth are doing this week as part of the Drug
Education for Youth's camp.

The DEFY program, established in 1993 by the Navy's Drug Demand Reduction
Task Force, is a program similar to the D.A.R.E. program that is often
taught in public schools but is more like a camp than a teaching program.

This Monday found the campers visiting an airplane repair hangar on the
Sheppard Air Force Base grounds, where they were given a first-hand glimpse
of what it's like inside a military fighter jet. The rest of the day
consisted of learning about the effects of drugs on one's self and family
and how to say no to peer pressure. Although the DEFY program budget was
limited to only 40 campers this year, the mentors are working hard to make
sure the kids have fun. Many of the mentors, most of whom are in the
military, have taken time out of their busy schedules to volunteer for the
camp.

"It's a lot of work, but it's definitely worth it," said DEFY organizer
Thomas Deslauries while airmen explained to the campers the basics of a
fighter jet. A few of the mentors are civilians who simply hope to deter
kids from using drugs and joining gangs.

"I have two older brothers who were involved with drugs," said Bylinda
Voigt, a civilian mentor volunteering with the camp. "I feel this is a very
good opportunity for me to show the kids how drugs can effect your family."

Along with learning strong leadership skills and how to stay away from
drugs, the campers also get a short course of American history, including
what the symbols of the Flag represent, along with tips on how to get into
shape.

By the end of the week, there will be a graduation for the participants of
the camp. Phase 2 of the DEFY program, which consists of a mentoring program
that will last 10 months, is slated to begin during the school year.

For more information, check out the Web page at
www.ojp.usdoj.gov/eows/defy.htm.