|
Y2Y Summer Program
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Dover Y2Y runs a summer training program for incoming sixth graders and new
members in other grades who are interested in joining Y2Y when school starts
back up in September. The training is designed to teach students about our drug
prevention program, as well as important skills that are used in Y2Y, like
public speaking, media literacy and teamwork.
IMPLEMENTATION:
The week-long event usually takes place in the middle of August at our
facilities in the McConnell Center. It is planned by our staff and current Youth
to Youth members. Youth run breakout groups and do presentations and workshops
throughout the week. The presentations are on topics such as tobacco, alcohol
and drug issues, as well as, training on Youth to Youth projects. The students
also can participate in fun recreational activities such as teamwork games,
hiking, and wall climbing during the program.
Officer Kennedy and his K-9, "Ace". A team building exercise. Doing a little video work
Starting in 2006, we revised the focus of the summer training. For example, in
August of 2006, 45 students participated in the annual Y2Y Summer Program. The
students were divided in to 5 teams that had unique focus areas. These special
training tracks were being offered for the first time to help students get
involved in areas that especially interested them. All teams received basic
training in drugs, skits, media literacy, and other topics. However, one team
was allowed to specialize in Video Recording/editing and Digital Photography.
Another team specialized in learning the Samantha Skunk Program.
Activities during the 2006 program included a more hands on approach. For
example, students conducted a traffic program where they held up signs
encouraging the use of seatbelts. Participants first received a one hour
presentation on traffic safety and the importance of buckling up. After the
presentation students hit the streets with large colorful signs to conduct a
driving test that PASSED or FAILED drivers depending
on whether they were using their seatbelts.
Other
opportunities for the new Y2Y members to take action included: recording radio
ads at WOKQ, presenting Sam Skunk at Dover Day Care, measuring cigarette litter
at Wallis Sands Beach, and putting stickers on alcohol products in stores. The
students also had the opportunity to present what they learned to parents on the
final night - including each team performing their skits.
IMPACT:
The Summer Program gives current members a chance to take a leadership role
within our program. They act as positive role models for the younger students
while teaching them valuable skills. The 6th graders leave prepared to be active
members of Dover Youth to Youth.
Thank You to Hannaford
Supermarkets for
their sponsorship of the Y2Y
Summer Program.
|
