The five Barton County Youth Crew members who recently attended a specialized training event are sharing their new insights with their peers, local officials and the broader community.
The group, along with two adults, traveled to Nashville for the July 20-24 mid-year meeting of CADCA, which stands for Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America.
One participant, Mya Brewer, Hoisington Middle School eighth grader, “learned how to ask for sponsorships and plan events. We also discussed how to launch a social-media campaign to raise awareness about suicide prevention.”
Sophomore Brooklyn Cooley and Freshman Branson Holinde, both of Great Bend High School, also noted they were excited to learn about seeking sponsorships, as well as “discovering how to outline the different roles of those who are planning an event.”
Janey Weber, eighth grader at Great Bend Middle School, said “I learned about the seven C’s of leadership and why each of those is important.” She was referring to character, competence, commitment, connection, communication, courage and compassion.
In addition to sharing their new information, the Youth Crew members are expected to use it for projects in their schools and community.
Tyler Morton, Juvenile Services prevention advocate, said this CADCA meeting is the “best source of training for our youth. It offers professional trainers and attracts youth programs from around the world. In addition, CADCA accepts our feedback on how to make the event even better.
“This year, there were a lot more peer-led initiatives, allowing attendees to be more engaged than in other years,” he added. “This gathering also helps us recognize youth who excel in their efforts to build up local prevention efforts.
“We also want our youth to understand we are always moving the needle and trying to get better in our community work. Attending CADCA and engaging in continuing education are major pieces of growing as a coalition and task force.”
Morton noted it was gratifying that some CADCA trainers and executives remembered local Youth Crew members from years past.
“They called some by name, which speaks volumes about the young people’s work ethic and ability to engage with others. I also was impressed by newer members who took detailed notes. It was a lot to take in. All five participants did an excellent job and presented themselves well to their peers and CADCA officials.”
A Drug-Free Communities grant financed the trip. Morton and Nichelle Holinde, a parent, accompanied the group.
20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake & Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.
