Pope DEFY program looking for volunteers Published May 1, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Cassandra Locke 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) is a self-esteem building program that provides kids with the tools they need to resist drugs, gangs, and alcohol. Initially developed by the Drug Demand Reduction Task Force, DEFY is sponsored by the local command and restricted to youth ages 9-12 from military families. According to Staff Sgt. Kenneth Key, DEFY training coordinator, DEFY is a two-phase program and 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," said Sergeant Key. He said most participants gain a great deal from the DEFY experience. "They make lasting friendships and learn a lot about themselves," he added. Upon graduation, kids are placed in youth organizations that help them to meet their goals. Sergeant Key said DEFY focuses on building the children's self-image and teaching them how to set goals for themselves. "It stresses interpersonal relations and emphasizes leadership and teamwork. It also raises awareness of the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs, as well as the dangerous effects of peer pressure to join gangs," said Sergeant Key. He said the curriculum is very structured and 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 program provides leadership to kids and thereby strengthens our military communities. DEFY is seeking active duty personnel and/or DoD civilians to serve as mentors, team leaders, and camp nurse for the 2008 DEFY program. According to Sergeant Key, those interested in volunteering should be: - Highly motivated, - Interested in positively influencing the lives of military youth, - Attend day-staff training, June 16 to 20. - Able to participate June 23 to 27 for camp. - Have approval from your command to participate. - Required to be on two week, permissive TDY orders. Those interested in volunteering can pick up an application at the Mental Health Clinic in the Airman and Family Readiness building. Completed applications are due to DEFY coordinator no later than Wednesday. For more information call the Mental Health Clinic at 394-4700; or Tracy Deveault, Program Coordinator at 394-1182. Also, those interested can visit the DEFY Web site at http://www.hq.navy.mil/DEFY/What%20is%20DEFY.htm.