Drug Education for Youth Summer Camp in Misawa

Photo By Samuel Weldin | 160809-N-OK605-074 MISAWA, Japan (Aug. 9, 2016) Active duty volunteers from Misawa Airbase cheer on participants during the running portion of the President's Fitness Challenge as part of the 2016 Drug Education For Youth (DEFY) Summer Camp. DEFY is an annual two-week long summer camp used to educate our youth on the importance of smart decision making and also to promote a healthy lifestyle. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samuel Weldin/Released)  

MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JAPAN

08.09.2016

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Samuel Weldin 

Naval Air Facility Misawa

MISAWA, Japan -- The Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) program began their annual summer camp August 8 at Naval Air Facility Misawa on Misawa Airbase, Japan.

DEFY’s purpose is to teach youth about avoiding destructive decisions and to also promote a healthy lifestyle. The camp is free of charge and spans two weeks every summer. The camp’s curriculum consists of the children learning several topics in a classroom setting, going on several field trips, and doing physical activities and games outside of the classroom.

“This program is designed to inform them before they are confronted by peer pressure and gives them the dos and don’ts when it comes to dealing with that type of situation.” Said David Vanneste, Program Manager at DEFY headquarters in Millington, Tenn.

Along with the dangers of drugs, DEFY also covers the dangers of alcohol and tobacco.

Starting back in 1993, DEFY had two programs total. Today, there are 30 sites worldwide and approximately 1000 kids and 500 mentors go through the program every year.

“It gives the mentors a chance to do just that with these kids; mentor. Allows them to pass on their knowledge and wisdom to these children so that they can make the right decisions when the time comes,” said Vanneste. “It’s a great program and we are doing our best to get our name out there so that even more kids can get involved.”

The first field trip this year was to the Misawa Aviation and Science Museum for a day of learning and activities. The field trip was followed by the President’s Fitness Challenge which is designed to increase physical activity and improve the fitness levels of America’s youth.

“We teach the kids the basics of physical fitness, body weight type stuff and running,” said Information Technician 2nd Class Andrew Morales, a team leader at DEFY. “This is my first time doing youth volunteer opportunities, and so far I like it as it sends a great message to maintain a drug-free lifestyle and promoting healthy choices.”

“It shows that there are tons of alternative activities instead of doing drugs,” said Morales. “As one of the volunteers at DEFY this creates a great opportunity to have a positive impact on these kids, and the kids are enjoying themselves and all the different activities we are doing here 100%.”

• Date Taken: 08.09.2016
• Date Posted: 08.10.2016 01:59
• Story ID: 206621
• Location: MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JP