JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The Skills Mastery and Resistance Training Program, offered through the Joint Base Andrews Youth Center, is designed to deter adolescents from using alcohol and drugs while teaching them to conquer peer pressure.
A recent study conducted by the organization Students Against Destructive Decisions has shown approximately 40 percent of students have consumed alcohol by eighth grade, while 50 percent of teens have tried an illicit drug by the time they finish high school.
"The program aims to teach children how to overcome peer pressure while enforcing positive behavior," said Matrice Adger, assistant youth/teen director.
Consisting of various classes such as "Smart Kids, Start Smart, Stay Smart and Smart Girls," the SMART Program offers valuable information for today's youth.
The classes are divided into three age groups that deliver the same message. "Smart Kids," for children ages 6 to 9, focuses on the importance of avoiding alcohol, drugs and peer pressure. "Start Smart," for children ages 10 to 12, focuses on the same issues while enforcing the importance of abstinence. "Stay Smart," for children ages 13 to 15, focuses on the same issues as "Start Smart" and covers topics in more detail. "Smart Girls" is a health, fitness, prevention/education and self-esteem enhancement program for girls ages 8 to 17. This class is designed to encourage healthy attitudes and lifestyles that will allow early adolescent girls to develop their full potential.
Presenters, such as representatives from Drug Abuse Resistance Education and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, are often invited to speak to classes.
"Smart Kids, Start Smart, and Stay Smart" are held the last Friday of the month at 6:15 p.m. and "Smart Girls" is held every first and third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Parents must sign a permission form in order for their children to attend due to the content discussed.
In addition to classes for adolescents, the SMART Program also offers a class for parents called "Smart Parenting." This program teaches parents how to detect warning signs in their children, such as exposure to peer pressure, bullying, depression as well as drug and alcohol use.
For more information, call the youth center at 301-981-5636.