Barton County Youth Crew members reminisced about jobs well done, while enjoying activities, dinner and camaraderie at their recent End-of-the-Year Celebration. (End-of-the-year refers to the fiscal year.)
The young people and many of their parents attended the annual event Monday, June 3, at Corinthian Hill Event Center.
“The kids were tremendous last year and had good reasons to celebrate,” said Tyler Morton, Youth Crew prevention advocate. “They donated more of their own time to organize events in schools and the community. These were great opportunities to interact with their peers and share information about Youth Crew.”
School events included Blow Bubbles, Not Smoke and Lei Off Tobacco. Both offered entertaining ways to learn about the harmful effects of smoking.
In addition, Youth Crew played a major role in erecting a billboard on U.S. 281, near the turnoff to Barton Community College.
When traveling south on the highway, motorists can see the message: “How come being high leaves you feeling low.”
The smaller print says: “Research has linked cannabis use with suicidal thoughts and behaviors among teens in the United States – National Institute on Drug Abuse 2023.”
Approximately 100 people attended the celebration, which included Get to Know You Bingo.
“This interactive game is designed to encourage the group to mix and mingle with one another,” Morton explained. “They talk with their friends and families, while becoming acquainted with newcomers.”
When they weren’t reminiscing about last year’s successes, they discussed their Action Plan for the future. This would include youth-led leadership throughout the community and at Youth Crew’s monthly meetings in Great Bend, Hoisington and Ellinwood.
“Our emphasis this year will be on more youth involvement in education,” Morton commented. “Instead of adults leading the charge, there will be more youth-led school-prevention events, public-speaking opportunities and attendance at conferences.
“We want them to expand beyond a program that helps kids stay away from drugs and tobacco – to dig deeper into the meaning of healthy communities and form relationships to help them through the challenges of life. We want them to amplify their voices so that their ideas can be heard.”
Youth Crew is open to any Barton County student in grades 6-12. For more information, contact Morton by calling 620-793-1930.