Barton County’s Youth Crew spent the first year getting its feet wet and now is diving into the deep end.
“We are enhancing our recruitment efforts in Barton County schools to attract more students in grades 6 through 12,” said Tyler Morton, prevention advocate. “Also, we are increasing our contacts with churches and civic organizations.”
Youth Crew is a student-led program that seeks to create positive change throughout the community.
“It is designed to give young people a platform to share their ideas,” Morton explained. “Our focus is on the prevention of drug-and-alcohol use and the creation of healthy habits through education about the dangers of substance misuse.
“In addition, Youth Crew strives to recruit, retain and train members for leadership positions. The group will go as far as the kids want to take it. They have the power and the voice.”
Morton noted that “one voice can change a community but there is greater strength in numbers.”
The number now stands at approximately 50 Youth Crew members; about 30 regularly attend the meetings.
The group gathers from 4 to 5 p.m. on the first three Sundays of the month. Locations are Juvenile Services, 1800 12th, Great Bend; Hoisington Activity Center; and Wolf Hotel in Ellinwood. The spaces are donated.
“Some young people want to be involved in something but are just not sure what that something is,” Morton commented. “Youth Crew can be an avenue to figuring that out.”
Some events are just for fun, while others involve volunteering for charitable community projects. There also are opportunities to attend state and national conferences.
Events have included kickball, a scavenger hunt, soccer day at Barton Community College, Christmas Trail of Lights, Trash Pickup Day and Boxes of Love.
“Any church or civic organization that has a community project is encouraged to contact us,” Morton said. “We love to collaborate with other groups for the betterment of Barton County.”
Young people representing all walks of life are involved in Youth Crew.
“They are sometimes seeking new peer groups and, from what we have seen, parents are all for it,” Morton said. “We hope young people reach out and learn more about us.
“Once they become involved,” he continued, “students learn they can empower their own generation to be decision makers, while promoting change through programs, campaigns and community education.”
Youth Crew is a task force under the umbrella of the Central Kansas Partnership. It was made possible by a Center for Disease Control and Prevention Drug Free Communities grant.
This grant provides $125,000 a year for up to 10 years. It finances the project coordinator position and expenses for the various events.
Morton can be reached by calling 620-786-4033 or 620-793-1930, or emailing tmorton@bartoncounty.org.