My Power Players--this activity focuses the child's attention on the individuals in their life who influence them. Peers, family, teachers, and community members. It's critical for parents to realize how much influence peers have over their children in decision making. The Chains that Bind--this activity represents a link for each participant and a stress that the child may have in their life. The stress might be something like homework, fighting parents, bullies at school, etc..........All of the links represent that stress is real in the lives of children and that turning to drugs and alcohol is not the appropriate way to handle our stress. At this school the students had an opportunity to really spread out, literally! It was wonderful to have the 10 stations across the entire gym...5 on one side and 5 on the other. 10 parent volunteers helped run each station. Even student nurses from LSUA were instrumental. Consequences can stay with us for the rest of our lives. These studnents were discussing what the consequences might be for them if they used meth, alcohol, herion, or other drugs. The way to deal with stress or other problems would be physical activity, talking it out, or even singing......not using drugs and alcohol. The Smoking Section---this station involved the lungs and the lack of lung capacity. Well, the compromise of lung capacity by using straws to breath through instead of the nose and mouth. It assimilates what it would be like to have lung disease. The youth were asked to jump up and down and do jumping jacks and then breath through a straw by pinching their nose for one minute. It was almost impossible. For those youth already smoking---it was impossible!

Blowing up a balloon, walking up a flight of stairs, or even jogging all can be difficult if smoking is taking place. These children were asked to do a series of exercises and then blow up a balloon to see what the effects would be like if they were smoking. Not a pretty site! Legal vs. Illegal drugs! Some drugs are protected in the supermarket and kept behind the counter because drug makers (meth) need large quantities to create street drugs. This station brought awareness to ethical situations dealing with cough medicine and other medications which are restricted. Ways to say "NO"! Why don't kids say no? Are they experiencing peer pressure? Do they feel that they belong? Do they feel that they do not belong? All of these are real but all of them are reasons to say "NO" too. This stations teaches kids real ways to tell friends and classmates that they do not want to use drugs. Follow that Crowd! This game was fun but it brought so many good points home to the kids. Through discussion the children are able to reason and make better choices in life. This game was a non threatening way to bring out sensitive topics to the youth. Don't Let Your Emotions Rule! Sometimes when situations get rough and tough it's easy to let emotions rule. However, emotions should not make decisions, good choices are made by having the right information and thinking clearly.