May 27, 2011
Saratoga Today

SARATOGA SPRINGS –  There are still spaces available for the 10th annual All Stars Camp, a highly-regarded program that promotes smart decision-making and instills the core values of the recently discontinued D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program.

Registration is open to fifth graders in the Saratoga Springs City School District for all four summer camp sessions: July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29, and August 1-5. There are plenty of spaces still available, but families should be sure to send their registration forms as soon as possible to ensure their children’s participation.

To sign up or obtain a registration form, log onto www.preventioncouncil.org. The Council will accept registration forms until the camp is full.

All four sessions of camp feature arts and crafts, sports, life skills workshops, and 9 interactive All-Stars workshops, where kids set goals for the future and promise to make smart choices to achieve those goals. All Stars is rated a model program by the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, and it has confirmed, long-lasting results in reducing alcohol, tobacco, other drug use, violence, and sexual activity among middle school-age students. The last day of camp each week features a tour of the middle school, a treasure hunt, experiments with locker combinations, and discussions with Maple Avenue staff and students about middle school culture.

All Stars is recognized as a model program by the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, and has proven long-lasting results in reducing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, as well as violence, and sexual activity among middle school-age students.

This fun-filled summer program has been educating middle school-age students to make a difference in our community for the past 10 years. All Stars Camp is a collaborative effort among Saratoga Schools, the Saratoga Springs Police Department, the Partnership for Prevention, and the Prevention Council that was founded in 2002 after the results of the first district-wide youth and parent surveys were returned.

The inaugural survey results indicated anxiety among children and parents about the transition to middle school, as well as elevated substance use levels at the middle school. In response to these core issues, members of the Partnership for Prevention launched a two-week pilot for 80 children at the Police Benevolent Range on Weibel Avenue.

In 2003, the camp grew to its current four-week session, where it has remained a sellout for nearly 200 children ever since. All Stars Camp moved to Maple Avenue Middle School last summer, and is expected to remain there for the foreseeable future.

“Over the years, we’ve gotten some incredible feedback from both parents and teachers about how much difference All Stars Camp has made in easing this first major school transition,” said Partnership Coordinator Maureen Cary. “Our bi-annual survey data [shows this] as well, with substance use and risky behavior in early middle school at record-low levels. We hope the next 10 years are as successful as the first 10.”

All Stars Camp is staying strong with the enormous and generous support of our community. The Saratoga partnership for Prevention includes youth, parents, and individuals representing key sectors and organizations concerned about youth within the Saratoga Springs City School District.

For more information, visit www.preventioncouncil.org or call (518) 581-1230.