Area youth will learn the dangers of substance abuse this summer while attending camp as part of the Drug-Free Lee Summer Prevention Program.

Drug-Free Lee Executive Director Deborah Comella said the Summer Prevention Program actually a 12-month initiative that provides Evidence Based Prevention Programs for no cost throughout Lee County.

“These programs are made possible by the Hanley Foundation, who also provide us with certified prevention specialists who have training in effective, long- lasting prevention education,” she said.

Comella said that Evidence Based Prevention Programs have proven track records of success and of positively impacting attitudes and behaviors. She said both post-tests, and pre-tests, as well as data evaluation over a number of years, are required for a program to become evidence based.

The programs presented by the Hanley Foundation include marijuana, vaping, underage drinking, and prescription drug abuse, all of which are being offered during their summer camp programs.

“We have found summer camps to be excellent venues for us to present our six-week prevention program, and they serve a diverse population of kids with counselors who are interested in drug-proofing our kids, and will continue the discussion long after the presentation is completed,” Comella said.

One of the examples offered this summer is the alcohol literacy program, which aims to “alter alcohol expectations,” as well as reduce the frequency and quantity of use among middle school, high school, and college students. The program focuses on alcohol-related health issues, reducing underage drinking, promoting responsible drinking behaviors among adults, and reducing abuse and misuse of alcohol.

“We contact a number of summer camp venues in the early spring, and these programs are available to any summer camp director who is interested.  We schedule programs until the Hanley Foundation reaches their capacity.  Programs are also offered by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Children’s Advocacy Center, making a nice six-week program for our campers,” Comella said.

The locations include Fort Myers Stars Complex, Park Meadows Boys and Girls Club, Varsity Lakes Boys and Girls Club, Challenger Boys and Girls Club, Renaissance Preserve Boys and Girls Club, Wa-Ke Hatchee Park and Recreation Center and Quality Life Center.

“Our mission is to reach kids anywhere they are, and they are at camp in the summer,” she said. “We love visiting the camps, the counselors are so excellent and dedicated, and the kids are having so much fun that learning about prevention is a great addition to their day.”

Comella said they just want to help raise resilient, drug-proofed kids who are able to make good decisions about drugs and alcohol.