D.E.F.Y. is the acronym for Drug Education for Youth, a program which was developed by the Department of the Navy's Drug Demand Reduction Task Force staff. The program targets at risk children from ages 9 to 12 and offers the tools they need to deter behavior such as drug and alcohol use; gang affiliation; and offers coping skills for children to positively shape their future.*
Weed and Seed once targeted the Sixth District of Upper Darby, but is now open to the entire Township. Site Coordinator Joan Scanlon is excited to offer additional programs that all residents can benefit from. One program is DEFY, which helps mentor children and is one that Scanlon is truly passionate about.
DEFY offers at risk children an opportunity to be a part of Township activities such as the tree lighting ceremony, open Community Festival Day, and attend sporting events. The children also attend summer camp for a week. The camp will be held from Monday June, 18 to Friday, June 22nd. Activities will include swimming, fishing, and arts & crafts among other things. The theme this year is the Wild West, so look for those sharp shooters and watch the cow pies.
This year's summer camp will beheld at Fellowship Farm in Pottstown, PA. Fellowship Farm is one of the nation's oldest education and retreat centers. It's located on a 120-acre wooded site about 45 miles west of Philadelphia.
In addition to the summer camp, DEFY offers a Writer's Club that will be held on Thursday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30 in the new Municipal Library; a Wednesday Evening book club; and martial arts training with Andy Carr.
DEFY currently needs about six young men who would serve as Junior mentors to the children. Also, donations are being accepted for prizes and giveaways for the children and the camp. Water bottles would definitely help along with other items to help the children enjoy a great week of fellowship and fun.
To volunteer, contact Joan Scanlon at 610-734-7793 or send an email to jscanlon@upperdarby.org. For parents interested in having their children be a part of the program. they are encouraged to speak to the guidance counselor at their child's school or obtain additional information from Scanlon at the above number.
* Information taken from US Attorney Office, Michigan
