Yokosuka Youth Learn Life Skills Through DEFY Program
By Richard McManus, USNH Yokosuka Public Affairs

Children involved in the U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Yokosuka-sponsored Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) program at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) completed phase one of the camp Aug. 17.

DEFY is designed to instruct children ages 9-12 of military families about the dangers of drugs as well as vital life skills such as nutrition, physical fitness, leadership, discipline, conflict resolution and self esteem.

The eight-day DEFY camp is the first of a two-phase program. The second phase is a year-long commitment by students and mentors to heed the lessons learned during camp.
Filled with classes and field trips, DEFY phase-one camp utilizes activities to educate students on the dangers and effects of drugs and alcohol. In addition to life skills and team building, the program arms students with the positive experiences offered in DEFY which are designed to give young people the confidence and skills necessary to face this generation’s toughest challenges.

A core tenant of the program is a lesson on five ways to say no to drugs. Students learn to say no, walk away, be firm, find better things to do, and explain to peers why a particular activity may be harmful.

“I’ve learned to be organized and nice, but tough when I need to be,” said 10-year-old Alex Crespo. “I learned to stick up for myself.”

Through team building exercises, campers and mentors form lasting bonds that continue long after graduation from the program. These relationships are vital to phase two of the program which continues throughout the school year by putting into practice what participants have learned at camp.

“The most important part of the program is to empower, encourage and educate the students,” said USNH Yokosuka Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Dimengo Smith. “Teaching them not to misuse drugs and alcohol and teaching them the proper use of things like prescription medications. DEFY gives me a feeling that I’m doing good, helping one kid at a time.”

Mentors monitor each student’s progress and meet with them throughout the year to reenforce what was taught during phase one.

With the first phase of the DEFY program at CFAY now complete, phase two has begun and participants are scheduled to complete the program in May 2011.