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What we are:
Project Panda is a prevention education & outreach program centralized in Akron, OH. Our main focus is to spread the message about the dangers of ATOD (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs) and to share ways to have fun without using dangerous substances. Panda consists of various levels of staff members, ranging from coordinators that make our program possible, down to the Youth Staff that act as superior role models for the kids that attend camp. At it's core, Panda provides an oasis away from the pressures that kids face at school, and often leaves campers the responsibility of spreading the Panda message back to their home schools.
What we do:
At camp, we break down the kids into groups called "family groups", where everyone has a chance to meet new people. In these groups, everyone participates and has a chance to bond with people who are different than themselves. Motivation speakers talk to the kids about how to deal with situations that they will likely be faced with, and our goal is that what we teach will prevent them from making mistakes and to help others just as we help them. Each camper will take something back home with them, whether it's a wealth of knowledge and determination to stop the drug problem that is existant in our society today, or if it's just the memory of a great weekend that they won't ever forget.
Why we do it:
The pressures of a modern teenagers create levels of stress that can often make kids feel like they have nowhere to turn for help. Panda offers students a place where they can go to find people who can help them deal with pressure. They learn about healthy ways of dealing with stress without giving into drugs and alcohol, and they meet people who can really make them feel better about themselves. Panda exists to make teenage life a bit easier for the kids that attend, and hopefully we can make an impact on many of them to help bring kids back to Panda Camp. |
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