Pubdate: Tue, 26 Oct 2004 Source: Camrose Booster, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2004 The Camrose Booster Contact: http://www.camrosebooster.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2438 Author: Dan Jensen Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) HOCKEY GAME NOVEMBER 2 TO SUPPORT D.A.R.E. PROGRAM Camrose police officers and school teachers are hoping to hand the CFCW Critters a loss they won't soon forget in a November 2 hockey game at Max McLean Arena. Face off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. "We've got a very good team of skilled and recreational players," said Constable Chris Bennett. "I don't see how the Critters will be able to stop us." As well as watching the game, fans of both teams will have an opportunity to bid on silent auction items, and enter their names for door prizes. Money raised from both the contest and the auction will benefit the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, which has been operating in Camrose since 1996. Taught in the classroom by Constable Bennett, who is the Camrose Police Service school resource officer, DARE's goal is to provide youth in Grades 3, 6 and 8 with the skills they need to make informed decisions about drugs and violence, as well as to promote interaction between police officers and students. "The more we can let them know of the dangers at a young age, the more likely they are to stay away from them," said Bennett. DARE students in Grade 3 receive four lessons focusing on personal safety and a little bit about drug awareness, while students in Grade 6 receive 17 lessons dealing with drug awareness and how to resist peer pressure and violence. Students in Grade 8 receive ten lessons, basically reinforcing what they learned previously. The DARE program has maintained a high community presence over the years by being involved with Jaywalkers' Jamboree, the Camrose Show and Shine, floor hockey games, ice hockey tournaments and Tae-Kwon-Do championships. "We need to hold events like this, to raise money from the community, so we can continue to operate," said Bennett. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D