DENHAM SPRINGS— The Livingston Parish chapter of an organization recognized as one of the country’s premier youth health and safety organizations, had a tremendous turnout at their annual free camp.
Livingston’s Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) put on their SADD Summer Camp from June 12-16 at Seventh Ward Elementary. The children range in first through fifth grade.
The free camp went from 8 a.m. to noon each of the days and educated campers on the importance of protecting their brains by teaching vehicle and bicycle safety, refusal techniques, internet safety, good decision-making skills, prescription drug education, and character development.
A first-time teaching this year involved fentanyl and teaching the children the dangers against the drug that’s take over.
The camp is completely led by the organization’s high school students in grades 10-12.
Livingston Parish SADD was created in 2013 from the success of a local chapter at Denham Springs High, called Jackets Against Destructive Decisions (JADD), according to the organization’s website. Elise LeBlanc served as the chapter’s sponsor for 30 years.
SADD is a national organization that was founded in 1981. Originally, the mission was to help young people say “No” to drinking and driving. Since then, the mission has expanded. For years, research has shown that positive peer pressure, role modeling and environmental strategies can prevent destructive decisions and set a healthier, safer course for students’ lives. With the increase of Fentanyl on the streets, the mission for the non-profit now is to ensure children know the risks and hopefully avoid the drug, and all drugs, altogether.
SADD is dedicated to preventing destructive decisions, particularly underage drinking, other drug use, risky and impaired driving, teen violence, and teen suicide.
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