change the teen culture

["Lois Melina" <lmelina@moscow.com>]

	With news of school shootings and reports of increased drug use among high
school students in towns like Genesee, many people are wondering what can
be done to change the culture in our schools. Some states are considering
legislation to outlaw "bullying."
	There is an opportunity this summer for teens from our area to learn about
the ways they make choices; to learn how to operate from a position of
accountability; and to learn how to recognize the self-limiting beliefs
they have about themselves ("I'm too fat," "I'm too stupid," "No one would
want to be friends with me,") that get in the way of success in school, at
home, and in relationships. 
	A 4-1/2 day seminar will be offered for teens June 27 to July 1 in Walla
Walla. During the seminar, teens will engage in a variety of games and
activities that help them learn about themselves and learn how to look at
the choices they have before taking action rather than after. 
	Teens who complete the seminar frequently experience more self-confidence,
improved relationships with parents and peers, and greater leadership.
Teens in our area who complete the seminar will also have access to a
support group so that they can regularly meet with other teens and adults
for fun and support in making choices that enhance their lives and the
lives of those around them.
	The seminar is being hosted by a group of parents from Moscow, Walla
Walla, and Tri Cities. Moscow parents involved are: Kathy and Dana Dawes,
Bill and Heidi Holman, Lois and Carl Melina. The seminar will be
professionally facilitated by a company based in Arizona that has put on
similar seminars all over the world. 
	A more detailed article about three Moscow High School seniors who
attended the seminar last summer will be in Sunday's Spokesman-Review. 
	The seminar is open to teens 14-18 years old, and is useful for all
teens--those who are struggling with the choices they are making, those who
are followers but could be leaders, as well as those who are already
operating in a leadership capacity.
	The fee for the four-and-a-half day seminar is $500, which includes all
fees, food, and lodging. Some scholarships are available, and we are
actively seeking donations so that we can make sure every teen who wants to
attend can do so. 
	There will be a meeting Tuesday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Gritman Hospital
for all teens and parents interested in learning more about this
opportunity.
	If you are interested in sponsoring a teen or making a tax-deductible
donation toward the fees for a teen, please contact me or one of the other
parents. Donations are tax-deductible and should be made out to the
Northwest Family Visions Foundation c/o Carl Melina, 1026 Kasper Road,
Moscow ID 83843.
	For more information, contact me or any of the other parents, or visit the
website: www.oregontrail.net/~captken