TREK Stresses the Need For Education
TREK Adventures held “Camp TLC” Aug. 25 at Camp Ocoee for Teen Learning Center students. TREK (Teaching Responsibility and Educating Kids) addresses the need for education that prevents tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse, while instilling the knowledge and skills necessary for students to become responsible, productive citizens. This activity provided students a fun experience, learning opportunities, and shared memories to gear up for a successful year at the TLC. “Camp TLC” was an idea of Cliff Eason, TLC principal, who wanted to “create an opportunity that would build relationships between staff members and students.” Additionally, this experience was designed to introduce students to community partners participating in the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Grant. Through creative play and exploration, students worked together in small groups gaining a knowledge of nature. Some student sessions included rock climbing, canoeing, hiking and fishing. There was also a student session on art, pet, and alcohol and drug therapy.Blair Deacon, TLC counselor and TREK program director, said, “This real-life classroom setting helps our students to foster an understanding and appreciation of nature, community and self.”The TLC has formed a coalition of youth-serving agencies and individuals to meet the needs of the alternative school populations of Cleveland and Bradley County school system students and their families. TREK incorporates cultural diversity training for students and families, while addressing gender-specific needs utilizing art and animal-assisted therapy and life-skills training. The target population for the TREK program is youth ages 12-18 (grades 6-12) who have been identified by the Juvenile Court, or by a school system, as being at high risk for delinquent behavior, and who attend school in an alternative school setting (The Teen Learning Center/GOAL Academy). These high-risk students may have truancy issues, poor academic performance, or behavioral problems at school, home or within the community.Deacon said that Manufacturers Chemicals, Cleveland City Schools Director Dr. Rick Denning (and his wife, Evelyn), Cleveland Family YMCA, Camp Ocoee and the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth made Camp TLC possible through their financial support.
