FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Melanie Swanson, M.Ed., Prevention Specialist

The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc.

215-345-6644, ext. 3123

mswanson@councilsepa.org
Celebrating Twenty-Seven Years of Youth Prevention

Youth Leaders in Bucks County Unite to Promote Healthy Choices


DOYLESTOWN, PA.-- May 16 , 2013--More than 250 middle and high school students and their advisors from throughout Bucks County will participate in the 27th Annual Lead On! Youth Leadership Conference, Bucks County's largest youth conference for the prevention of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use, on Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at Bucks County Community College in Newtown. Workshops offered between 7:30 am and 1:30 pm to teens in grades 6-12 include such topics as synthetic drugs, marijuana, addiction, suicide prevention, self-esteem, bullying, relationships, communication, teamwork, Internet safety, problem gambling prevention, leadership, gang awareness and resiliency, to name a few. This event promotes peer-to-peer involvement in alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevention within their communities.



Lead On! is presented by The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. (The Council), which runs Student Assistance Programs in most Bucks County school districts. The keynote speaker is Lynn Hill, a world renowned rock climber, who will present "Get High on Life!" Lynn encourages students to live their lives in a way that is "of use" rather than choosing the route of "abuse." As a climber, Lynn thrives on novelty and the process of learning through intensely engaging experiences. When a person engages in certain activities or high adventure sports such as rock climbing, the brain emits the chemical dopamine which elevates mood and provides a sense of well-being. Attendees will have the privilege of viewing Lynn Hill's new film, "Climbing Free," which she will premiere at Lead On!



Participants can also expect an energizing experience during the closing act, "GET A GRIP!" a three-screen multi-media presentation by Camfel Productions. A lack of self-control can significantly alter life choices. Failing to get a grip of self-control can lower defenses, making it easy to give in to peer pressure and harder to say no to tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Through popular music and real life situations, this high-energy piece will help students see the big picture for their lives-helping them understand that positive self-control leads to healthy relationships, academic success, and positive feelings about one's self and others.



The audience will also be energized and inspired by a special appearance by the dynamic Drummers With Attitude, a diverse group of student drummers and dancers from Bristol Township middle and high schools, led by advisor, Kevin Travers.



Sponsors include Bucks County Community College, Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission, Inc. and Jones Apparel Group. For more information about the Lead On! Youth Leadership Conference, please call 215-230-8218 or http://leadonyouthconference.org.



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About The Council The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization serving Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County and Philadelphia County. The Council provides resources and opportunities to reduce the impact of addiction, trauma, and other related health issues for the entire community. We accomplish this through prevention, consultation, education, advocacy, assessment, intervention, and recovery support services. The Council provides a wide range of services to families, schools, businesses, individuals and the community at large. www.councilsepa.org