School year 2020-2021 was extraordinarily challenging for schools, educators, parents, and students. Youth were separated from friends, extracurricular activities, and classrooms. Additionally, students were distanced from essential school staff members who are sources of support, compassion, and encouragement. During this time, students have reported increased levels of stress and anxiety, interruptions in sleep and eating…
After a year of hard work, our Leaders of Future Generations students joined together for an exciting week full of opportunities to grow, build, strengthen friendships, and enjoy nature at Kids Kamp! During the week of June 21st through 25th, twenty-four students kicked off the summer at Innabah Camp & Retreat Center. Kids Kamp is…
The Lancaster and Lebanon County Commissioners have proclaimed the week of May 9th through 15th, 2021 as “National Prevention Week” National Prevention Week (NPW) is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health. NPW is a public education platform that promotes prevention year-round through providing ideas, capacity building,…
Through funding from the Lancaster Drug and Alcohol Commission, Compass Mark began a new program initiative designed to provide resources and technical assistance to grassroots organizations and coalitions throughout Lancaster County. The goal of this program is to actively facilitate the growth and expansion of community-based drug prevention activities at the local level. In addition,…
Leaders of Future Generations at Taylor Campus Middle School in Columbia Borough School District. Our Leaders of Future Generations program is now up and running in Columbia! Twelve 5th- and 6th-grade students participated and were incredibly enthusiastic to join in the fun! During the first session of 2021, the students collaborated to create their own…
Prevention of substance use and gambling disorders is NOT simply about telling kids not to do these things. Effective prevention starts with identifying what children and youth in the community need, and then meeting that need with research-backed strategies. Risk & Protective Factors: The Foundation for Effective Prevention Risk factors are those things that increase…
Kids Kamp Continues! Leaders of Future Generations Embrace Change and Practice Resiliency This year has been filled with unprecedented challenges. At Compass Mark, we value resilience and weave this principle into each of our programs. This summer our Leaders of Future Generation program participants fully lived this value during their week at camp. In lieu…
The Advocacy Team at Compass Mark created a packet containing three lessons with corresponding worksheets for students and families to enjoy at home. The lessons taught on personal strengths, time management, and goal setting. Even the cover page offered a chance to color and cut out your own bookmark! The packets were printed and dispersed…
A few months ago, a 17-year-old high school senior and her nine-year-old brother came home from their Lancaster County school and their mom wasn’t there. Kira (not her real name) and Michael had faced this circumstance before, so they went on with their day—snacks, homework, bedtime and getting up for school the following day. Another…