The Saratoga Partnership for Prevention is a coalition of community leaders, organizations, and citizens interested in decreasing youthful substance use, developing better relationships between youth and adults, building family and community norms against drug use, and maximizing the efforts of the various human service agencies in the upstate New York community of Saratoga Springs.

The group began meeting in March 2000, shortly after The Prevention Council received notification that it was one of 15 grant recipients in New York to receive funding through the New York state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services. Four years later, the organization is still thriving, and the connections among disparate community groups are still strong. With federal support via the Drug Free Community Support Program, funding is intact through 2009.

The Partnership has approximately 30 active members who meet regularly to consider initiatives that will positively impact youth age 12-17 in the Saratoga Springs City School District. While continuing the variety of programming already established for Saratoga Springs, Wilton, Greenfield and the small parts of Malta and Milton that fall within school district boundaries, the Partnership is looking to expand its influence throughout Saratoga County.

All community members are welcome and encouraged to join the Partnership, and all our meetings are open to the public. For more information call 518-581-1230.

There are many organizations and agencies that are members of the partnership, please visit the web site at www.saratogapartnership.org for more information about the important collaboration among Saratoga County agencies, departments, not for profit organizations and groups.

In addition to the monthly meetings and programs to educate kids about substance abuse prevention, The Partnership also runs a DARE Camp each summer for students who have completed the 5th grade.

This annual, week-long day camp for fifth graders entering Maple Avenue Middle School in the fall features the usual fun summer camp activities: games, crafts, sports, and special event clinics. But it also includes nine interactive All-Stars curriculum components, in which students discuss personal ideals and goals, examine the norms of their peers, and make personal commitments to remain alcohol and drug free. The last day of camp each week will feature a field trip to the middle school, where students will tour the building, participate in a treasure hunt, experiment with locker combinations, and discuss middle school academics and culture with school staff and current students.

Rated a model program by the U.S. Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, All-Stars has confirmed, long-lasting results in reducing alcohol, tobacco, other drug use, violence, and sexual activity among middle school-age students. But it’s also a fun program that builds on the information and skills acquired in the 5th grade D.A.R.E. program.

The program also has a parent component, which includes a booklet called, “When It Comes From You.” Campers will bring home a folder from camp each day as well, so they can share the worksheets and discussion covered in All Stars each day with their parents/caregivers