Start Smart 7th Grade Retreat Held At Kamp Kaleo Near Burwell

The GLW Children’s Council again hosted the annual two-day 7th Grade Start Smart Retreat at Kamp Kaleo near Burwell. Director Trisha Crandall reported 100% attended by 7th grade students from Burwell, Wheeler, Loup and Sargent schools – this year students learned about a variety of topics, including the importance of self-respect, the dangers of tobaco use, exercise, and eating right.

Sargent Travis Garrett and Sargent Gene from the Nebraska National Guards Counter Drug Program talked to the 7th graders about the dangers of drugs and the benefits of working together. Kristal Dowse, registered Pharmacist, informed the students about how important it is to never share prescription drugs with others and to only take prescription medications as directed by the doctor that prescribes them.

Mary Drudik, from the Loup Basin Public Health Department, taught about the dangers of Tobacco, with a special emphasis on chew tobacco.

Sandra Mann led students on a morning walk and discussed having a positive outlook on life – ex-plaining that it is easy to point out the negative things that happen, but that it’s more important to focus on the positive things.

Amy Vore, Dietitian from Valley County Hospital, showed the students how to make a quick and healthy breakfast before school – such as a coffee cup scramble, cereal bowl egg, cheese breakfast burrito and a smoothie. Recipes for each of the items can be found on the GLW Children’s Council website at www.glwchildrenscouncil.com .

Michelle Sawyer taught about what type of things can “Drain the Brain” and included points about how to maintain a healthy brain and body so students can always be at their best. Members from the Burwell Rotary Club presented Rotary’s “Four-Way Test” program and talked about how to apply its concepts (1. Is it the Truth? 2. Is it Fair to All Concerned? 3. Will it Build Good-will and Better Friendships? 4. Will it be Beneficial to All Concerned?) to various challenges that the students might be faced with during their teenage years.

Information about the 7th Grade Smart Start Retreat or any of the GLW Children’s Council programs and activities is available by calling 308-346-4647 or by visiting www.glwchildrenscouncil.com .