Challengers exists to provide educational materials, programs, presentations, and workshops focused on the prevention of substance abuse by our youth throughout Oldham County,  Our dedicated all-volunteer Board, Coalition members and Youth Step Up Coalition members work together with the Oldham County Schools and other community organizations in their efforts to provide education about the dangers of substance abuse.

Major programs in which Challengers assists in leading or participating in include, but are not limited to the following:

Social Norms Campaign:  Challengers utilizes this research-based program to address community-wide issues surrounding alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use.  Research conducted on social norms projects indicate that it is effective in reducing youth alcohol and tobacco use, as well as increasing positive and accurate perceptions and norms concerning alcohol use.  Challengers' social norms approach uses a variety of methods to correct negative misconceptions and to identify, model, and promote healthy, protective behaviors.  For more information about the social norms approach to address youth substance use. visit The Social Norms Resource Center's web site at www.socialnorms.org.

OC Schools Programs:  Challengers works closely with the counselors and PTA/PTSA Prevention Committees to provide substance information and participate in events and projects that educate, engage, and empower youth to be drug free.

Reel Action:  Sponsored by Seven Counties Services and Challengers of Oldham County, this video competition is by teens and for teens, where students make public service announcement videos about the dangers associated with underage drinking.  The greatest thing about Reel Action is that kids are delivering the message to fellow students about the dangers of underage drinking.

Reel Action averages 500 youths and 100 videos per year.  The winning Public Service Announcements will get airtime on major TV outlets beginning in May.  Oldham County students PSA's will be aired on the local channel for Oldham County (Channel 25) during March, April, and May.

Those involved with Reel Action said it has shown a positive change in teens' beliefs about the risks of drinking.

For entry details:  http://www.reelactionky.com
Entry deadline is January 17, 2012.  Premier & Awards Ceremony held at the Baxter Theatre is February 26, 2012.

Red Ribbon and Drug Facts Week:  These two celebrations are recognized each year from October 23 - November 6.  Challengers works with each school to support their efforts in planning and implementing activities that focus on alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse.  Challengers continues these efforts in working with the schools to implement prevention initiatives through the school year.

Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws (EUDL):  Under a grant from the Kentucky State Police, Challengers has worked with the Oldham County Police, Oldham County Sheriff, the LaGrange Police, and the Kentucky State Police to bring awareness to underage drinking.  The Kentucky State Police grant was a part of a national movement called Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws (EUDL).  Our Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws (EUDL) program supports and enhances efforts by states and local jurisdictions to prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors, as well as the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors.  (Minors are defined as individuals under 21 years of age.)

Oldham County Challengers and participating students from various schools developed a media campaign to bring awareness to the laws surrounding underage drinking, the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors, our local Oldham County "keg ordinance" and much more information about this subject.  Please see our web site for more information on this initiative at www.WeProvideTheChaser.com.

Youth Step Up:  Judge Executive David Voegele and the county magistrates have provided financial support to Challengers for the development of our Youth Step Up initiatives.  We work together to engage, educate, and encourage youth in remaining drug free.  With these funds we are able to develop a Youth Leadership program which is inclusive of educational field trips and presentations by the County Jail, Judicial Drug Court, Oldham County Police Department, LaGrange Police Department, Oldham County Health Department, and Baptist Hospital Northeast.  This is a five month program which begins on Monday, January 9, 2012, and concludes Monday, May 14, 2012.

If you are interested in applying for this leadership program, email Terri or call 222-2340 for an application.  For much more information about Youth Step Up, please visit our web site at www.YouthStepUp.com.

All applicants must be 16+ years old and a member of Youth Step Up.  They are required to attend each outing and must participate, with Challengers, in at least one community service event.  Community service hours will be obtained through their participation.  A certificate of completion will be given to each student to add to their college portfolio.

Oldham County Solid Waste "Drug Take-Back":  This event occurs two times a year.  Safe storage, use, and disposal of prescription drugs and over the counter medications are important for the safety of individuals as well as our land and water resources.  Challengers' coalition members and our Youth Step Up coalition members are involved on the day of the Drug Take-Back programs.  For more information and upcoming events, visit www.OldhamCountyKY.gov.

Better Things To Do Than Drugs:  This is our annual fundraising event.  In early 2011, Challengers sponsored The Battle of the Bands at the Oldham County Schools Arts Center in Crestwood.  Youth bands from 13 different high schools participated and we had a great crowd turn out for this fantastic event.  This first annual fundraising event helped us raise over $7,000 to use towards our youth programs.

Our next major fundraiser will be announced soon, do please check back on the News & Events section of our site or watch the local paper for more information.