Summer is a time to relax, enjoy the outdoors, and recharge. For the Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) prevention program, it is also time to connect with youth in over 15 parks and playgrounds across Berks County with valuable prevention messages. This year, COCA is offering an engaging summer program that encourages youth to press pause and make healthy choices in everyday life. The program includes three sessions focused on gaming and gambling prevention, nicotine and vaping, mental health, and well-being. Led by COCA prevention specialists, each session features fun, inclusive activities that help youth build the skills to avoid substances and live healthy lives.
Press Pause: (Gambling/Gaming Prevention) is an interactive lesson that helps youth explore the connection between gaming, gambling, and making healthy choices. Participants will learn how some games use features like loot boxes, in-game purchases, and reward systems that can encourage risky behaviors like gambling. The session is a trivia game where participants answer questions about gaming, odds, and healthy decision-making, encouraging them to “press pause” and think before they play.
Body Power Camp: Heart and Lungs: This program seeks to educate youth on the power of their heart and lungs and how to keep their bodies strong through exercise, managing stress, lots of rest, and avoiding nicotine. The lesson inspires smart, healthy choices and gives participants the tools to confidently say “Game Over” to nicotine!
Recharge your Energy Lives: (Mental Health) is a lesson that focuses on mental health and well-being. Through interactive activities and discussion, participants learn practical strategies to manage stress, boost mood, and maintain emotional balance- helping them recharge their “energy lives” and make choices that support a healthy mind and body.
For more information on how to connect with COCA prevention resources, visit:
Prevention Education – Council on Chemical Abuse | Your Bridge to Addiction Resources
