The 2007 Drug Education For Youth (DEFY) Camp

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On Monday, June 25, 2007, thirty-two campers from Upper Darby Township and ten counselors, including three Delaware County Assistant District Attorneys, boarded a bus at Beverly Hills Middle School. They were headed to Fort Indian Town Gap to participate in the first annual Upper Darby Township’s Weed and Seed Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) Camp.

Joan Scanlon, the Site Coordinator for Upper Darby Township’s Operation Weed and Seed, served as Camp Director. The weeklong DEFY Camp allowed the campers from Upper Darby Township to swim, test their skills in leadership and team challenges, play on the obstacle course and learn about themselves and their fellow campers. Campers received training about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and learned new and constructive ways to overcome adversity and social pressures.

The Navy's Drug Demand Reduction Task Force established the Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) Program in 1993. The Program is part of the President's National Drug Control Strategy and is entirely funded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The DEFY plan provides drug education, conflict resolution, team building exercises, leadership development and adult mentoring to children between the ages of 9 and 12.

The summer camp experience is just the start of a yearlong program. The children will meet with their mentors during the year. Several times throughout the year, the entire group will get together for picnics, drug education, problem-solving games and leadership training. Of course, like camp, a lot of fun and excitement is expected.

Assistant District Attorneys Joseph Lesniak, Ian McCurdy and Wana Saadzoi volunteered as counselors for the week. Joe Lesniak, who served as Camp Leader, said that despite the heat and humidity everyone, counselors included, had a wonderful time playing, learning and socializing at DEFY camp. All are looking forward to a great year and another great summer camp experience next June.

Joe expressed his gratitude to the Township of Upper Darby and all the sponsors for their generous support and guidance in this worthwhile endeavor. In explaining why he was involved in the program, Joe said, “I truly believe a society must work hard to deserve their children.”