Boy Scouts of America Adopt "Truth About Drugs" Educational Tool Developed by the Foundation for a Drug-Free World

At their annual national meeting in Atlanta last month, the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) unveiled a new drug education tool to help a million volunteers and 2.5 million Scouts nationwide to learn the truth about drugs.

BSA executives officially recognized the Foundation for a Drug-Free World’s “Truth About Drugs” educational program for use by Scout leaders and troop volunteers to help their Scouts reach their Second Class rank.

Next steps involve volunteers, working with the Foundation’s Southeast Regional Director, Joshua Benk, to deliver the “Truth About Drugs” prevention education tool into the hands of tens of thousands of Scout leaders throughout the country. A volunteer for the Foundation, Mr. Benk leads the delivery team and their efforts to facilitate the launch of a BSA-endorsed program that could reach Scouts nationwide with information that will help them stay drug-free. Mr. Benk is employed as the Administrator of the Atlanta Dental Center located in Midtown Atlanta.

The BSA’s adoption incorporates a condensed version of the full Truth About Drugs prevention education line-up of lessons and materials, which include a curriculum comprising 18 lessons supported by The Truth About Drugs DVD, 16 TV public service announcements and 12 posters with matching “They Said, They Lied” themes, and a classroom/troop set of Truth About Drugs series booklets.

The unique Truth About Drugs approach features real stories told by former drug abusers in a comprehensive “Real People, Real Stories” documentary film that, along with the Truth About Drugs series booklets, address the make-up, effects and consequences of the most commonly abused drugs, be they prescription or street drugs.

“Our documentary digs deep into all aspects and consequences of today’s most abused drugs,” said Mr. Benk. “But the most impactful messages come from the spotlighted former users who describe how their lives, trapped in the scourge of drugs, were affected. These powerful messages will make a difference in the Scouts’ lives.”

The Boy Scouts of America, renowned worldwide for their robust program to arm youth with life skills and moral compass, welcome the Truth About Drugs mission and message as an important tool to teach Scouts the basics of drug abuse prevention that will meet their minimum requirement for attaining their Second Class rank. That requirement challenges new Scouts with the task of learning about drugs and their abuse, then in turn passing on that information to a family member.

“Our custom Truth About Drugs training regimen for Scout leaders can be administered in a single, one-hour lesson,” said Tom Paquette, Foundation spokesman and representative at the Scouts convention. “This simple, yet effective approach will enable young Scouts to make their own healthy decisions – based on facts – concerning drug and alcohol use and abuse.”

For information on Boy Scouts of America, visit www.scouting.org, and to see the minimum requirements for Second Class Rank visit http://www.scouting.org/boyscouts/advancementandawards/secondclass.aspx

The Foundation for a Drug-Free World, through its volunteers in more than 100 countries, provides its materials free to educators. All Truth About Drugs materials can be ordered and/or downloaded at the Foundation’s website (www.drugfreeworld.org).

The Atlanta Dental Center is an Atlanta-based dental practice known for its advanced dental technology and for providing minimally invasive dental implants and award-winning smile makeovers all in one location. http://atlantadentalcenter.com/