YMCA D.A.R.E. Camp Honors Attleboro Area Counselors (VIDEO)

The and Hockomock Area YMCA honored six students from Norton, Attleboro and North Attleboro for their work as camp counselors in the 2010 YMCA Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Camp Wednesday night.

YMCA Senior Program and Outreach Director David Barbour and Attleboro Police D.A.R.E. Officer Tom Wellman congratulated the students from Attleboro and Norton during the Y's annual meeting at Highland Country Club in Attleboro.

The students were not told that they would be receiving awards and were suprised by the recognition of their time with campers. Awarded from Norton were head counselor Hannah Lavendier, assistant counselors Brittany Alioto, Allison Alioto, Dan Sugar and facilitator and principal Raymond Dewar.

The success of the program, which matched high school seniors with middle school students for one week during the summer at Camp Finberg, prompted the YMCA to continue the program for a second year.

Located at the Attleboro Y's Norton Outdoor Center, the camp provides kids with recreational activities, D.A.R.E. anti-bullying sessions, swimming and more, according to Barbour.

“The young people that we’re honoring tonight embody the Y’s cause for social responsibility – reaching out to the community, giving back, and supporting our neighbors. These are kids helping kids,” said Robin McDonald, chief executive officer of the Attleboro YMCA . “It’s so important to take time out and recognize young people like Tyler Robertson and the D.A.R.E. counselors. These youth are great role models for other kids in the community.”