Community Invited to the 2018 Youth Protection Symposium

CEDAR KNOLLS, NJ – APRIL 12, 2018–

Last year it was reported that more than 42,000 people died of opioid overdose in 2016 – a 28 percent increase from 2015. And many opioids are being obtained legally through prescriptions written across the country.

The Youth Protection Committee of Patriots’ Path Council has partnered with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office to host the 2018 Youth Protection Symposium. The event will take place on Friday, May 11, 2018 from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at the Boy Scouts of America Service Center in Cedar Knolls, NJ.

This year’s topic is Opioid Awareness, Protecting Our Teens! Any individual, including current youth workers, school counselors, camp directors, mental health workers, sports coaches, etc., interested in learning about protecting our local teenagers are welcome and encouraged to attend.

This year’s guest speakers include James Curtin, President, DAYTOP New Jersey; James Gannon, Sheriff, Morris County Sheriff's Office; and Angelo Valente, Executive Director, Partnership for a Drug Free NJ.

The day will include presentations on the the opioid epidemic in NJ, Walgreens #ItEndsWithUs, a personal story from a parent, NARCAN training, a personal story from a survivor, and resources on how to protect our teens from being part of the epidemic.

The cost will be $25 per person, that will include a light breakfast and hot lunch. An organization that brings 10 or more attendees receives a reduced rate of $20 per person.

Registration will close on May 5th. Those interested can register at http://ppbsa.doubleknot.com/event/2348522

For more information, please contact Bill SanFilippo, Youth Protection Staff Advisor at 862-777-2524 or bill.sanfilippo@scouting.org.

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About Patriots’ Path Council

The Patriots’ Path Council, Boy Scouts of America (Council #358), is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preparing young people to make ethical choices over their lifetime by instilling in them the values of good character, citizenship and personal fitness. Each year, the council serves more than 16,500 youth members and 5,000 leaders in the counties of Morris, Somerset, Sussex, Union and parts of Middlesex, New Jersey. Some 400 local organizations have a Cub Scout pack, Boy Scout troop, Venturing crew, Varsity team or Exploring post as a part of their service to youth.