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"There is nothing fun to do!"
If you have ever felt this way, you are not alone. Many young people in our communities have voiced concerns over the lack of recreational activities for youth.
 So, under the direction of the Council on AODA and Assets for Youth, students from Kewaskum and West Bend high schools were recruited, and STAND (Students Taking Action Not Drugs) was formed.
These students have signed a commitment to be drug, alcohol and tobacco free and they volunteer their time to plan, promote and participate in drug-free activities. STAND is a program of The Council on AODA with support from Kettle Moraine YMCA, Youth and Family Project, and West Bend Police Department.
Events are held with support from local businesses through donations of supplies and/or money. In addition, STAND holds one fundraiser a year - a car wash each June.
 In June of 2001, STAND held their first event, a "Battle of the Bands" at Riverhill Park in Kewaskum. Five bands competed and 175 people attended this first event. Since then STAND members have hosted numerous activities. In July of 2002 and 2003 they again hosted a "Battle of the Bands", this time in conjunction with the Washington County fair. Over 500 people attend this event annually with about 10 bands participating each year.
STAND has also held a sports/music/bonfire event at an area park, and they regularly rent space and host "Jansen Park Jams" with area high school rock bands providing the entertainment and high school students from throughout the county attending. In addition STAND members have gone camping, white water rafting, canoeing and have attended sports events such as Milwaukee Admirals games.
It is the goal of this group to provide opportunities for students in our communities to have fun, without using alcohol, and other drugs. STAND cleverly sums up its mission in its name. Students are Taking Action to make sure that there are many fun, drug and alcohol free activities for young people. STAND currently has about 50 members and over 4000 high school students have attended STAND sponsored events!
High school students interested in joining contact Linda Dymond (ldymond@councilonaoda.org) if you are from Kewaskum and Lynn Gillian (lgillian@councilonaoda.org) if you are from West Bend. Adult chaperones are always appreciated. If you are willing to chaperone an event, please contact either Linda or Lynn.
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