Youth Council Enjoys Annual Retreat
By: Alisha Vines, Director, Orange County Office on Youth
The Orange County Office on Youth took the Youth Council on their annual retreat the weekend of November 3 - 5 to the Northern Virginia 4 - H Center in Front Royal. Each year this retreat allows us to connect with the members and discuss topics that are important to them. There was a lot of discussion around the vaping epidemic Orange County students are facing. Their concern was focused not only on the actual vaping, but also the ease with which the students can obtain the products. During the retreat, they started a letter to our state legislators about the lack of penalties for selling such products to underage buyers as well as the proximity of these stores to schools and bus stops. Their letter requested our representatives to propose or support a bill for harsher penalties, noting that current penalties are not in line with those levied for the sale of alcohol to underage buyers.
The ongoing opioid epidemic was also discussed, and questions were drafted to present to entities they would like to interview. These interviews will form the foundation of video PSAs and other communications to help spread correct information about opioids and try to break the stigma of use. The Youth Council hopes to begin that work after the new year. At the retreat, students were able to try using specially - designed goggles and pedal carts to simulate the dangers of drunk and distracted driving. We set up a small obstacle course for the carts and had the kids complete simple tasks such as walking up the stairs and tying their shoes. Once that was done, we talked
about how the goggles made them feel and the effects it had on their tasks. “ I love this event because we get to take the kids away and give them a safe space to talk about what is affecting the youth of Orange County so that we can brainstorm ways to help, ” said Alisha Vines, Office on Youth Director. “ It also gives them time to bond and get to know each other. We stayed up both nights playing games and they really got into it, ” she added.
The Youth Council is a great opportunity for local youth to be more involved and serve their community. Students in grades six through 10 may apply to serve on the council each year. Learn more at www.orangecountyva.gov/130/Youth - Council or call (540) 672 - 5484.
Page 18 | December 2023
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