Graduates keep program alive

ICAN helps kids deal with stress, drugs and other lifestyle issues

Photos by DAVID BECKER/VIEWClockwise from above, Emily Ross, center, and Hannah Shaver, right, youth staff members for Issues Concerning Adolescents of Nevada, laugh during a meeting at the Clark County Government Center, June 10. Theresa Verali, left, and Brittany Jaarsma, work to build a marshmallow and toothpick structure during the meeting. Jamie Ross, the chief executive officer of Issues Concernng Adolescents of Neavada, listens in during the meeting. Photos by DAVID BECKER/VIEWClockwise from above, Emily Ross, center, and Hannah Shaver, right, youth staff members for Issues Concerning Adolescents of Nevada, laugh during a meeting at the Clark County Government Center, June 10. Theresa Verali, left, and Brittany Jaarsma, work to build a marshmallow and toothpick structure during the meeting. Jamie Ross, the chief executive officer of Issues Concernng Adolescents of Neavada, listens in during the meeting. Advertisement

They can't let it go.

A group of 20- and 30-year-olds who spent their tween years attending leadership camp have worked to make sure that kids still are able to participate in the program they loved so much.

About two years ago, the group formed Issues Concerning Adolescents in Nevada using the tools and experiences they had while participating in Students Taking Action to Terminate Unlawful Substances.

"It was such a huge part of us growing up and making us who we are, and it was heartbreaking to think it wouldn't be there for other kids," said Lisa Fotheringham, vice president of youth with ICAN.

Although the resistance education program and annual summer camp that Cadwallader Middle School teacher Jim Shoop ran in the 1980s and '90s has never been dark, Fotheringham said that after Shoop got cancer and became less involved, the programs just haven't been the same.

After nearly 18 months of working under the ICAN name, the organization has received nonprofit status and participants are gearing up for their second summer camp in August.

When the program started in the 1980s, the focus was on drunken driving, and in the '90s, saying no to drugs was added. But "these kids are faced with stuff we never had to deal with," Fotheringham said.

The new name reflects the large range of topics today's kids deal with, which include staying drug and alcohol free, focusing on school and a positive community. Topics discussed are stress, anorexia, drunken driving, peer pressure, people skills, prescription drug abuse and self-destruction. Fotheringham said they will bring in guest speakers to talk about anything the kids recommend.

During the nine-month school year, participants from all over the valley meet once a month at the Clark County Government Center, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway, in downtown Las Vegas.

"(ICAN) changed my perception on ways to live, especially stress," said Alex Wheatley, 15, a Northwest Career and Technical Academy student. "I am more organized now."

The one-week, youth-run summer camp gives participants a chance to have fun with campfires, dances and games, but the more serious talks take place when students are split into family groups, do activities and have discussions.

"Camp was an amazing experience," said Wheatley, who was a youth staff member last year. "I came back talking to everyone about it. I can't wait to go back this year."

Youth staff is made up of high school students who have attended camp in the past. Last year, for ICAN's first camp, the youth staff included students who had been in the Students Taking Action to Terminate Unlawful Substances. The student leaders are given the reins to organize their own curriculum.

"Camp is a life-changing experience," said Theresa Verali, 15. "It's pretty crazy how close you get with people just from one week of camp."

Students ages 11 to 17 can join ICAN at any time. There is no cost to be a member. The camp, which takes place from Aug. 11-17, is held at Camp Lee Canyon at Mount Charleston and costs $225. All meals and activities are included.

For more information or to register for camp, visit www.icanlv.org.