Smart Moves is composed of four different programs provided to our youth and to our parents. These programs inform our youth and parents on drugs, alcohol, abstinence, and the effects these choices can have on our teens and our society, especially in this day and time.

The four components of the Smart Moves program are: Smart Kids which targets our youth from ages 6 to 9 years of age, Start Smart which targets ages 10 to 12, Stay Smart which targets ages 13 to 15, and then our last program, Smart Parents, which targets adults of any age.

Each program gives our youth and parents the opportunity to identify and discuss topics that have been chosen for them. Each discussion will deal with drugs, alcohol, and abstinence.  Our program does not in any way teach contraceptives or discuss abortion; it is not a sex education program. We teach strictly abstinence.  Each program is age appropriate.  What we discuss with our older group will not be something that is discussed with our younger group.

The length of each program is different depending on what age bracket you fall under. The Smart Kids (ages 6-9) program will last for 17 weeks; the Start Smart (ages 10-12) program will last for 10 weeks; the Stay Smart (ages 13-15) program lasts 12 weeks; and the Smart Parents (ages 17 & older) program will last for 4 weeks.

I believe this program will provide these kids with a positive outlook in what they discuss and learn. I think that kids today need to be educated on what can potentially be a scary and hard place.  Society can offer negative environments to these kids and they need guidance and help.  The best part about this program is they will be helping and guiding each other, whch can be the best kind of learning for our youth.

This is an excellent program in which to enroll your kids and yourself.  Please feel free to take advantage of this program. It is a great program and can enlighten our youths’ minds, as well as our adult minds. Come and sign up! This program is offered to you for free and costs nothing but your time, your brain, and your effort.

If you have any questions about this program and would like to talk to someone, please feel free to contact Amye Oglesby, Director of Program Development & Sports Leagues for the Boys and Girls Club of Hood County.  You can also reach me by phone: 817-578-8778 or 817-559-7625.  Thank you.