To help fulfill one of the Elks’ 1997 promises to America, the Elks National Foundation and Elks Drug Awareness Program created the Promise Grants program.

Through this program, the Elks Drug Awareness Program reimburses expenses of up to $200 from the first 250 Elks Lodges that pledge to hold drug-, alcohol- and violence-free events for community youths. In 2002-03, the Elks National Foundation granted more than $23,000 to Lodges holding events such as After-Prom parties, graduation parties, teen dances, pool parties, youth lock-ins, back-to-school events and Red Ribbon celebrations.

Promise Grants participants are encouraged to team with other community groups to hold events. Steve Edgerley, from Newport, Vt., Lodge, approached his community’s Northeast Kingdom's Promise about the grant opportunity. Little did he know that 550 high school students would visit the Lodge last April for an event called "The Survivor's Challenge."

Held four days before the senior prom, “The Survivor’s Challenge” provided students with a reality check on the dangers of drinking, unsafe sex and drug use. Teen leaders from North Country Union High School and the United Christian Academy expressed words of caution to their peers.

This event was one part celebration, one part awareness. Since 1998, the Northeast Kingdom's community has not experienced one teen car crash fatality due to drinking and driving. "We are lucky and excited to celebrate the absence of fatal accidents of teens due to substance abuse during the past three years," said Phil, a junior at North Country Union High School.

Officers from the Vermont State Police Department and the local EMS reenacted a fatal car crash and staged a Medivac helicopter launch. Students also listened to the young survivor of a deadly car crash, as well as several teen parents who warned against making unwise decisions.

In addition, the students experienced the effects of drunk driving by participating in a Fatal Vision Driving Course. To demonstrate the difficulty of driving while under the influence, the teens wore fatal-vision goggles and attempted to drive golf carts.

“Being a part of Survivor’s Challenge has been an excellent opportunity to work with adults in our community to make teens aware of the consequences of the use of drugs and alcohol,” said Rachel, a student at North Country Union High School.

By showing our youth that we care about their safety and teaching them the skills to make healthy decisions that will affect their future, the Elks fulfill their promise to build the character and competence of our nation’s youth.

“What is most impressive about this event is that we have empowered youth to fully take charge,” said Amy Crouch, director of Northeast Kingdom’s Promise.

The Elks National Foundation funds the Order’s major national youth programs: the Elks Hoop Shoot, Soccer Shoot and Drug Awareness Program. For more information about Elks youth activities, visit www.elks.org/YouthActivities.cfm.