Taking the Message Further with a Natural High Ice Skating Event

In Morris County New Jersey, a group dedicated to prevention, including Kellye Smith, Morris County Community Prevention Services Coordinator, are gearing up for their 3^rd Annual Natural High Ice Skating Event on March 25^th! "This is one of the easiest things we do," says Kellye, "we use a strengths based model to show young people how they can achieve highs naturally, without the aid of drugs or alcohol, by engaging in fun, uplifting activities." This event provides free skating for the entire family, as well as music, raffles, prizes and Natural High T-shirts, Books, and DVDs.

The event will also feature a brief presentation by Matt Bellace (see below) as well as local providers and booths such as the fatal vision goggles, the lungs you can touch, etc. The event is expected to bring in over 500 participants. Although New Jersey doesn't have to worry about a lack of cold weather, this event is actually featured at an indoor skating rink, making this activity a suitable model for all states. However for this group, the sports arena is a county facility, making it easier to negotiate free admission and discounted skate rentals for one night. Every community has resources they can borrow from. Find yours and get something going! Other events this group looks to put on are family picnics, battle of the bands, and even a flee market! Click here to read more about the event.  

Natural High Bonus Discussion Guide Question

When talking about the loss of his brothers, Jon Sundt said, "all of a sudden we wouldn't see them very much, they wouldn't come home for dinner, the "3 musketeers" we used to call ourselves, just wasn't the same."

Q) Jon points out a few signs such as not coming home for dinner, that started to appear as his brothers slipped down the wrong path. What are some other signs to be aware of if you suspect someone close to you is using drugs?

Natural High Teacher Spotlight: Steve Pitkin

Steve Pitkin, Prevention/Intervention Specialist at Lake Stevens High School, introduced us to the Social Norms Theory which we wrote about in the January Edition of Natural High News. Steve also champions the natural high message with his own natural high club at school! Always sharing ideas and interesting resources, we decided Steve would be a great addition to the Educator Spotlight!!

What are your natural highs?

My natural highs are music, whitewater, and laughter with friends.

What Natural High DVDs have you used and in what capacity?

I have used Natural High 2 school-wide, and I plan on using Natural High 4 soon. I also use the DVDs in classrooms and club meetings.

How are you implementing the Natural High DVDs or message at your school?

I have a club called the Natural Highs Network, which regularly sponsors open-mics during lunch and sometimes after school. We try to avoid competition, so we focus on the reward of the experience. We encourage students to take risks, rather than worry about judgment and criticism. We also sponsor a student-made film festival and as a group we've also gone go-cart driving. We believe in natural highs, and have especially emphasized arts over drugs.

How have the students responded?

Let me have them tell you in their own words,

"I think Open-Mic is not only an outlet to encourage LSHS students to express themselves, but it really helps us get our message out and across the whole student body. Open-Mics are pretty popular throughout the school, and I think having our own students performing and supporting the natural high message is much more effective than 'adults' and 'authority figures' lecturing us that 'drugs are bad'." - Sara Frisbie, 12^th Grade Student, LSHS

"Open-Mic gives kids who are too shy for the talent show the opportunity to express to everyone that cares their abilities." - Ashley Cooper, 12^th Grade Student, LSHS

What do you think is the most important key to remember when teaching drug prevention?

Saying YES is easier than saying NO. So having opportunities to say YES to healthy natural highs are essential. Most students make good choices; it's all about building on the hidden culture, the hidden talents, and healthy norms that most students share, even though many youth believe their peers place higher value on inappropriate risk. Parental standards still remain the most potent protective prevention force.

Steve conducted a Social Norms Campaign with the Seniors at LSHS. He then had a colorful and fun poster made to showcase the results:

Thank you Steve!! Do you have a great story to share? How are YOU using the Natural High DVDs or taking the message further? We would love to hear from you and share your ideas with other teachers. Please email us at info@naturalhigh.org if you would like to be featured!

Walking His Talk: Drug Prevention Speaker, Matt Bellace

Matt Bellace, Ph.D., is a dynamic motivational speaker who can connect with students using humor, interaction and inspirational stories. Matt's primary goal is to encourage young people to pursue natural highs and make healthy choices. Starting in high school, Matt has done amazing work in the field of prevention, including founding C.A.L.V.I.N. & H.O.B.B.E.S, performing the "How to Get High Naturally" program, conducting parent programs, and writing a book called, "A Better High." Having read the book myself, I can testify that this is a very enjoyable and entertaining read. His humor and personality shines through in a way that leaves you feeling like you just had a conversation with him. I highly recommend this book as yet another resource to support living drug free amongst teens and adults.

Matt has been speaking nationally and internationally for over a decade. He is also a regular at comedy clubs in New York and along the East Coast. Check out some of his presentation videos here. Matt has seen the Natural High ® DVD Series, and is willing to incorporate the film into his presentations when asked. For booking information or to read more interesting stuff about him click here!

Natural High Education Network