DV supports Realty Tour drug prevention program

By Anya Tikka
MILFORD — Reality Tour, a three-hour evening program that parents attend with their children, can help keep kids off dangerous drugs, Jill Gamboni told the Delaware Valley school board at its Sept. 17 meeting.

September is National Recovery Month, when many organizations are doing special programs and presentations to highlight the persistent problem.

Reality Tour is part of Candle Inc. and the Pike County Alliance for Prevention Programs and aimed at the 10-plus age group and their parents. The program will be held on two Thursdays, Oct. 22 and Nov. 19, at Milford Bible Church, 110 Foxcroft Drive. There’s a $5 suggested donation, but no one will be turned away.

"Everybody who comes gets the fact sheet," said Gamboni, the director of Reality Tour. On the back there are four dots to assess where the child is on the drug spectrum, ending with the purple dot, which she said means: "Be careful, you will spend the rest of your life in jail."

She said the program is "very real."

"We go on tour of a jail," she said.

EMTs, police officers, nurses, and school representatives come out to the program, she said.

They talk about the consequences of overdoses and criminal prosecution. There's always a question and answer period.

The most powerful part of the program is testimony from recovering addicts, Gamboni said.

"Every survey indicates this," she said.

The program advocates drug testing at a young age — 11 or 12. Gamboni said it should be part of the regular family routine.

Another powerful part of the tour is when the children are made to look like drug addicts for photos.

"We encourage them to put it on Facebook and other social media," Gamboni said.

DV cooperatesDV is cooperating. Superintendent John Bell sent out registration forms at the beginning of the year, and tour attendance has gone up significantly because of that, Gamboni said.

There's also a newsletter. And Reality Tour can do an in-service day for teachers. Presentations can be done at the school with health teachers, and during a school night.

"There's lots in this package," Gamboni said, holding up the brochures. "I want everybody to be aware of it."

Board member Chuck Pike asked, "What's the typical age of kids?" Gamboni said they come from grades 5 through 8, but they're trying to get all different kids in.

Pike County Commissioner Matthew Osterberg sponsors a tour but said more sponsors are needed. The program runs on 40 volunteers.

Gamboni said word of mouth works best to get the message out, and social media after that.

"There are so many different ways kids get involved in drugs," said board member Jack O’Leary. "All different angles need to be covered."

He said he'd been on a tour with kids.

"This is very powerful, far more than what I expected, including the jail time," he said. "They do it so well. The officer is talking with the young person."

According to Gamboni, all exit surveys suggest more frequent and random drug testing. Delaware Valley currently does drug testing.

"We test everybody that’s legally allowed," said Bell.

Everyone present applauded.
To register for the tour, call Gamboni at 570-390-9102.