The goal of Project PANDA is to aid 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in making the choice to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. The program is also geared toward educating the student about the dangers of these substances. The goal is realized through a structured curriculum base which consists of peer pressure, decision making, and self-esteem issues.

Central to the program is the Friday through Sunday educational camp experience. PANDA Camps are held 3-4 times during the school year at Camp Muskingum. Once there, the student participates in workshops, team building activities, presentations, and smaller group situations known as family group. These events and activities are designed to promote personal development, refusal skills, and age appropriate substance information. Participants are also encouraged to take part in a variety of activities that aim to demonstrate how to have fun without the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

After Camp, the students are responsible for taking some PANDA Camp experience back to their schools, with the help of a PANDA Advisor from their school and the PANDA Coordinator. Students are encouraged to take an active role in spreading the drug-free message to their peers. They can accomplish this by attending in-school PANDA groups or clubs. PANDA club participants reinforce the principles of the program through positive peer pressure and healthy lifestyle choices.

Beyond the 3-day camp experience and club meetings, schools and communities can schedule a 1-day camp experience, or a Mini-PANDA. Mini-PANDA's generally occur once a year per school. They can be a half-day educational adventure or an evening event extravaganza. It all depends on what the school wants to achieve by hosting this type of affair.

Students must currently be enrolled in the 6th, 7th, or 8th grade. Registration and a $100.00 tuition fee are required for each student. Contact your child's school PANDA Advisor, or the PANDA Coordinator if the school does not have an advisor, for camp dates and registration information. Project PANDA offers a limited number of scholarships. Please contact the PANDA Coordinator for more information.

Click here for a PANDA Camp Application.