In its 37th year, ATLC has hosted approximately 2,000 students. ATLC serves Aroostook County youth through its summer camp program (grades 6-8) and school year activities (grades 5-12) to keep students engaged in leadership and prevention activities. Each year, the goal is to serve up to 65 campers and an additional 500-600 students through the school year.
Activities at camp include local, state, and national speakers focusing on substance use prevention in fun, factual ways that keep students interested and engaged. There are a variety of team-building activities that focus on building relationships, community, and leadership skills. Many ATLC graduates stay connected through their high school years, serving on ATLC’s Advisory Board and as camp leaders. Since its inception, ATLC has been designed to be run by students who attend camp, which provides them with opportunities to lead through the self-determination of issues and interests that affect youth.
The need for programs like ATLC is greater than ever. In December 2022, following a substance use prevention event with Chris Herren at the Caribou Performing Arts Center, AMHC distributed a short survey to ninth—and tenth-grade students in Aroostook schools. Three hundred fifty-nine responded, and nearly 20% admitted to trying a substance to cope with social stressors. By starting prevention activities in middle school, ATLC supports programming for students across Aroostook to encourage healthy choices that impact lives long-term.
ATLC is solely funded by grants, fundraising, and donations, and it is the responsibility of program staff and students to support each year. Various fundraising events are held throughout the year. Combined with generous donations from local businesses and private foundations, ATLC continues to achieve its goal of building youth leaders, which it has done for nearly 40 years.
For more information, contact 207-493-3361.
