Activities for Long Beach students during winter break

As Long Beach continues to recover from Hurricane Sandy, we know our young people continue to struggle with all that has happened. Studies done after Hurricane Katrina show large increases in youth alcohol and marijuana use in the weeks and months following. The same studies also show that social connections and information sharing are important protective factors in minimizing alcohol and other drug use.

Long Beach Medical Center’s Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking is proud to announce three days of “Caring and Connecting” to be offered to Long Beach School District middle and high school students at the

Lindell School during winter break. This is being done with the cooperation and collaboration of coalition founding members, the City of Long Beach and the Long Beach School District.

All activities are free and students may take Long Beach City buses free of charge to and from the Lindell School for all events. We hope this effort is one way we may help protect our youth during these stressful and vulnerable times for them. For more information on protecting our youth, visit our website at www.notaminorproblem.org.

Tentative schedule (additional activities may be added):

Wednesday, Dec. 26

Cafeteria: 2–10 p.m. — Crafts, yoga and Hangin’ Out

Auditorium: 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. — movies (TBD)

Gym: 5-10 p.m. — Basketball, volleyball

Thursday, Dec. 27

Cafeteria: 2–5 p.m. — Hangin’ Out; D.J. from 5-9 p.m.

Auditorium: 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. — movies (TBD)

Gym: 5-10 p.m. — Pillo Hockey

Friday, Dec. 28

Cafeteria: 2 – 10 p.m. — Boot Camp and Hangin’ Out

Auditorium: 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. — movies (TBD)

Gym: 5-10 p.m. — Basketball, volleyball

Judi Vining is the Coordinator of Long Beach Medical Center's Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking.