Substance Abuse Prevention Programs

Second Class requirement 7c is about learning the dangers of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful habits. Here is the exact wording of the substance abuse prevention requirement:

“Participate in a school, community, or troop program on the dangers of using drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, and other practices that could be harmful to your health. Discuss your participation in the program with your family, and explain the dangers of substance addictions.”

This substance abuse prevention requirement has three parts. First, a Scout needs to take part in a program about substance abuse prevention. This could be at school, in the community, or with their troop. The program should focus on the risks of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

Second, after participating in the program, the Scout must talk with their family. They should share what they learned and discuss the dangers. Family discussions help Scouts understand the information better and open up important conversations.

Third, the Scout needs to explain the dangers of substance addiction. They should understand why using harmful substances is risky and how addiction can harm people’s lives. This part helps Scouts see how their choices can affect their future.

For homeschooled Scouts, the words “school, community, or troop program” might seem confusing. But this can be flexible. “School” can mean a homeschool group or co-op. “Community” could be an online program, local event, or health department presentation. A troop program might be a special meeting about substance abuse. Scouts BSA allows families to find a program that works for their situation.

The goal of this substance abuse prevention requirement is not where it happens, but what the Scout learns. It’s about understanding the dangers and making smart choices. For homeschooled Scouts, this can easily be done with a little planning and creativity.

Scott and his son can use some great resources to complete Second Class requirement 7c at home. These resources are easy to access and provide the information needed. They offer lessons about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco in a simple and clear way.

Drug Free Generation is one option for substance abuse prevention. This program has free educational materials about substance abuse. It covers topics like drugs, alcohol, vaping, and opioids. The materials are online and easy to use. Scott can pick the parts that are best for his son’s age and learning style.

Another option for substance abuse prevention is the D.A.R.E. Curriculum. D.A.R.E. is a well-known program that teaches kids about the dangers of harmful substances. It has lessons for different age groups, so it’s easy to find the right level. The D.A.R.E. website offers materials that Scott and his son can work through together.

These resources are all structured and easy to follow. They help Scouts learn about substance abuse prevention. Scott can choose the program that works best for his son. Each option will give him the information he needs to complete the requirement at home.

A big part of Second Class requirement 7c is talking about what was learned with family. After participating in a substance abuse prevention program, Scouts need to share their thoughts. This helps them understand the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco even more. It also gives families a chance to talk about making healthy choices.

One way to start the conversation is to ask open-ended questions. These are questions that don’t have “yes” or “no” answers. For example:

• What did you learn about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco?
• Why do you think people still use harmful substances even when they know the risks?
• What are some healthy choices you can make instead?

These types of questions get Scouts to think more deeply. They also encourage Scouts to share their own ideas and thoughts. This helps them remember what they learned.

Family discussions are also a good time to talk about peer pressure. Ask your Scout how they would handle a situation where someone offers them something harmful. Role-playing these situations can be helpful. Practice saying “no” in a clear and confident way. Let your Scout know they can always talk to you if they feel pressured.

Talking as a family makes the learning stronger. It helps Scouts understand that staying away from harmful substances is an important life choice. These conversations also show that families support and care for each other. By sharing ideas together, Scouts will be more prepared to make good decisions.

For homeschooling families, there are many ways to complete Second Class requirement 7c. One option is to reach out to homeschool groups or co-ops. Many homeschool families meet together for group activities or classes. This could be a great opportunity to organize a drug awareness session. Parents can work together to plan a lesson or invite a speaker to talk to the group.

Community programs are another good choice. Local health departments often have free presentations on substance abuse prevention. They may even offer materials or speakers who visit community groups. Libraries, youth centers, or churches might also have programs on healthy living and making good choices.

Troops can sometimes help as well. If your Scout is part of a troop, ask if they have a substance abuse awareness program planned. Many troops invite guest speakers like police officers or health experts to talk about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Scouts can participate in the program with their patrol or troop and then discuss it with family afterward.

It’s important to remember that the goal of this requirement is education, not a strict program format. Scouts can learn at home, in small groups, or online. What matters most is that they understand the dangers of harmful substances and can talk about what they’ve learned. Homeschooling families have the flexibility to find what works best for them.

What if my Scout is homeschooled and doesn’t have a school substance abuse prevention program to attend?

That’s okay! Scouts can use other programs like online resources, community presentations, or homeschool group sessions. The goal is to learn about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Scouts can complete this requirement in a way that works for their family.

Can my Scout do this substance abuse prevention requirement online?

Yes, online programs work well. Resources like Drug Free Generation or the D.A.R.E. Curriculum have lessons about substance abuse prevention. These are easy to follow and provide good information.

What does “community program” mean for this requirement?

A community program can include things like a presentation at a health department, library, or church. It could also mean a homeschool group session or any program that teaches about substance abuse dangers.

How do we complete the family discussion part?

After the Scout finishes the program, sit down together as a family. Ask questions like, “What did you learn?” or “Why is it important to stay away from harmful substances?” Let your Scout share their thoughts and encourage open conversation.

What if there are no local programs available?

If local programs aren’t available, online resources are a great option. Scouts can also work through BSA’s “Drugs: A Deadly Game” program, which is designed for Scouting.

Is it okay if my Scout does this requirement with just the family?

Yes. If a group program isn’t available, families can use educational materials at home. Afterward, talking together as a family completes the requirement. The key is that the Scout learns and understands the dangers.

How long should the program or discussion take?

There’s no set time. The program just needs to teach the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. The family discussion should help your Scout explain what they learned and why it matters.

Can my Scout use materials from a previous class or activity?

Yes, if the program met the requirement and covered substance abuse prevention, it counts. Just make sure your Scout talks with the family about what they learned.

What if we still aren’t sure how to meet this requirement?

Talk to your Scout’s leader. They can help you find a program, give advice, or suggest materials that will work for your Scout.

Scott and his son have many options for completing Second Class requirement 7c. They can use online programs like Drug Free Generation or D.A.R.E. for lessons about substance abuse. BSA’s “Drugs: A Deadly Game” program is another great choice. These resources are easy to use and fit well into a homeschooling routine.

Family discussions are also a big part of this requirement. Talking about what was learned helps Scouts understand the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. It also opens the door for important conversations about peer pressure and making healthy choices. Families can support their Scout by listening and sharing their own ideas.

Homeschooling families have the freedom to be creative. Whether it’s through online tools, community programs, or small group sessions, the focus is on learning. What matters most is that the Scout gains knowledge and feels prepared to make safe, healthy decisions.

Substance abuse education is important as Scouts grow older. It gives them the tools to face challenges with confidence. Parents can guide their Scouts through this requirement in a way that works best for their family. With a little planning, it’s easy to make this a valuable learning experience.