What is the purpose of the RAHCC organization?
We serve the Greater Rochester (Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township) and Auburn Hills communities by supporting healthy lifestyles, preventing and reducing tobacco, alcohol and substance abuse and promoting safety in collaboration with the various sectors including youth, families, schools, the courts, law enforcement, business, civic organizations, faith-based organizations, municipal governments and others sectors of our community.
What do you hope for high school students as they go on spring break?
Relaxing, re-energizing, especially for seniors, as they approach the last few weeks of school. It can be an opportunity to strengthen family ties and friendships, to have experiences that may influence their career and lifestyle choices. We would want students to make the most of their time either locally or away by having fun but in doing so to avoid dangerous and harmful experiences.
Do you think students should go on spring break with their family, friends, or both? Why?
There are benefits to both options for students; to spend time with either just family and/or with friends. When going away with friends, parents or other trusted adults should be monitoring and supervising their activities to keep them safe and free from danger.
What do you think about students serving others during spring break? Why is this option a good one? Serving others, especially as a group, can be a wonderful way to build friendships, learn cooperation, learn some skills and perhaps do some traveling as well as having the satisfaction of helping others. Volunteering time to serve others can also be a credit to them as they apply to colleges or for scholarships.
Should students incorporate a cultural or historical experience into their break schedule? Why or why not?
Using the time to visit cultural, historical and natural sites can be very rewarding and a group (supervised) or family road trip is a great idea.
Where can students find more information about planning a safe/healthy spring break?
There are many websites that are available with suggestions and ideas for spring break. We have listed several that have opportunities for high school students but there are many more.
What are the dangers of going on spring break?
If a trip is planned without supervision it's often an opportunity that students use to experiment with alcohol or drugs which affects their choices and puts them at risk of danger physically, emotionally and socially. Some consequences are getting intoxicated from alcohol or drugs, catching a sexually transmitted infection, girls getting pregnant, physical injuries and even dying.
What things can happen if students choose to make poor decisions on spring break?
Besides the above consequences, personal relationships can be damaged as well as reputations and self esteem. Some might break laws, resulting in legal problems and a record. Some mistakes may be financially costly.
What about when kids get back from spring break - what should they post or discuss on their Facebook or MySpace?
They should be sure that what items are posted will be things they are proud to share with family, friends, college acceptance committees and future employers. Encouraging illegal activities or drunken parties they may have participated in by pictures or text online can affect them legally and result in suspension from school or fines.
Is there any other advice that you would give to high school students to consider when planning, attending, or returning from spring break?
Spring Break doesn't have to be dangerous, destructive or expensive to be fun. There are many local opportunities to participate in fun activities during spring break as well. Check out the RAHCC website for a listing of various activities for spring break to investigate.
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