Rev. Brown students chosen for annual D.A.R.E. leadership camp

SPARTA — “D.A.R.E. camp was so great that I think every child should have an opportunity to experience it,” said Cassandra Zoetjes. Cassandra and fellow student, Rachael Craig, both fifth-grade students at Reverend Brown, were recently selected to take part in the annual D.A.R.E. Leadership summer camp at Georgian Court University in Lakewood. The D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program, led by police and national guardsmen, provide classroom lessons for kindergarten through 12th grade, and teaches students good decision-making skills in order to help them avoid high-risk behavior and ensure that they grow up as healthy, safe, and secure community leaders, while being exemplary role models for their peers. About 100 students from New Jersey were selected to participate in the five day sleep-over camp where they were encouraged to learn leadership skills, character building, positive attitudes, and self-esteem. “We woke up at 6:15 a.m. every morning,” said Cassandra, “and started our day with army marching drills.” Activities such as dodge ball, ropes, confidence course challenge, swimming, fishing, laser tag, obstacle courses, and field trips to Fort Dix, Eastern State Penitentiary, and even a Blue Claws baseball game filled their days. “The activities were tough,” said the Rachael, “because they had a military theme to them, but they were lots of fun.” “It was an honor and a privilege to have our daughter, Cassandra, to be nominated and chosen for the D.A.R.E. leadership camp,” said Connie Zoetjes. We would like to thank her teachers and everyone involved in recognizing Cassandra’s hard work, potential, and leadership abilities by choosing her as one of the girls to represent Reverend Brown School in such a wonderful program.