DCJP Receives National Recognition From the USDOJ for DEFY Camp
 In August 2007, Detroit Community Justice Partnership was awarded the Drug Education for Youth (DEFY) Length of Service Award from the USDOJ Community Capacity Development Office. CCDO is an office in the Office of Justice Programs leading the effort to improve public safety and improve the quality of life in neighborhoods across the country. The Length of Service Award is designed to acknowledge the contributions of Weed & Seed communities for their commitment, dedication, and leadership in the continuation of the DEFY program in their communities.
The Drug Education For Youth (DEFY) Program is an outreach program consisting of summer camp, mentoring, workshops, and special events for youth ages 9-12 years. During the DEFY Camp (Phase I), the youth engage in such activities as swimming, bowling, fishing, boating, and aerobics. The youth and camp leaders participate in intensive anti-drug, anti-gang education, self-esteem development, peer leadership, and physical fitness. Phase II of the DEFY experience is an ongoing, continuous part of the Camp experience which consists of further instilling the necessary self empowerment tools in youth to remain drug free and productive citizens. Detroit youth participate in field trips and educational activities, and have opportunities for continued interaction with Detroit Police officers and adult mentors.
DCJP recognizes the importance of positively impacting the lives of youth by engaging them in self-esteem building workshops, activities, and team building exercises that will instill in them positive alternatives to using and selling drugs, as well as, empower them to make productive choices and resolve conflicts peacefully. We look forward to ten more years of serving our youth in this way!
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