Wednesday, September 13, 2017

A teen club that rankles and a club I could sell


Laura is a self proclaimed slug, and failed gym back in fifth grade, to prove it. I know there is close to too much on our plate, but I keep looking for something that will engage her, physically.  She has a bicycle and miles of paved roads. The tires were flat, so it sat unused most of the summer.

I ordered a foot operated bicycle pump. While we waited its arrival, she walked the bike up to the complex maintenance barn and got one of the maintenance guys to pump up the tires. Laura rode to the mailbox, she rode home. The bike has languished in the shed ever since, accompanied by the pump.

A flyer in the mail this summer announced the advent at our school of the Drug Free Clubs of America. Get ready for this: every member takes a urine test, which remains anonymous. If it indicates drug use, the club involves the parents. If not, the child joins. Then whenever invited to participate in drug use can say “No, I might be tested.”

Frankly, it turned my stomach. I put the flyer in the trash and never mentioned it. This girl has walked a long road since she was fragile and susceptible to overtures of a pusher. I’m sure she knows of the club; the school pushes it enthusiastically. I think Laura’s opinion might include a four letter word. Maybe I’ll check, one day.

Monday I played cards with a Methodist. Just two of us this week. We played gin rummy and rummy. It was enlightening. All I could see were runs. I couldn’t sort out the other worthwhile card combinations. I wonder if I can add that to the suit against the Red Bus. Sadly, Peter was in the hospital and not available to snatch my cards and sort them into what I should do, while, he, in the meantime, cleaned the table. Hope he’s back this Monday!

I did learn, though, the local Boy Scout troop is sponsoring an “adventure” group, hosted by the local Appalachian Outfitters. I know all the scout leaders in the community, got hold of one and asked about the group. They have just begun the season, are meeting at the park right now, but about to move to the library because it cold and dark in the park.

There are seven girls and three boys in this year’s group. They are planning a white water rafting trip and figuring out how to pay for it. Since these kids are in a different school district, they all would be new acquaintances for Laura.


When I saw Laura next I asked what she knew about white water rafting. She knew she’d never done it. I told her about the group, who they were and their plans. Oh, yes, she’d like to try that. So, they are on the calendar for next Tuesday evening.

26 comments:

  1. I think that rafting would be a lot of good exercise.

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  2. You are the best mother this girl could ever have. Laura is such a loved child

    That big red bus and their lawyers don't know what they are up against.

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  3. She is adventurous I'll give her that. My mother went white water rafting when she was in her late 50's. She liked it.

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  4. The urine testing sounds terrible to me. I'm with you on the activity and knowing the group the child is with. Scouts sounds great!

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  5. My opinion of the drug free club is that it's a cop out. I suppose it's better to have a child use that as an excuse than to use drugs, but still - what ever happened to having a backbone? ... Easy for me to say, but harder to actually live, perhaps.

    White water rafting? If it was me, I would "just say NO"! ha ha But good for Laura. Hope she hits it off with the new group!

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  6. I am appalled at the whole idea of a drug free club and the drug testing that goes along with it. this is not normal behavior. it angers me no end that the holier than thous are requiring drug tests for people who need food assistance. how cruel. especially since they spend far more on those tests than they save. as for the white water rafting, having been a river guide, though I guided wilderness canoe trips and not the rafting trips, I really hope she enjoys it and pursues it. I can't tell you how much fun I had during that time.

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  7. Hari OM
    good grief. I'd have binned that flyer too. Have always wished I was introduced to white water rafting long before I was beyond it... WTG Laura! YAM xx

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  8. I think this white water rafting sounds great. And Laura may find some new friends...Alternate peer groups lessen the power of any one group. Band should be good there too. Does she have any good friends from band? You are giving Laura so much. I am sorry she wasn't getting this before.

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  9. White water rafting! Oh Boy!
    Geez, if only I was 50 years younger...

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  10. Should be an exciting adventure for Laura and white water rafting!

    betty

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  11. I LOVED white water rafting. I hope Laura does too. The drug testing club? I won't defile the page with what I think.

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  12. Wow I think Laura must be a brave girl to try white water rafting. I hope she has fun with the new students.

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  13. As usual Joanna my reply is 'You are the best Grandma ever' - I do hopeyou know it and they both appreciate it.

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  14. Judging by the previous comments on white water rafting, we could form our own group. Count me in!
    And this could be just what's needed to say goodbye to the couch.

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  15. Sad we have to protect our youth with a 'built-in' excuse NOT to do drugs. You would think commonn sense would be enough. When it comes to white water rafting....I think I'll start a club that doesn't lol.

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  16. If you keep them busy they won't have time for drugs.

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    1. Drug talks have dropped into appropriate places in our lives over these years, like when a friend might be having drug trouble. But I've never asked her about something like a pre-emptive authority. She had absolutely no idea what I was talking about, but assured me it was OK, she would have walked away long before.

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  17. Well done! I'm happy she is interested in this adventure.

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  18. good for her for giving rafting a try

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  19. I don't like the idea of that drug-free club and testing the kids. I'm glad that Laura is interested in the white water rafting--something I have never done. My daughter was not athletic until she decided to push herself into it. Now she's very adventurous.

    Love,
    Janie

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  20. I have never done rafting, but have kayaked in a bay. Lots of fun.

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  21. This could prove to be a wonderful activity for Laura.

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  22. I'm not sure I understand the objection to the drug free club. But oh well! White water rafting is not for the weak of heart. Sounds like so much fun!

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  23. I love the idea of white-water rafting ... as long as it stays at the idea stage !
    But I hope she enjoys every minute.

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