Darien Police Officers and Teens Share Exciting Day of Adventure

Middletown, CT (September 28th, 2013) Since 1989, Darien's Teen Center, "The Depot", has provided Darien teens a venue that promotes participation in community outreach and a substance-free environment in which to socialize. On Saturday, a group of 30 teens and officers from the Darien Police Department traveled to EMPOWER Leadership Sports & Adventure Center in Middletown, Connecticut for a unique and amazing adventure experience focused on building positive and trusting relationships, team building, and, of course, high flying adventure. The Depot's Program Director, Janice Marzano, worked with the EMPOWER team to facilitate this one-of-a-kind adventure bonding program. Marzano states, "This adventure experience is all about promoting team skills between our teenagers and with our local police department. It is important for our teens to recognize that they have people around them, fellow teens and adults, who are there to provide a supporting atmosphere. We wanted all of the participants to share in this uplifting adventure!"

The program began with a series of warm-up and icebreaker activities that are designed to strengthen existing relationships and build new relationships that are founded on trust and respect. During the opening activity, a group mixer, the participants introduced themselves to one another using a wide array of fun and goofy salutations; ranging from the traditional handshake to a high-five to the crowd favorite do-si-do. EMPOWER facilitator Kyle Newman commented, "It was great to see the social barriers between teh teens and Cops break down; everyone was having fun and breaking out of their social comfort zones." Newman believes that this is an important first step towards building positive relationships; "It is never easy to meet new people, it takes practice. We wanted everyone to feel comfortable having fun together." After the introductory activities, the participants were then led through a series of group problem solving challenges which encouraged the participants to work together, communicate effectively, and think creatively. Newman notes, "After creating stronger bonds the participants were then challenged to practice positive skills that can be applied to any walk of life; learning to communicate with others and work together to accomplish a common goal takes hard work. We wanted the participants to realize that those skills can be fun and helpful."

After completing the ground portion of the program, the participants were ready to move on to their next adventure, EMPOWER's zip line canopy tour. EMPOWER's canopy course is the only one of its kind in Southern New England and consists of 5 zip lines (200 - 650 feet in length), 8 tree top stations (40 - 75 feet tall), 2 adventure sky bridges, and a cargo net and tight-wire traverse. The participants loaded the first platform after a safety briefing and equipment outfitting session and headed into the forest canopy riding down a 370 foot zip line cable. EMPOWER guide, Jesse Boyd commented, "A lot of the participants were nervous about taking that first step; they really were helped by all of the positive supports and cheers!" The confidence of each individual grew exponentially as they completed each zip line and climbing challenges; and at the end of the course, there was a great sense of accomplishment. EMPOWER general manager Dan Jaskot commented, "This canopy course is about having the courage to accept positive challenges and being supportive of your group mates. By overcoming these adventure obstacles, the participants will be better suited to overcome the positive challenges presented in high school and beyond."

After all of the high-fives and congratulations, the group was led through a brief reflection about their experience at EMPOWER. Boyd stated, "You all proved that with a positive attitude and a great support system you can overcome and accomplish anything you set your sights on!" As the participants started to gather their belongings and began to depart, Marzano reflected, "What a great experience; it was amazing to see such positive interactions and such courage by the teens and adults!"

EMPOWER Leadership Sports & Adventure Center is located at 2011 S Main St. Middletown, CT and is online at www.LeadershipSports.com

Dan Jaskot
EMPOWER Leadership Sports & Adventure Center
General Manager
860/638-4754