There are lots of interesting Camas History factoids, given the town’s experience with the paper mill, multiple renovations, demolitions, and rebuilding that’s happened since the late 1800s. There are rumors of tunnels, friendly ghosts, and many hidden artifacts.
We’ve written a few stories about Camas history, so we thought we’d continue from time to time with some interesting factoids.
Officially incorporated on June 18, 1906, the city is named after the camas lily, a plant with an onion-like bulb prized by Native Americans. The paper mill was first established in 1883 with the support of Henry Pittock, a wealthy entrepreneur from England who had settled in Portland, Oregon, where he published The Oregonian, which is still in existence today.
Building upon the city’s industry, the downtown area took shape, and we’ve been learning a few things about its history.
Artifacts, Tunnels, Ghosts
Did you know the building that today is Lutz Hardware is actually two buildings merged into one? The main entrance used today sits on the site of the original Stoller’s Funeral Home building that was first erected in the late 1800s.
A portion of the Lutz Hardware basement is still very rustic, complete with an ancient boiler, and the dumbwaiter that was once used to lower coffins from the main floor of the funeral home to the embalming room.
“There’s a lot of history in this town, and it’s quite fascinating,” said Aaron Lutz, owner of Lutz Hardware. “We have a lot of cool things!”
The storage room also houses several mill artifacts, including mill paddles that used to mix pulp and a giant metal stenciler.
Old mill paddles used to mix pulp.Old mill stenciler.This tunnel entrance has been blocked off on both ends. This is the view from under Lutz Hardware where the tunnel connects under Dallas Street to the building across the street.
And, what about the rumors of tunnels?
“They’re true, “ said Lutz, pointing to a bricked off entrance. “This was blocked off a long time, but it’s the tunnel that goes underneath Dallas and goes to the building across the street.”
There are several rumors about why the tunnels were built, and we’re working to confirm those.
And, what about rumors of ghosts?
“There are a lot throughout,” said Seth Michael, a spiritual advisor and physic/medium. “I sense at least one in most stores. Most are in or from the mill.”
He is volunteering at the Camas Haunted Walking Tour on September 13 and October 12, which is sponsored by The Wild Hair, and hosted by the Downtown Camas Association. The tour includes visits to several Downtown Camas buildings.
“We have history blended with activity some people experience in the businesses along with what mediums have picked up on,” said Michael. “The tour starts at the Camas Gallery and ends at Sauld for final stories. One spirit I came across I heard say, ‘We are happy to tell the stories. People just need to listen.’”
Jyl Straub, owner of The Wild Hair, the mastermind behind the tour.
“Jyl talked about it for a while then three years ago she said let’s do it,” said Michael. “Then all the writing and research began.”
For our next installment of Camas History factoids, we’re researching more about the tunnels and their use.
Deep under Lutz Hardware is the original Straub’s Funeral Home embalming room. This is facing the exit to the newer portion of the basement.
This shaft was used as a dumbwaiter to move coffins to the original Straub’s Funeral Home embalming room, which is below Lutz Hardware.
The Clark County Public Health Department has officially lifted health advisories at both Lacamas Lake and Round Lake in Camas as the blue-green algae, also called blooms of cyanobacteria, left both bodies of water in recent days, according to a Public Health statement released Tuesday.
Warmer temperatures increase the risk of algae blooms returning, and Public Health advises swimmers and boaters to be on the lookout for floating blue-green scum and to avoid any contact.
Lacamas Lake has had many health advisories in the past, and many locals are aware of it history. Local residents complain that toxic runoff from lawn fertilizer is to blame, while others cite the man-made lake lacks proper water flow, which increases the likelihood of blue-green algae issues.
Public Health also said that blue-green algae blooms are still present in other Clark County recreation spots, including Vancouver Lake’s Burnt Bridge Creek inlet while a warning remains at Vancouver Lake, which tested positive for elevated levels of cyanotoxins just days ago.
Public Health collected water samples for testing earlier this week, and if toxins are no longer present, then Vancouver Lake’s warning may change.
Vancouver Lake’s algae blooms have been presented since June 12, and Public Health will continue to monitoring the lake by taking regular water samples to test for possible toxins.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/07092028/25EC24D8-7095-4FC4-A9FC-9BC441B2BFB5.jpeg5031023Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-07-02 23:22:112019-07-02 23:23:51Health Department: Lacamas and Round Lake Health Advisories Lifted
Camas High School student Ria Patel is coordinating an American Red Cross Blood Drive scheduled for July 31 from 1-6 pm at Camas-Washougal Fire Station 42. The fire station is located at 4321 NW Parker Street, Camas, WA 98607.
Patel, who was recently recognized by Camas-Washougal Rotary Club as Sophomore Student of the Month for her academic achievements and community efforts, has been working on this for a few weeks.
“This has always been a goal of mine because it’s pretty inspirational,” said Patel. “It’s inspirational because for every pint of blood you save three lives. I think that’s pretty incredible. I just want to give back to the community.”
To host an event requires extensive work with an American Red Cross coordinator. Patel also works as a treasurer for the Camas Red Cross Club.
To schedule your appointment for this blood drive, please visit www.redcrossblood.org, and enter sponsor code: camashs or contact Ria at 360-823-8315.
Presenting donors will receive a Clark County Fair ticket.
You can streamline your blood drive donation experience and save up to 15 minutes by visiting www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to complete you pre-donation reading and health history questions on the day of your donation.
Red Cross volunteers and staff work to deliver vital services – from providing relief and support to those in crisis, to helping you be prepared to respond in emergencies. They provide disaster relief, lifesaving blood, training and certification, international services, and assistance to military families. The blood drives help ensure there’s enough blood to meet vital needs in this area and around the country.
From their website: “Even while the Red Cross adapts to meet the changing needs of the people we serve, we always stay true to those roots. Are you familiar with the classic images of Red Cross nurses helping American soldiers and civilian war victims during World War I? In fact, as you read this Red Cross staff and volunteers are still deploying alongside America’s military. Maybe you’ve taken a class through the Red Cross, such as first aid certification or how to swim. Did you know we’ve been offering similar training since the early 1900s? Have you ever given blood or received donated blood? The Red Cross developed the first nationwide civilian blood program in the 1940s and we still provide more than 40% of the blood products in this country.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/07080748/70D0F16B-9853-45F3-AB51-B3AB99C51277-scaled.jpeg11622736Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-07-01 19:42:242019-07-01 19:52:35Camas High School Student Planning, Hosting Late July Blood Drive
A Beer at a Time, located in historic Downtown Camas, is always adding new things to enhance the customer experience. Known for making good pizza, the Alfredo Garlic Chicken pizza has become a crowd favorite! This pie is made with garlic Alfredo ranch base, bacon, mozzarella chicken and red onions. With these toppings this pizza will not disappoint.
A Beer at a Time also provides live music, with a performance today by Robby Mayer from 7pm-10pm, no Cover. Wayne Havrelly is performing on July 5th. Stay tuned for an announcement for next performance on July 6th, 7pm-10pm. There is no Cover.
A Beer at a Time has space is available for private parties and events! Call today and reserve your dates.
“This is a great venue for a party or business event,” said Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director of the Downtown Camas Association. “They’ve created a great space using elements of local history.”
Local merchants also love to promote A Beer at a Time.
“They’re great neighbors,” said Lori Morris, owner of The Artful Attic, which is located across the street on 3rd Avenue. “They always help promote our business, and we’re definitely big supporters. We love what they do over there! My husband loves their pizza and goes over to visit often. They’re also a great place to host parties, and just relax with live music. They work hard to take care of people, and we highly recommend them!”
Event space at Beer at a Time is available.
They have 51 beers on tap plus 4 wines, 5 hard ciders, pizza, wings and other delicious options. And now serving Spirts.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/07080758/58EFC4F5-EB56-464D-B613-0CBB640E0CAD-scaled.jpeg19263024Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-06-29 13:48:072019-06-29 13:51:54Food + Dining Scene: A Beer at a Time Has a Great Alfredo Garlic Chicken Pizza
The highly successful Arktana Shoes is opening its second store in Felida (by Vancouver Lake) on Monday, July 1, with a special grand opening celebration set for July 23.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and we found the perfect spot here in Felida,” said owner Ann Matthews. “We’re so excited to make this happen. It’s a fun expansion, although there is risk involved. We have a good following in Camas and the surrounding areas, so feel it was time to grow.”
Matthews has been working with contractors for months building out the brand-new space to fit their needs. And, although it’s a new build out, the interior reflects the Camas store and overall Arktana Shoes brand with a red brick wall, clean lines, and quality products.
Photographer Lara Blair sat down with Matthews, and asked her several questions.
Question: Why another Arktana Shoes?Why open another store?
Answer: I started looking for a new location a year ago, and I looked all over the place. When I found this place there were already Camas-based businesses over here. Camas Star Cycle is out here, Grapes and Growlers, so is Los Potrillos, and we love them! It’s like a little hub of Camas that moved to Felida. I love this community and I’ve heard nothing but good things about it.
Lara Blair interviewed Ann Matthews at her new Arktana Felida store.
Question: Is it risky?
Answer: It feels very scary. Are people going to find us? Will they support retail out here? It’s new here, there’s not a lot of retail out here. My gut drew me to this, and I have complete faith. We have such loyal clients.
Question: Who’s your client?
Answer: My client is anybody from mom’s to business people to those who travel. We cater to a lot of travelers. We have every day wear, but we also cater to the dressier side. One thing unique to Arktana is that we do extra extra small to 3X, we have the plus sizes and the little tiny sizes. Our shoes are sizes 5 to 11 and that is also a very important component. We buy the comfort lines that are a little wider, and we can accommodate the narrow foot, as well.
Question: How does the Arktana Felida differ from the Camas store?
Answer: The Felida store will have more clothing than the Camas store, but you will still see lots of shoes, although there will be different color options in Felida. You may see navy shoe in Camas, and red shoe in Felida. Or we might throw a red in Camas and a navy in Felida. And, if you want a red and we only have blue in Felida, we can bring over a red shoe from our Camas store. We’ll take care of you.
Front sign.
Front door.
Lots of shoes!
Question: Will Ann be at both stores? There’s concern that Camas will no longer see you.
Answer: That has been so funny to me. I have gotten the sweetest emails and texts. We are not going to close Camas. This is a second location. We are absolutely not leaving Camas. I will be at both stores. I’ll be honest, in ]uly I’ll be at Felida a lot more as we get this store up and running. I do intend to be at both stores in the same day. If somebody wants to be ahold of me personally, I will be accessible. I will be there for you — at both stores. I’m not going away.
The new store is located at 10706 NW Lakeshore Avenue, Suite 108, Vancouver, WA. Their special grand opening is scheduled for July 23. Learn more at www.Arktana.com
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/07080909/8A758849-E777-4772-9BBF-F99AFD484505-scaled.jpeg18034032Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-06-28 13:59:272019-06-28 13:59:37Camas-based Arktana Shoes to Open Second Boutique in Felida July 1
Love for the Linton’s took on a new meaning earlier this week.
The Jeff and Erin Linton Camas home was turned upside down recently when their four-year-old son, Camden, was diagnosed with an inoperable and aggressive brain tumor called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG). There is no known cure for DIPG.
The devastating news is still very hard for Camden’s parents to discuss. Camden undergoes radiation treatment several times a week, which is taxing on the entire family — both emotionally, and financially. Each day is a battle.
“We’re all very emotional right now,” said Erin. “But, we’re so grateful for this incredible love we feel from the community.”
The Linton’s are buoyed by their religious faith (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), and the daily support system it brings. Fellow church goer, Kristen Gardiner, who’s been instrumental in supporting the Linton’s, said she’s felt all the emotions of pain, sorrow, love, and despair. But, she also felt she needed to try to help the family financially.
“We can’t take this problem away,” said Gardiner. “But, we can give them comfort and know they’re loved.”
On June 13, Gardiner sprang into action, and asked Erica Slothower, owner of Natalia’s Cafe in downtown Camas, via Facebook IM, to host a fundraiser. This reporter watched Erica read the message, and without a second’s hesitation, she agreed to do it.
“Wendy and I just jumped in!,” said Slothower. “We started to make a plan, Wendy reached out to businesses for donations, and we all got the message out. We set a date for June 24 and called it Love for the Linton’s, and used the hashtag #Carnival4Camden. We added the Silent Auction hoping we’d raise $20,000.”
Krista Gardiner, left, was presented with a $14,500 bucket of cash by Erica Slothhower, owner of Natalia’s Cafe. It only represented a portion of total funds raised.
Businesses lined up to support the carnival, and dozens of businesses and individuals donated gift baskets, gift cards, and services to support the cause. By June 24, Natalia’s Cafe was turned into a Silent Auction house, and the adjacent property and parking area turned into a kid’s carnival with food, games, and music. The event started at noon.
“It was an amazing experience,” said Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director of the Downtown Camas Association, which co-hosted Love for the Linton’s. “We far exceeded our goals! The people in Camas are amazing!”
More than 300 people made bids at the Silent Auction and the carnival was very well attended, and even extended its time allotment to 5:30 pm. The auction ended at 7 pm. 100 percent of proceeds would go to the Linton’s. Businesses ate the overhead.
“I’m having trouble piecing together words that adequately convey my gratitude for everyone who helped make today such a massive success,” said Gardiner. “So I’ll just say thank you. I’m overwhelmed by the love and generosity of our community. Thank you a million times over.”
At the end of the day, Slothower handed Gardiner a bucket with $14,500 in cash to deliver to the Linton’s.
“There’s still a lot more coming in,” Slothower said. “The Silent Auction money is still being counted.”
Gardiner broke down in tears.
While the Linton’s prefer to not disclose the final numbers, both the cafe and DCA report “the event far surpassed the $20,000 goal.”
“I love this town,” said Slothower. “We came together for a little boy and his family in their time of need.”
The Linton’s did briefly attend the event, but because of Camden’s condition they didn’t stay long. Erin Linton released this statement:
“There are no words sufficient to properly express our awe and humble gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from our Camas community. It is life changing to be on the receiving end of such kindness from others, many who do not even know us personally. The collective rallying power and genuine goodness we have felt has lifted us during our time of heaviness, making our hearts a bit lighter. We are proud to call Camas our home and feel enveloped in so much love! Please accept our sincere thanks for all the support.”
A longtime Washougal resident accused in the hit-and-run deaths of two German tourists at Sandy Swimming Hole made his first court appearance Wednesday at Clark County Superior Court. He told police he’d been drinking at a local Chinese resident prior to Tuesday’s incident.
David Croswell, 71, is facing two counts of vehicular homicide while driving under the influence of intoxicants and two counts of hit-and-run resulting in death.
Court records show a preliminary breath test taken Tuesday night revealed Croswell had a blood-alcohol level of .085. .08 or greater is considered driving under the influence.
He was pushed into court in a restraint chair as he requires oxygen.
The prosecution Wednesday asked for $200,000 bail due to the nature of the case. Croswell himself has minimal criminal history — a 1982 conviction for first-degree negligent driving, and possession of marijuana.
Judge Gregory Gonzales set Croswell’s bail at $500,000. His arraignment is scheduled for July 10.
What we know about Croswell:
He’s a lifelong resident of Washougal.
He has medical issues, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD.
His daughter, Leticia, who lives with him, said her father drinks about once a month, and that no alcohol in the house appeared to be missing, according to a court affidavit. She said “… David sometimes will sneak down to ‘Chinese restaurant’ and drink with (a) friend.”
Officers said Croswell admitted to drinking alcohol beforehand, according to court records.
He has minimal criminal history.
Police do not believe Croswell has any connection to the victims, Rudolf Hohstadt, 61, and Regina Hohstadt, 62, who were German tourists on vacation. The incident happened at 4:50 Tuesday afternoon, said Sgt. Alex Schoening, of the Clark County Sheriff’s Department.
Sandy Swimming Hole continues to be roped off, pending a complete investigation. It’s a popular summer destination for local youth and families.
Chuck and Barbara Carpenter, 19-year Washougal residents, will be crowned King and Queen of Camas Days 2019 at Washougal’s Columbia Ridge Senior Living, on July 17 at 7 pm. The public is welcome to attend, and tickets are $5.00 at the door.
The Carpenter’s raised three daughters and are now experiencing the joy of their six grandchildren, and a two great-grandchildren, who live in Oregon and Tennessee.
Prior to moving to Washougal, the Carpenters lived in Clackamas, Oregon. From 1972 to 2000, Chuck was a full time school administrator, first as an elementary principal and then as a school superintendent and was a sole practice attorney part-time in Oregon before retiring and moving to Washougal. Chuck was invited to be the Personnel Director for Camas School District for one year and then served in the same capacity for Washougal School District for a year. Chuck then retired for a second time, only to be contacted by the Reynolds School that serves Gresham, Troutdale and Fairview, Oregon as their Personnel Director.
“Then I retired from paid work forever,” he said.
Prior to retiring, Barbara served as the Administrative Assistant to the President and Vice President of GST Company. Barbara continued her duties as an Administrative Assistant to the President and Vice Present after GST was purchased by Time Warner Communications.
Since retiring, they have made community service a priority in their lives.
“When a list of volunteer commitments is as lengthy and long-standing as theirs, you know the work is sincere and enjoyed. They bring passion and excellence to each of their roles and are making a difference in the lives of many,” was written in their Camas Days King and Queen nomination letter.
Call today: 360-409-3167
Chuck served the City of Washougal on the Parks Commission from 2007 to 2010. He also served on the city’s Elected Officials Salary Commission from 2007 to 2014. He currently serves on the Lodging Tax and Tourism Commission and the Schmid Park Advisory Committee for the City of Washougal. He is secretary of the Downtown Washougal Association and treasurer of the Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance.
In 2018, he chaired the Washougal Citizens Government Advisory Committee served on and the City of Washougal’s Roundabout Design Committee. He was awarded a Community Leadership Award from the City of Washougal in 2018,
He was president of the Washougal Lions Club from 2009-2010 and served as club treasurer from 2010-2018. He chaired the Washougal Festival of Trees for eight years he and Barbara continues to be a member of the Artists Repertory Theater Support Guild and the Third Rail Theater support group, which Chuck chairs.
He volunteers in the educational community as a Senior Projects Panel Judge and serves as a volunteer tutor at Hathaway Elementary School.
Barbara is also devoted to volunteerism. She volunteers each week at the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society and she cooks for Meals on Wheels twice a week. Along with her husband, she assists with delivering the Thanksgiving Food Delivery to needy families in Camas and Washougal through St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Camas.
She also helps at the Festival of Trees and the Run for the Hungry. Barbara also is an active Lion’s Club member and has volunteered at the Lions Burger Stand.
After their coronation, the couple will be part of the Camas Days Parade on Saturday, July 27. They will be honored at a luncheon following the parade at the Zion Lutheran Church hosted by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) Camas Washougal members.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/07080956/17E940CB-A61A-4DD6-B915-2EB41C9DAB52-e1561569698938.jpeg470960Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-06-26 10:22:522019-06-26 10:24:30Camas Days: Washougal Residents to be Crowned King, Queen July 17
The normally tranquil Sandy Swimming Hole is now a crime scene as Washougal Police report Tuesday evening they have apprehended the driver suspected of running over and killing two adults who were relaxing at the popular beach, along the Washougal River.
The two victims, a husband and wife in their 50s, died at the hospital, according to the police.
According to Sgt. Alex Schoening, of the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, the incident happened just before 5 pm at the Sandy Swimming Hole Park, which is a popular local summer attraction.
“At about 4:50 this afternoon, we were dispatched, along with the Washougal Police, to a report of a vehicle that had run over a couple of folks sunbathing in the park, and it left the scene,” said Schoening. “The vehicle came through the parking lot, came south through this fence, down the hill, and then drove out of the parking lot. The suspect vehicle was captured on a neighbor’s residential surveillance security video, and we were able to get a good description of the vehicle, which is a 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee dark red in color, driven by a male occupant.”
“We’re out here as the traffic homicide unit for the county, and we’re here to support the Washougal police in this investigation,” he said. “We do know the identity of the deceased, we’re just not releasing it at this time.”
The crime scene. The couple was relaxing on the beach when the driver hit them.
The victims were rushed to the hospital; one died shortly after arrival and the other was pronounced dead 20 minutes later.
Police reported they were looking for a red or maroon Jeep Grand Cherokee with extensive front-end damage, and missing a front grille. There is no indication yet of how they located the suspect.
Witnesses said the driver is a white male, in his 40s or 50s, with thinning, brownish hair.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/07081019/DC65BD11-18D0-4F20-96FD-6E18947690F4-scaled.jpeg13472881Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-06-25 21:30:062019-06-26 09:27:272 Adults Killed While Sunbathing at Sandy Swimming Hole; Suspect Found
Washougal schools are making major efforts with substance use prevention in their middle schools as leaders recognize that making healthy choices are not always easy, regardless of age. But those decisions become more challenging and complicated for middle school aged youth who are trying to find independence, define themselves, as well as fit in.
Leading efforts in the Washougal School District for both Jemtegaard and Canyon Creek Middle School to empower students to make healthy choices and have their voices heard is Wendy Butler, Student Assistance Professional for Prevention and Intervention from Educational Service District 112. She works in close partnership with school principals, associate principals, school counselors, social workers and secretaries, Unite! Washougal Community Coalition and more.
Butler is a part of the statewide Student Assistance Prevention-Intervention Services Program (SAPISP), administered by ESD 112 in selected Clark, Skamania, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz and Klickitat county middle and high schools. Tamara Crites is the specialist at Washougal High School.
SAPISP is a comprehensive, integrated model of services that focuses on substance-use prevention and other supports. The program places Student Assistance Professionals in schools to foster safe school environments, promote health and prevent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug abuse.
“One of the exciting things about prevention efforts with middle school-aged students is that it feeds up and feeds down,” Butler explained. “This means they can still remember themselves before they may have hit a bump in the road. They can still feel the positive effects of good choices they made when they were younger. And we get to provide opportunities for them to look forward toward their goals and help empower them to get there. “
Butler approaches the middle schools’ overall prevention program in three components: universal prevention, which are big picture projects; small group conversations; and relationships with individual students.
“Universal prevention activities at both JMS and CCMS have so many fun pieces to them,” she said. “They involve large groups and at times the entire school community.”
Examples include Red Ribbon Week, special guest speakers like Madison Langer from Tobacco Free Kids who shared straight talk about her journey in to and out of drug use, the Youth to Youth club that meets after school and at lunchtimes to work on prevention initiatives; and Real Talk, an interactive video presentation on facts about vaping that led to lively class discussions.
One of the newest projects is Courtyard Connections which takes place at the JMS courtyard at lunchtime. It began as an idea out of JMS music teacher, Dr. Snapp’s guitar class. “Music and playing guitars are such a great way to make connections,” said Butler. “When we started, I thought each student would take turns, but no! Everyone plays at the same time in their own area. Other students come out and will sit and listen. Some will ask if they can try playing and others will share.”
“There are so many smiles,” she added. “It is happening so organically. Students who participate are feeling valued and know this is a safe place to try new things.”
Sports activities: Substance Abuse Prevention
Sports activities are also important for students to access. They teach life and interpersonal skills and keep students involved and engaged doing something fun that is linked to the school. Butler enjoys leading clinics for both basketball and volleyball and hosts open gym for students to play and shoot hoops.
Butler stresses that the best prevention is becoming involved in something a person likes to do that is healthy. “Students are encouraged to explore a variety of interests and then we figure out how to help them try it,” she said.
A significant challenge for students can be the transition from elementary to middle school and middle school to high school. It can be scary and overwhelming for students who are unsure how they will fit in. The Welcome Wagon and Bridges to Success programs help relieve fears and give students confidence to take their next step in education.
Listening to students.
A program that’s working.
“Welcome Wagon features positive and supportive notes from middle school students to fifth graders to help introduce them to their new school,” said Butler. “We will also create banners to put outside of each 5th grade classroom with welcoming messages from the middle schools.”
Similarly, the Bridges to Success program invites high school students to sit down and talk with 8th graders. “Students prepare questions ahead of time for the high school students to address,” Butler said. “The messages from these older students are amazing and comforting to the younger kids. Two years ago, a student gave some great advice and talk passionately about not having to change who he was when he came to high school. He encouraged students to keep doing things their own way and get involved with others with similar interests. He said if they stay true to who they are and try to get along with others, they will find positive ways to fit in.”
Small groups
A second component to substance use prevention is gathering with small groups of students that have similar concerns, interests and goals based on a survey at the beginning of the year. Topics include discussions around self-empowerment, being new to the school, or taking a stand against alcohol/drug use.
“Our groups meet once a week,” Butler said. “We are trying to remove barriers for students in order for them to feel supported and get what they need for themselves or others so they can focus on school.”
One-on-one Meetings
The third component in substance use prevention is being available to meet with students one on one. “Students are welcome to knock on my door any time,” Butler explained. “They might be struggling with an issue, or want to learn how to help a friend, or maybe they are looking for the truth about something they heard. For instance, there is an idea that ‘everybody’ is vaping or that it is ‘safe,’ and that is just wrong! I am happy to discuss the facts with them.” For Butler, it all comes down to offering trust, respect and a safe place for students to talk.
“At some point most students will be faced with a decision whether or not to take part in something which they understand is not a healthy choice,” Butler said. “We know that if they have a plan ahead of time for what they will say or do, they are more apt to avoid doing something they do not want to.”
A strong message Butler sends to students is that decisions today will affect the choices they will have available to them tomorrow. “They tell me they do not want adults to control them,” she said. “But look at the control that nicotine can have over someone. It will their money, it will demand their time and it will reduce their health.”
“I ask them to please listen to what I say, and you are welcome to throw it all away or perhaps keep a piece of what you heard,” she said. “You never know when a situation will come that a seed of an idea or knowledge we have shared will come to their mind and help them to make a good choice.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/07081053/6672C9DC-893A-4031-9802-FA1C750A28DA-e1561427261578-scaled.jpeg12492958Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-06-25 07:16:162019-06-25 07:17:24Washougal’s Substance Use Prevention Program Makes Inroads
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