Boys & Girls Clubs of America′s SMART (Skills Mastery and Resistance Training) Moves prevention program has been an invaluable tool in the effort to help young people avoid four of the most immediate threats to their well−being: alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, and teen pregnancy. SMART Moves works by exposing youth to protective factors promoting positive behaviors, health, well−being, and personal success. With these protective factors, young people have the tools to overcome the many challenges they face today.

SMART Moves aims to provide young people with the knowledge, skills, self−esteem and peer support to help them achieve the following:

• Avoid using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.
• Avoid involvement in other drug−related activities, such as drunk driving or drug trafficking.
• Postpone sexual activity.

SMART Moves incorporates several key elements:

• Accurate information about the consequences of risky behavior.
• Information to correct the assumption that ″Everyone is doing it.″
• Sensitization to media and social influences that promote risky behavior.
• Training in resistance skills, how to communicate clearly, and refuse temptation.
• Experiential learning games, role−playing, skill practice, and small group discussions rather than scare tactics and classroom lectures.
• Content tailored to the age and experience of the participants.
• Peer leaders.

This program is intended primarily for young peoples age 6 to 15 who are not actively involved in drugs or sexual activity or have only experimented with them. Keep in mind that SMART Moves is a prevention program, not an intervention or treatment program. There are referral optionsfor those young people who need more professional and certified programs.

SMART Moves is conducted a minimum of once a week however, it can be scheduled on a more regular basis. SMART Moves participants meet regularly in groups of 10 to 15. There can be activities that address particular topics that can be done with larger groups, depending upon the time available.

SMART Moves uses several components that are for specific age groups:

• SMART KIDS is for children ages 6 to 9.
• START SMART is for preteens ages 10 to 12.
• STAY SMART is for teens ages 13 to 15.

SMART Moves also includes the following:

• SMART PARENTS – a complementary curriculum for parents.
• BE SMART – an in−service training program for CLUB staff, volunteers and older teens who serve as peer leaders.

Participation in SMART Moves requires permission by parent or guardian.