54 students ‘locked-in’ for 12 hours of fun

Spending 12 hours locked in with 54 middle and high school students may not be among your top ten ways to spend an evening. However, that’s exactly what Priscilla Behnke, Robbin McKenzie and the staff at the Maricopa Youth Recreation Center did from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday.

Skye Cochran, a student who helped organize the event, explained the purpose of the lock-in: “It’s all about having fun and showing teens that you don’t need drugs and alcohol to do that.”

The lock-in had four staff members, student interns and three parent volunteers on hand to coordinate activities. Parents had to give written permission and supply medical release forms in order for their children to attend.

Sponsored by the local M.A.S.H. (Maricopa, Ak-Chin, Stanfield, Hidden Valley) Coalition against substance abuse and the Pinal County Anti-Meth Coalition, the event provided fun, food, music and games for those attending. Students also participated in both a pre- and post-test, regarding their views on whether it is possible to have a good time without the presence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Pizza was provided for dinner, as well as snacks throughout the night. Music, video games, board games, crafts, pool and badminton were available. Highlights of the night included the Man Makeover, with girls making the guys into female fashionistas, making human ice cream sundaes, a hot potato baby food game and the 4 a.m. karaoke sing-off.

Students also participated in mini-town hall discussions regarding drug and alcohol issues that they face as teens.

Separate girls and boys ‘quiet rooms’ and restrooms were provided and monitored at all times for those who wanted to get in a little sleep.

At the end of the event, game winners and special contributors to the groups were given awards.

“We wanted to promote a positive, fun alternative to drugs and alcohol at parties,” said McKenzie.

Photos by Joyce Hollis