What are some of the things that you can do in 2 to 3 hours each week? Watch a video. Read some magazines. Listen to a few CDs. Doesn't sound exciting? Why not do something different and volunteer to spend time with a child? Young people want your help; all you have to do is reach out to them.

This winter make time, even just a few hours a week, to spend with a child and get him or her involved in positive activities such as playing sports, reading books, painting, or collecting stamps. By getting young people engaged in these activities you can help them build the skills they need to stay drug free. Studies show that participation in structured activities is also an effective strategy for preventing substance abuse and other high-risk behaviors among youth.

Here are some ideas of fun and simple things that you can do with a young person during the winter months:

Make a snowman. Go for a walk in the woods. Take food to a homeless shelter. Build a fire and talk in front of the fireplace. Go sledding. Make birdfeeders and watch birds in your yard. Make soup together. Play cards or a board game. Bake cookies—create fun designs with colored frosting. Organize a group to sing at a nursing home. Go ice skating. Go to a basketball game at a local school or community center. Play ice hockey. Read books out loud to each other. Shovel snow or rake leaves for elderly neighbors. Learn swing dancing together. Teach a young person to crochet or knit. Practice the art of storytelling. Make a scrapbook of things that interest the child. Build a wreath together. Learn some words in a foreign language. Create a neighborhood newsletter. Build a snow fort.

Positive activities like these build confidence, provide a sense of security, and help young people develop good decision-making skills. These strengths are especially crucial during early adolescence, a time when young people are beginning to explore and develop their interests, friendships, and identities—and when youth are most likely to be invited to use drugs.

Your time makes a difference. For information on volunteering/mentoring opportunities in your area call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at (800) 729-6686. The Your Time—Their Future campaign urges adults to become involved in volunteering, mentoring, and other efforts that help young people participate in positive activities that build skills, self-discipline, and competence.