The Dare mascot dog is an important symbol for the non-profit organization DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education). DARE is a program that aims to educate students about the dangers of drug abuse and provide them with the skills to make positive life choices. The mascot dog, often named Daren, is a friendly and approachable character who helps to promote the DARE message. The Dare mascot dog is typically portrayed as a cartoon-like character, with big eyes, a wagging tail, and a big smile on its face. It is often seen wearing a blue police hat and a DARE logo on its chest. The mascot dog is designed to be relatable to children and to capture their attention and imagination.
D.A.R.E. – Teaches Kids to Make Smart Choices
FALLSBURG — Back in 1983, a Los Angeles school district created a partnership with the Los Angeles Police Department to create a drug resistance education program for students. Based upon the science of avoidance at the time, the program taught about specific drugs and effects. A middle-school curriculum was launched on 1984, followed by a high school program in 1989. The program was dubbed D.A.R.E.
Through the years, scientific studies and additions have led to an ancillary program entitled “keepin’ it REAL” (kiR), which includes an interactive curriculum developed by prevention scientists at Pennsylvania and Arizona State Universities. Programs now focus on making good choices throughout a person’s lifetime.
The D.A.R.E./kiR program is currently being taught in many area schools including the elementary and middle schools in Fallsburg. That’s where, on Thursday, March 5, 125 seventh graders completed their program with a graduation ceremony led by their instructor Fallsburg Police Officer Phil Brooks.
“D.A.R.E. is a curriculum,” Brooks explained, “that’s about making wise choices in life and educating our youth about drugs and understanding the consequences and the dangers that are out there. There’s a fifth-grade curriculum taught by Sgt. Michael Summa at the Benjamin Cosor Elementary School. I teach the Middle School curriculum, which is the keepin’ it REAL program where R stand for refuse, E for explain, A for avoid, and L for leave.”
Brooks explained that the 10-lesson program has a homework book and uses interactive videos and hands-on demonstrations “to get students to understand how it’s okay to say no to peer pressure.”
At the end of the program, which is part of the actual school curriculum and conducted during school hours one or two days a week, the students get a certificate and t-shirt.
Also in attendance at the graduation were Fallsburg Police Chief Simmie Williams, fifth grade D.A.R.E. instructor Sgt. Michael Summa and several other officers from the Fallsburg Police Department.
Sgt. Summa introduced the Dare mascot, appropriately called “DAREN the Lion,” and explained that, D.A.R.E. America, the programs’ national organization, decide a representative of courage should be a lion.
“The program starts in fifth grade,” Sgt. Summa clarified, because that’s when “students are able to form their cognitive abilities and start making decisions. … they’ve revamped the program to no longer specifically teach about drug use or drug abuse. It’s more about education on making smart decisions prior to being exposed to drugs. The schools are always saying ‘make good choices.’ The problem is sometimes the kids need to be informed about how to make good choices and that’s where D.A.R.E. steps in.”
Kevin Fuller shakes hands with McGruff the Crime Dog, 100th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) dog, mascot for the Drug Awareness Resistance Education (DARE) program to keep children off drugs, at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Mildenhall Child Development Center
The original finding aid described this photograph as:
Base: RAF Mildenhall
Country: Great Britain / England (GBR)
Scene Major Command Shown: USAFE
Scene Camera Operator: A1C Meghan Geis, USAF
Release Status: Released to Public
Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files
The mascot dog is designed to be relatable to children and to capture their attention and imagination. The mascot dog plays an important role in the DARE program. It is often brought into schools during DARE lessons and assemblies to engage with students and help them connect with the lessons being taught.
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The mascot dog serves as a positive role model and a symbol of the DARE message of saying no to drugs and making positive choices. The presence of the mascot dog brings an element of fun and excitement to the DARE program, making it more enjoyable for students to participate in. The mascot dog often interacts with students, dancing, high-fiving, and giving hugs, creating a memorable and positive experience for students. In addition to its role in schools, the Dare mascot dog also helps to promote the DARE message in the community. It can be seen at events such as parades, fairs, and community gatherings, spreading the word about the importance of drug abuse prevention. Overall, the Dare mascot dog is a beloved and influential figure in the DARE program. It serves as a symbol of the organization's mission and values, and helps to engage and educate students about the dangers of drug abuse. With its friendly and approachable demeanor, the mascot dog has become an important and effective tool in the fight against drug abuse in schools and communities..
Reviews for "Paws for a Cause: The Dare Mascot Dog's Work in the Community"
- Sarah - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with the "Dare mascot dog" show. The dog seemed to be untrained and didn't perform any impressive tricks. It was also clear that the dog was not enjoying itself, which made me feel uncomfortable. I expected a much more entertaining and enjoyable experience for the price I paid.
- Jake - 1 star
The "Dare mascot dog" performance was a complete waste of time. The dog didn't do anything special or unique. It looked like any regular dog you could find in a park. I was hoping for some high-energy tricks or impressive stunts, but all I got was a boring and uneventful show. I regret attending this event and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a good time.
- Emily - 2 stars
I had heard so many great things about the "Dare mascot dog" show, but it turned out to be a major letdown. The dog seemed disinterested and unmotivated throughout the performance. It didn't engage with the audience, and the tricks were basic and unimpressive. I expected a show that would leave me in awe, but instead, I left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied.
- Mike - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with the "Dare mascot dog" performance. The dog appeared to be poorly trained and lacked any real talent. The tricks it performed were basic and something you could easily teach any average dog. It didn't seem like the dog's heart was in it, and it was hard to connect with the show. Overall, I would not recommend wasting your time and money on this lackluster performance.