RAPID CITY - When adults lecture about drugs and alcohol, Rapid City Stevens High School junior Alonna Fry said, "It's like, 'I've heard this a million and a half times.'"

Things were different Thursday at a conference for teens about leadership and drug-free lifestyles.

Fry said discussing drugs and alcohol with fellow students makes her take the issues more seriously.

"It's nice to know there are other people my age that choose not to be involved with drugs," Fry said. "That's what we need at our age."

The eighth annual Western South Dakota Youth to Youth Conference began Thursday at the South Dakota Army National Guard's Camp Rapid.

Organizer Dace Price said the purpose of the conference is to use the power of peer pressure in a positive way.

Thursday began with games that had the kids laughing and getting to know one another.

"We're trying to get them comfortable," said Jami Kuchenbecker with City County Alcohol and Drug Programs, one of several area organizations helping run the conference.

Others include Lifeways, the National Guard, Youth and Family Services and the Addiction and Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition.

Kuchenbecker said conference organizers aim to have a good balance between fun activities and serious discussion.

"The goal is for them to carry the Youth to Youth magic through the rest of the year," she said.

Students made a pledge at the conference to remain drug free and to be good role models to fellow students.

They got into groups for friendly competitions about drug and alcohol facts or deep discussions of issues facing teens.

"They share some things they might not share with other people," Kuchenbecker said.

Kuchenbecker has helped with past Youth to Youth conferences and said the students leave the experience with a positive attitude.

"They're excited and energized to go back to their school and really make a difference," she said.

The National Guard is involved with the conference through the National Guard Counter Drug Program.

School advisors and counselors recommend students in grades 8 through 12 throughout western South Dakota to take part in the conference. They stay at Camp Rapid for the three-day event.

Capt. Don Johnson of the National Guard said because peer pressure is an issue for students, it is influential for them to hear from other students who choose not to use drugs and alcohol.

"Why not give them positive peer pressure?" Johnson said.

He has been involved with Youth to Youth since the beginning of the conference.

"It's designed to be a youth-led, staff-guided conference that allows students to be better leaders and help other kids at their school be better leaders, as well," Johnson said.

He said the conference also addresses bullying and other issues teens face.

"It's really about dealing with all facets of life and just life skills in general," he said.

C.J. Stratmeyer, a sophomore from Custer High School, said the conference gives her the opportunity to both learn and socialize.

"I've met so many great people," Stratmeyer said.

She said she gained leadership skills, too.

"I'm excited to take what I've learned back with me to my school," she said.

The conference runs through Saturday.

Contact Katie Brown at 394-8318 or katie.brown@rapidcityjournal.com