On May 29, West River Valley Thrives (Thrives) partnered with Boy Scouts of America Troop 428 to hold their biannual Sticker Shock event to remind adults and older peers (21 or older) that it is illegal to provide alcohol to minors.
This year's participating stores include: The Newfane Store, Harmonyville Store, Riverbend Farm Market, West River Provisions, West Wardsboro Store, and the Wardsboro Country Store.
According to the 2023 Vermont State Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 66% of high school students believe it would be "sort of easy" or "very easy" to get alcohol if they wanted it. By working together, youth and the community can be kept safe.
Thrives has been coordinating Sticker Shock with local students and store owners since 2016. The biannual activity typically takes place before prom and graduation season and again before year-end holidays. At each store, the Scouts explain the Sticker Shock campaign and why it is important.
To support this campaign, the Scouts and Thrives staff work together to place stickers on cases of alcohol that read, "Think Twice. Help Prevent Underage Drinking. It's illegal to provide alcohol to minors. Be a role model. Sponsored by West River Valley Thrives."
Thrives has increased awareness this year by also placing window clings with the same message on beer coolers. "It's important that parents keep in mind it's not as simple as just labeling a cooler 'non-alcohol vs alcohol,'" said Scoutmaster Jennifer Matheson in a news release. "There are many mixed messages that make it hard to differentiate one from the other."
Community members can help counteract mixed messages like these with positive messaging, open communication, education, and patience. For more information on how to talk to youth about underage drinking and mixed messages, go to parentupvt.org.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.