History of P.L.U.S.
PLUS was organized in 1988 when a group of concerned Covington parents decided they wanted to be a positive influence in the lives of Covington children helping them to make healthy life choices. This core group met with a representative from the Miami County Alcohol Council. As an experienced counselor on the negative issues that confront children, she challenged them to start a group like those in neighboring school districts where adults and kids get together and learn about negative influences and how to counter act them.
Since then, each spring approximately 120 fifth and sixth graders are bussed from Covington Elementary and Middle schools on Friday morning to the Indian Hills 4-H Camp for an overnight adventure funded by donations from local businesses, organizations and individuals. They are met by volunteers who spend the weekend as family group leaders and workshop instructors. Family group time is just what the name implies: discussions, meals and lots of fun. Workshops include activities such as sports, arts, music, crafts and more.
The Overnighter experience is designed to promote personal growth, improve self-esteem and foster healthy life choices, with our primary focus being substance abuse. Guest speakers tell their stories of the negative impact tobacco, drugs and/or alcohol has had on their lives. In recent years our focus has also included bullying and internet mis-use. Workshops open the doors to alternative habits and activities.
In March we host an annual PLUS 5k Run/Walk, which starts and finishes at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Covington. St. John’s has made several generous donations to this cause.
In October we host the Covington Amazing Race. If you enjoy watching the real Amazing Race and wish you could participate, now you can. Teams of four receive and interpret clues, find the next location and complete a task at each road block. The final destination is an after party, including prizes and a meal where we all share in the excitement of the race. You don't want to miss this exciting community event.
These two events, as well as donations from individuals, groups and businesses in Covington, fund the Overnighter
As you can imagine, the Overnighter takes months of preparations. PLUS meets at 10:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month beginning in January. The meeting is held in the conference room at Buffalo Jack’s restaurant. Please join us to learn more.