PIRS Youth & TEEN PREVENTION Programs

Connection Through Movement

At PIRS, prevention begins with connection. Our youth camps, like the free basketball event hosted with the Southern Oregon University Girls Basketball Team, are designed to bring young people together in safe, welcoming environments. Physical activity creates natural opportunities for youth to connect—with mentors, with peers, and with themselves. These experiences help reduce isolation, support emotional wellness, and foster relationships that are key to long-term health and healing.

Confidence That Lasts

Camps like these don’t just teach basketball—they build confidence. Whether it's learning a new skill, getting encouragement from college athletes, or simply being part of a team, young people walk away with a renewed sense of self. Confidence is a core protective factor in prevention—it helps youth make healthy choices, advocate for themselves, and believe in their own potential. At PIRS, we know that believing in yourself is just as important as knowing how to play the game.

Community as Prevention

At the heart of our work is community. These sports-based prevention events bring together youth, families, and local leaders to share joy, build trust, and strengthen the bonds that keep our young people supported. Nearly 100 youth participated in our most recent camp, each receiving not just a free t-shirt and ball, but a sense of belonging. We’re proud to continue offering camps like this—annual events that promote wellness, connection, and a stronger, healthier future for our community.

Building Life Skills Through Movement

At P.I.R.S., our youth sports agility camps in Warm Springs and Prineville are about more than athletic ability—they're about developing essential life skills. Through structured drills, teamwork, and dynamic physical activity, youth learn communication, discipline, goal setting, and problem-solving. These are the foundational tools that help young people navigate life’s challenges with confidence and clarity. Our prevention-based approach ensures that every session offers more than just movement—it’s a pathway to empowerment.

"Thank you! Your program opened by grandson's eyes and gave him and opportunity to believe in himself."

- Ronald's grandmother

Resilience in Action

For youth in underserved rural communities, opportunities to build resilience through positive experiences are crucial. Our camps are led by John Charles, former NFL quarterback, Portland State Football Hall of Fame inductee, and certified Traditional Health Worker (THW). John brings not only elite athletic experience but also a deep commitment to youth wellness. Through his leadership, participants are guided in strengthening both body and mind—learning how to persevere, adapt, and recover in the face of obstacles. These moments of growth are prevention in action, helping youth build internal resources that will serve them for life.

PIRS Youth Summer Intern Program

P.I.R.S. Youth Summer Intern Program is provided in collaboration with Warm Springs Community Counseling and Warm Springs Community Action Team. We provide youth programs that is trauma-informed and "hides the medicine in the cheese." We strive to provide safe environment where youth felt comfortable to be themselves and could share honestly about the challenges in their lives. At the same time, we also teach and facilitate podcasting (how to make your own podcast), life skills, somatic exercises, coping skills, music lessons, guitar lessons, outdoor adventures, nervous system regulation education and other trauma-informed approaches to learning how to regulate and be with big emotions as well as alchemizing difficult challenges into growth opportunities.

"The best thing about the summer program is everyone gets to be accepted just as they are and there is no judgment."

- Harold Greene (14 years old)

Youth Peer Support Services (YPSS)

At P.I.R.S., we believe that youth are best supported by those who truly understand their journey. Our Youth Peer Support Services (YPSS) are designed and delivered by individuals with lived experience in substance use disorder (SUD), co-occurring disorders (COD), and recovery. These services create authentic connections that foster trust, healing, and hope.

Our YPSS team reflects the diversity and strength of the communities we serve, including tribal youth, sexual and gender minorities, youth from varied socioeconomic backgrounds, and a range of family structures. These peer mentors are more than role models—they are relatable guides who help youth navigate challenges while cultivating resilience, purpose, and self-worth.

We are proud to have Ruby Pacheco as our Youth Peer Support Coordinator. Ruby is bilingual and deeply committed to creating culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and inclusive spaces for underserved youth across Jefferson County. Through one-on-one support, group sessions, and meaningful engagement, our YPSS program provides youth with the care, understanding, and community they need to uncover their strengths and move toward healing.