Belton Cares’ After Prom Party is an event held the evening of prom from midnight to 4 -5 am at a local gathering spot, Aaron’s Family Fun Center. The goal of the After Prom Party is to offer an alternative place to go, so teens can gather and enjoy the evening while staying safe and sober. Juniors and seniors, along with their dates, are welcome to attend. The event provides plenty of entertainment with music and a dance area, snacks and soft drinks, goody bags, and lots of other fun activities such as sand volleyball and miniature golf!
Belton Cares has been providing this event for almost 15 years. Each year, approximately 200 juniors and seniors attend out of 995 students. The school provides support by promoting the event in the school announcements and through other high school media, as well as selling tickets in the cafeteria. The after-prom party has also gained community support. Community businesses, civic groups and parents donate prizes, cash and time. The event space costs $2,500 and event prizes are around $1,000. These costs are paid by donations and fundraisers.
Students also have a part to play in how their prom evening will turn out. SADD offers some great safety tips to help keep the night fun and healthy:
- Know your agenda and provide the information to your parents.
- Plan ahead what you will say or do if someone offers you alcohol or another illegal drug. Phrases such as “No, thanks,” “Are you kidding? I want to remember this night!” or “Actually, I’d rather have a soda. Do you have one?” often work, even if you think they won’t.
- Know your date before you go. If your date is someone you do not know well, spend a little time together in advance. Take a walk at a park or go for an ice cream before the big night. You and your parents will feel better about your staying out late with someone you know.
- Find out what your curfew is, and tell your date and/or your friends before prom night.
- Discuss with your parents any after-curfew possibilities (the party at your friend’s house or early morning breakfast at your place).
- Ask a trusted adult to be near a phone and available on prom night in case you need to call.
- If you have cell phone, make sure it is fully charged, or carry a phone card or enough change to make several phone calls from a pay phone if necessary.
For more information from SADD about planning a safe prom, check out: http://www.sadd.org/promplan.htm