“Catch My Breath” Program Educates on Tobacco Prevention

This summer, the Park South Family YMCA launched more than just games and fun in the sun. it introduced a powerful new tool in the fight against teen smoking and vaping. Through a partnership with UT Southwestern, Catch My Breath, a tobacco prevention program, YMCA’s teen camp took a bold step in educating its youth on the dangers of smoking.

The program, designed specifically to reach young audiences, was delivered in a series of four engaging sessions led by professionals from UT Southwestern. The goal was to equip teens with real knowledge about tobacco use and its harmful effects, especially vaping, which continues to rise among young people.

During the final session, the teens were tasked with creating their own Instagram posts as part of a tobacco safety campaign. Using visuals of a healthy lung versus one blackened from cancer, the activity gave campers a sobering look at the consequences of smoking. Leading this impactful session were two dynamic facilitators who brought both professional insight to the discussion.

La Shone, a first-time teen camp counselor, watched firsthand how the program shifted campers’ perspectives. “I think this program opens them up to the consequences of smoking because some of them don’t really know and just see it on TV and think that it’s cool,” Garrett said. “But it actually educated them on the problems that come with smoking. I really think this program helped them mature because talking about smoking is such a huge thing.”

Dallas, one of the campers who participated in the program, said the experience helped him see through common misconceptions. “I learned people think smoking relieves stress, but it actually gains stress,” he said. “And there are more ways to relieve it like working out.”

Catch My Breath helps teens feel more informed and empowered about preventing smoking and vaping by giving them hands-on learning experiences and impactful visual projects. As a result, they better understand the risks, recognize the importance of staying smoke-free, and feel more confident in making healthy choices. By weaving this kind of education into summer camp, the YMCA is helping shape young leaders who understand the real impact of their choices and are empowered to influence their peers in positive ways.

Looking ahead, the Park South Family YMCA plans to continue blending fun with purpose by offering more programs that educate, inspire, and support healthy decision-making. With the right tools and experiences, these teens are walking away with more than summer memories, they’re gaining lifelong lessons that promote a safer, healthier future.

Sawyer Strauss

Summer Intern at the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas