Teen Maze is an event that provides a safe and controlled environment for students to face the consequences of randomly selected lifestyle choices often associated with risky youth behaviors. The maze is designed as an interactive “Game of Life” where students see the consequences of life choices in a hands-on, realistic and educational way. The goal of the program is to increase their understanding of personal responsibility and the importance of making positive life choices.
"The premise behind Teen Maze is that once our students see the realities of the consequences they make and how quickly bad decisions can get even worse, we hope they will make better choices," said Suzanne Harbin, director of Whitfield Family Connection. "The scenarios during the Maze are designed to provide a wake-up call to the realities of split-second decisions. We want the students to realize that bad decisions can negatively impact the rest of a young person's life."
Over 2,300 tenth graders from Dalton, Whitfield, Murray County, and Christian Heritage schools will take part in the event which will be held at the North Georgia Fairgrounds. Students will navigate through the Maze that presents different scenarios and related consequences such as underage drinking, driving under the influence, texting and driving, and teen pregnancy. A number of local community agencies will be involved with the event including Hamilton Medical Center, Juvenile Court, Juvenile Justice, Health Departments, Department of Family and Children Services, and Dalton, Whitfield and Murray law enforcement.
Teen Maze is a collaborative effort sponsored by Whitfield and Murray County Family Connection, in partnership with Dalton Public Schools, Whitfield County Schools, and Murray County Schools. The event is scheduled for September 29-October 3 at the Northwest Georgia Fairgrounds.
Financial Community Sponsors include Shaw Industries, Walmart, Hamilton Medical Center, Dalton State College, Dalton-Whitfield Community Foundation, Dan Combs State Farm, Kiwanis, Roman Open and Courtyard by Marriott.
There will be a session for visitors, parents and community members on Monday, Sept. 29 at 11:30 am. Please feel free to come and experience the Maze firsthand.