Wisconsin-based group organizes alcohol-free event for teenagers

By Staff Writer

A Wisconsin coffeehouse recently hosted a concert to promote alcohol-free fun for teenagers.

Many live-music venues in America sell alcoholic beverages, which may lead some children to believe that the two activities are inseparable. This alarming trend prompted Stoughton Cares Coalition to organize a concert that offered teenagers a form of alcohol-free entertainment, according to Channel3000.com.

The event was held at Stoughton-based True Coffeehouse.

"When I was in high school, there wasn't a whole lot to offer. We were kind of just stuck to hanging out in garages, and driving around in our cars," Andy Lundgren, manager of the coffeehouse, said. "Thinking back to high school, I wish there were more opportunities for myself to get involved in things like this."

Alcohol-free activities, such as wilderness camps, aim to educate children on healthy lifestyle choices. The Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Industry Council studied the effects of wilderness therapy on troubled teens. The council found that more than 83 percent of teens reported that their wilderness treatment experience helped them.