Substance Free on the Manistee

The Kalkaska Substance Free Coalition (KSFC) and the Kalkaska Conservation District (KCD) had a great turnout for their July river trip activity on the Upper Manistee. A total of 11 canoes were filled by a group of 33 people, which included three volunteers and two staff members. There were 22 youths and 11 adults. The group enjoyed the sun and water, while learning healthy activities for better mental and physical health. Youth learned about brain chemistry and dopamine production. They learned how artificial highs that come from substances can increase dopamine production but can ultimately damage the brain's ability to produce its own dopamine, which is needed to function. Natural highs, like the canoeing trip, can naturally increase dopamine to healthy levels, which make us feel better without the negative consequences, which often come with substance use. As with most of the KSFC and KCD partnered activities, lunch was provided to the group and financed by community donations to KSFC. Transportation to the Shel-Haven Livery was provided by the Kalkaska Area Transit and funded, along with the canoe rentals, by a Liquor Tax Grant through Northern Michigan Regional Entity (NMRE).