For the third year in a row The Acadia Hospital made Challenge Day the focus of its annual Get Connected Conference.

On November sixth approximately 80 teens from Bucksport, Schenck (East Millinocket), Stearns (Millinocket) and Woodland High Schools gathered at the Bangor YMCA's Camp Jordan for an incredible day meant to diminish youth violence through self-reflection, activities and discussion.

The Challenge Day was led by two leaders from the California-based non-profit organization called Challenge Day. The leaders were assisted at the conference by over 20 volunteer adult facilitators. The Challenge Day leaders guided the students through a series of games, discussion groups and exercises designed to create a safe environment for the students to "get real" about powerful issues like harassment, bullying, loss, and stereotypes. The ultimate objective for each day was to assist the students and adults in looking at how their everyday behaviors may affect others around them, especially those closest to them.

Exercises like the Power Shuffle offered participants a chance to see what separated some from others, and also demonstrated how much they have in common. The phrase "you're not alone" was reinforced consistently throughout the day. By the end, students were taking the microphone and sharing what Challenge Day meant to them. Many voiced a desire to change and help others to become more thoughtful, caring people at their respective schools. Some actually took the opportunity to apologize to a classmate or teacher for past behavior, which led to those people being forgiven.

The Acadia Hospital Get Connected Conference featuring Challenge Day is part of the hospital's Community Conversations Program designed to prevent youth violence and promote youth wellness. The conference was made possible in part by funding from Healthcare Charities and Community Health and Counseling Services.