Cameron Rothwell is August’s Coalition Member of the Month
Cameron Rothwell is August’s Coalition Member of the Month, representing our Youth Sector.
Cameron is 15 years old and will be a junior at Riverhead High School in the fall. He is a member of the Riverhead Youth Coalition (RYC) and CAP’s Peer Leadership program. Cameron is a Lieutenant in the Southampton Junior Fire Department. He is also a member of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NJROTC).
A DRIVEN COALITION MEMBER
Over the past several years Cameron Rothwell has been a dedicated member of our youth coalition. He plays an integral role in training new members to implement coalition strategies and leading the youth coalition’s annual recruitment activities. He also partners with coalition staff and the Riverhead Police Department to facilitate Medication Take Back events.
Cameron has worked with other youth members to create and deliver community-based presentations. He was selected as a lead presenter to speak in front of the Suffolk County Legislature’s Health Committee last year. This presentation focused on reducing use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) through a population-level approach. Cameron Rothwell works with the coalition to write and record Public Service Announcements (PSAs). During the COVID-19 pandemic, he continues to participate in remote youth coalition activities. Some of these activities include writing and recording RYC’s first remote PSA and attending virtual meetings.
A DEDICATED PEER LEADER
Cameron serves as a strong and consistent Peer Leader for CAP’s Life Skills Training Program at Pulaski Street Elementary School. As part of this program he provides sixth grade students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead a drug-free life. Cameron also serves as a Youth Trainer for the Life Skills Training program. He works with CAP staff to carry out our annual two-day Summer Workshop. The purpose of this workshop is to prepare new students to enter the program. Cameron is working with CAP staff during the COVID-19 pandemic to deliver the first Virtual Summer Workshop for incoming Peer Leaders. This workshop will take place three times during Summer 2020.
Riverhead Community Coalition Coordinator Kelly Miloski recently sat down with Cameron Rothwell to talk about his experience with the coalition. Here are the highlights:
Why did you get involved in the coalition?
“I became involved with the coalition because I have always had an interest in substance abuse prevention. My older brother was part of the Riverhead Youth Coalition and Peer Leadership so I was introduced to the programs at an early age.”
What is your favorite coalition activity?
“My favorite activity is the Medication Take Back. During these events, we collect unused, unwanted and expired medication from community members.”
Name three words that best describe you.
“Adventurous, caring, and committed.”
What adventures are still on your bucket list?
“Some adventures on my bucket list are climbing the world’s Seven Peaks and becoming a Master Scuba Diver.”
Besides coalition work, what else do you like to do?
“I like to go hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I also like snowboarding in the winter.”
Interested in learning more about coalition membership?
Contact Kelly Miloski at (631) 727-3722 ext. 106 or Kelly.Miloski@RiverheadCAP.org.
