Without adult guidance, he said, children are easily led astray by peer pressure in a world of drugs, crime, sex, and violence. Children who have long-range plans may think twice before doing something that could get them in trouble, Peters said. And it takes more than slogans to reach them, he said. His parents told him he couldn't play if he got a C on his report card. We teach them there are consequences for the choices they make.
Students have to maintain a good school record in academics and behavior to remain in the club.
With the community's help, Peters said, club members have experienced cultural opportunities and seen a side of the world that may motivate them to achieve more in life. Before going, a home economics teacher put the students through a two-week course in proper table etiquette. They wore coats and ties to dinner. The club also traveled to Washington to attend a Bullets pro basketball game and to the Smithsonian Museum. Some of the students have never heard of the museum, Peters said - about half of them had never been outside Norfolk.