Document Actions
CARTEENS
4-H CARTEENS is an educational traffic safety program for first-time juvenile traffic offenders.
What is CARTEENS?
CAR - Caution And Responsibility
TEENS - the TEENagers who serve as volunteers
4-H CARTEENS programs are present statewide in over 40 counties. The Muskingum County 4-H CARTEENS program started in 1995. Our program serves over 800 juvenile traffic offenders and parents annually. 4-H CARTEENS is an educational traffic safety program for first-time juvenile traffic offenders. These teen drivers are ordered to attend the program as part of their sentencing from the juvenile court.
The session lasts approximately 2-hours, and juveniles must attend with a parent or legal guardian. The program format utilizes guest speakers, group discussion, and hands-on activities. At the start of 2003, we implemented a series of skill stations that were developed through a grant from the Department of Public Safety. These stations have been a great asset to our program! The stations cover the following topics:
- OVI and Fatal Vision Goggles
- Ohio Laws Trivia
- Speeding, Seatbelts, Road Signs and Driving Distractions
The unique quality of the 4-H CARTEENS program is that teens serve as the instructors and planners for the program. At each session, the CARTEENS assist with registering and welcome participants, introduce the program and guest speakers, read pre-written speeches and lead discussion, facilitate small groups through skill stations, and conduct program evaluation.
Program Objectives
- To decrease the number of second-time juvenile traffic offenders.
- To increase traffic safety knowledge
- To further develop the leadership and public speaking abilities of the teen volunteers.
Cooperating Organizations
Muskingum County Juvenile Court - Judge Joseph Gormley
Magistrate - Steven Buck
Director – Dan Kieffer
Liaison - Vicki Riggle
Current CARTEENS
We would like to recognize the following individuals for the time they spend volunteering with the Muskingum County 4-H CARTEENS program:
Rachel McConnell
Gwen Constantino
Megan Myers
Kelley Tracey
Teddy Crozier
Sara Bradley
Kelsi Cummings
A highlight of the CARTEENS program is speaker Jenna Ball and her parents Jay and Kelly Ball. Jenna speaks about her experience as a teen accident victim and the resulting impacts from her crash. Jenna's parents share how Jenna's accident affected them and their family. Carteens participants feel the Ball family presentation is very powerful and has a lasting impression.
If you are interested in serving as a CARTEEN volunteer, please contact Lisa Bradley at 740-454-0144.
Requirements to be a CARTEEN are:
- You must be ages 15 - 19.
- You must have no more than one minor traffic violation upon starting as a volunteer.
- You must not receive any traffic violations while serving as a volunteer.
- You must commit to attending the majority (over 50%) of all scheduled sessions.
CARTEENS Scholarship Application
