The CHAMPS (Communities Helping Adolescents Mature Positively & Successfully) Mentoring Program for at-risk, in school (grades K-12), Perry County youth was established in 1999.  This program allows adult volunteers, who have successfully completed a background check and mentor training, to offer support and guidance to at-risk youth on a weekly basis.  During this time the volunteers are encouraged to help build the youth’s self-esteem, and help them make educated decisions about their future.  To promote healthy, fun interaction between the youth and mentor, the CHAMPS Program has supplied passes to Knights of Columbus Bowling Center, the Park and Recreation Center, Blevins Archery, and to KOA Campgrounds for putt-putt golf.  Other opportunities include crafting, martial arts instruction, and life-skills training.  Youth and mentors are involved in activities which provide service to others such as the Fall Leaf Raking Project where yards of elderly or disabled persons are raked, and the Summer Service Project which assists the residents at Shannon's Neighborhood , a facility for the developmentally disabled.  These project provide both youth and mentors with the pride and satisfaction of helping others less fortunate than themselves.  Mentors are provided with liability insurance through this program, and policies have been created to protect mentors and mentees from getting in situations which would increase liability risks.