Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Dr. Amy Swan was last week handed a $1,500 cheque by the church to help her wean children away from drugs.

She is to be trained overseas to create therapeutic groups for "high risk'' youngsters -- those thought most susceptible to substance abuse.

The children receive "Adventure Based Counselling'' (ABC) which exploits their love of excitement through outdoor activities.

Dr. Swan serves with the National Drug Strategy's school task force programme.

She explained: "ABC is a model for involving at risk youth, meaning children that are in difficult circumstances, or have behaviour problems at home or in school.

"These children are put in a therapeutic group while capitalising upon their natural motivations for adventure, excitement, and physical challenge.'' Dr. Swan plans to see whether a group could be set up in Bermuda by putting in place a pilot programme.

She added such groups had been used successfully in North America.

Executive officer of the National Drug Strategy Mr. Michael Stowe said: "High risk kids are most susceptible to drug abuse. Our attempt is to bring this situation to a halt.

"We are pleased with the contributions that make this possible. Many of the past programmes have been for positive youths with high self-esteem. Now it is time to address youths that are at high risk.'' HELPING OUT -- Dr. Amy Swan receives a $1,500 cheque from Pastor Carlyle Simmons, president of the the Bermuda Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. With them is church treasurer Mr. Delbert Pearman (far right) and chairman of the National Drug Stategy's interim steering committee Mr.

Alastair Macdonald.