YOKUSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan — Twenty-five kids at Yokosuka Naval Base graduated Friday from Drug Education for Youth, or DEFY, a yearlong program designed to help them make good choices in their lives.

Volunteers run the base program for kids ages 9 to 12, teaching them such life skills as good nutrition, physical fitness, leadership, discipline, conflict resolution and self-esteem building.

Sponsored by Yokosuka Naval Hospital, the program consists of an eight-day camp, followed by monthly meetings.

Program coordinator Petty Officer 1st Class Tameeka Washington has been involved with Drug Education for Youth for eight years and said she has observed a noticeable difference in kids who experience the training.

"I think the biggest change we see in the kids is leadership," Washington said. "At school, they watch out for each other and help each other make the right choices."

During the graduation ceremony at the Yokosuka Naval Hospital auditorium, the hospital’s commanding officer, Capt. Kevin Moore, emphasized the importance of the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment.

"The skills you’ve been learning are the skills that help you live up to those values," he told the young graduates.

Some students come back after graduation to work as youth mentors, Washington said.

"We don’t want this to be the end," she said. "We want to encourage the parents to help today’s youth continue to grow."

Drug Education for Youth is accepting enrollments for this year’s program, which is free. However, organizers said, space is limited to 30 kids and 20 adult mentors.

Contact Yokosuka Naval Hospital for more information.