Fort Polk, Louisiana, has a diverse CHARACTER COUNTS! program and it affects everyone from infants to seniors. The Fort has four current staff members who have had CC! training and two more will soon receive it. Graduates train others on an ongoing basis, usually every quarter.

Among the activities:

• CHARACTER COUNTS! activity ideas pervade classroom lessons.
• A CHARACTER COUNTS! bulletin board, and reminder posters hang in the hallways.
• In one of the biggest projects, the Teen program created a nature trail near the Youth Center. Teens built decks for outdoor classrooms, bridged creeks, cleared room for picnic tables and set up outdoor musical instruments. At each stop on the trail, they placed a marker explaining one of the Pillars of Character.
• Teens who have taken the training will teach character to the younger children. "Teaching down" is common here. Older kids teach and work with younger ones, high schoolers aiding middle schoolers, middle schoolers helping elementary, and elementary school pupils reading to CDC (Child Development Center) kids.
• Parent education workshops have occurred over lunch. The involvement of parents is important for the success of CHARACTER COUNTS!, and the high turnout shows their interest. The workshops help parents learn about the Six Pillars of Character so they can aid their children's moral development. The sessions have begun with a video of CC! president Michael Josephson discussing values and character education. "It is very interesting and leaves you with a thirst to know more," says lead education technician Carolyn Herren, of the Outreach Services Program.
• In March 2003, children and families of the Child Development Center collected used eyeglasses for donation purposes.
• In October, Preschool 5 showed its appreciation to the gate guards by giving them "survival kits." The kits included bottled water, juice and snacks.
• In November, Preschool 3 presented fruit baskets and teddy bears to residents of the Leesville Nursing Home. The children also designed placemats for them.
• In December, kids launched Operation Candy Canes, sending the hook-shaped sweets to soldiers in the Middle East. Preschool 1 gave toys, mittens, gloves and children's underwear to the Leesville Women's Shelter. The Leesville Nursing Home asked Preschool 3 to return and sing Christmas carols again this year.
• In January and February, children will perform a skit and a CHARACTER COUNTS! song.