Teens across Lake County are being invited to an upcoming summit aimed at tackling some of the toughest challenges facing today’s youth, from dating drama and sexting to social media pressure, online safety and mental health.

The Teen Wellness Summit: Love, Likes, and Lies will be held Thursday, July 31 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Clermont City Center, 620 W. Montrose St. The free event will feature real speakers, hands-on activities and open conversations designed to give teens practical tools to protect themselves and make healthy choices.

The summit is spearheaded in part by the Clermont Police Department, which has partnered with victim advocates and community organizations to provide education for both teens and parents.

“One of the detectives that is spearheading this handles a lot of domestic cases,” Capt. Draper says. “It’s near and dear to her heart. These discussions are geared toward teens, especially in that vulnerable age where they may be getting online a lot, reaching out to strangers. We’re trying to give them tools to make them safe. That carries over to parents, too—getting them educated and giving them resources.”

Among the organizers is Detective Susannah Wray, who specializes in online activity crimes.

“She’s going to have a lot of insight,” Capt. Draper says.

LaTashia Stephens, a victim advocate, will also participate, sharing resources and guidance for families.

“She fills in the gap, giving them the right resources and things that can help them,” Capt. Draper says. “She’s seen opportunities and a need to reach out to the public to provide this type of training.”

The summit will also include a very basic hands-on defensive tactics session taught by one of the department’s instructors. Capt. Draper said those lessons will give teens practical tools to protect themselves.

In addition to law enforcement, the event will feature partners such as the Family Life Counseling Center and The Haven, an organization that assists with investigations, provides housing and support for sexual assault victims.

“We see these crimes, and we need to bridge the relationships between teens and parents,” Capt. Draper says. “These partners are very important in making that connection.”

The Teen Wellness Summit offers not only safety education but also an emphasis on mental and physical wellness. Organizers say teens will leave feeling stronger, more empowered and better equipped to handle the pressures of social media, relationships and personal well-being.

Teens who visit every station during the event will be entered to win prizes, including a “Day in the Life of a Cop” experience. For more information or to register, visit the event’s Facebook page or official registration link.

Photos shared from Facebook