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Youth Crew’s Kick the Habit Tournament draws about 100 to Great Bend Sports Complex

About 100 people turned out Friday evening at the Great Bend Sports Complex for the Youth Crew’s annual “Kick the Habit” Kickball Tournament, which brought together four eight-person teams to play and cheer. While participation was somewhat lower than in past years, the event still gathered students and community members around a prevention-focused message.

A community kickball scene with teens playing, spectators cheering, and a raffle toolbox on a table at a sports complex.

There was no fee to participate. The tournament was designed to raise awareness about substance use and to support mental-health advocacy. Stepping Stones to Recovery provided the umpires, while Barton Community College soccer and volleyball teams served as pitchers and helped fill in playing positions.

To support future Youth Crew activities, the event included a raffle. The top prize was a Milwaukee-brand toolbox donated by the Mule Barn in Hoisington.

Youth Crew is a youth-led task force for students in grades 6-12, sponsored by the 20th Judicial District Juvenile Service and connected with Central Kansas Partnership (CKP). It focuses on leadership development, community service, and substance-use prevention, with monthly meetings set for the first three Mondays (with an adjusted schedule in September).