Happy New Year!
As we say goodbye to 2025 and give 2026 a warm welcome, NOCC has some exciting information to share heading into the new year! Below, we will cover:
- Supporting your mental health in the new year
- Information about Dry January and what it can mean for you
- Opportunities to get involved in YAB
- Level Up Camp Dates for 2026
Here’s to another amazing year of connecting with others, serving our community, and supporting the well-being of us all! |
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| As we enter 2026, a new year can be an opportunity to pause and reflect not just on goals or resolutions, but on how we’re really doing. Mental health matters at every stage of life, whether you’re feeling steady, overwhelmed, or anywhere in between.
For some, the new year can be a chance to build new routines that support their well-being. For others, it may be the right time to reach out for extra support. Connecting with a therapist or mental health professional can be a powerful step toward understanding yourself, managing stress, and building healthy coping skills—and you don’t have to be in a moment of crisis to benefit. Maybe 2026 is the year that you gift yourself the time with a therapist to invest in yourself and mental health!
NOCC is committed to supporting mental wellness in our community. If you’re looking for local counseling options, crisis support, or mental health resources for yourself or your family, take a moment to explore our website: you can find local mental health services here, and more information about the importance of mental health support, coping strategy ideas, and more here.
Help is always available, and taking care of your mental health is ALWAYS worth the time! |
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| Dry January is an awareness initiative where individuals choose to reduce or pause alcohol use in the month of January. People participate for many different reasons: some are curious about how alcohol affects their sleep, mood, or energy, others see it as a way to reset healthy habits and support their mental or physical health, and some are curious about sobriety as a whole and want to try something new.
Participating in Dry January doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing, and there’s no “right” reason to take part. Dry January is about being more intentional around alcohol, exploring alternatives, and learning what feels best for them. It can also be an opportunity to discover creative and flavorful non-alcoholic options that still allow for connection and enjoyment in social settings.
Many of our local establishments have delicious non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails on their menus—have some fun exploring their options! |
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| A new year brings new opportunities—for Oxford and Lake Orion High School students, one of those opportunities is getting involved with the North Oakland Community Coalition’s Youth Action Board!
YAB is a group of like-minded students who play an active role in shaping prevention and wellness initiatives throughout the school. This year, students may have recognized YAB involvement in campaigns at their schools, like Smart Dragons and Wise Wildcats Don’t Drink, No Vape November, and our recent bear raffle activity that encouraged family conversations around prescription drug safety. YAB members also support mental health initiatives such as Mindful Mornings or Mindful Mondays, promoting connection and stress management for their peers.
YAB gives students the chance to earn service hours, build leadership skills, let their voices be heard, and gain hands-on experience in advocacy work–all while making friends along the way!
If your student is looking for a meaningful way to get involved in their school and community in 2026, YAB could be a great fit. Interested students can email nocc@noccmi.org, and you can keep up to date on meeting schedules, events, and more by following YAB on Instagram! You can find the Lake Orion Instagram page here, and the Oxford Instagram page here. |
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| It may not feel like summer, but it’ll be here before we know it! NOCC is already preparing for fun in the sun, and you can too: Level Up Camp dates are here, and registration opens on Tuesday, February 3rd!
Have fun. Make Friends. Build Character.
Rising 6th graders in Lake Orion and Oxford Community Schools are invited to join the NOCC for a 4-day summer camp!
Camp will run Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Your camper will play games, create art, and participate in fun group activities that will prepare them for middle school.
Students must attend the camp of the school they will be attending in the fall. Each camp is held at the middle school that your camper will be attending. See below to identify the week that your child can enroll in Level Up Camp for their school:
- Oxford Middle School: Monday, June 8 – Thursday, June 11, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Oakview Middle School: Monday, June 15 – Thursday, June 18, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Waldon Middle School: Monday, June 22 – Thursday, June 25, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Scripps Middle School: Monday, June 29 – Thursday, July 2, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Visit noccmi.org for more information now, and for registration starting Tuesday, February 3rd! We’re looking forward to a super fun summer! |
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