ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — In an effort to stop bullets from flying, water balloons were in the air on Friday night.

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The fun evening had a purpose as 100 local children got in a water balloon fight – it kicks off a series of summer weekend events, giving teenagers something fun to do.

It’s a small step toward addressing the increasing youth violence on Central Florida streets, and a small step toward doing something that keeps teens out of dangerous situations.

PHOTOS: Summer program launched to steer teens toward positive life choices

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Save Our Students Orlando teenagers played games and wielded water balloons during the 2023 Save Our Students kickoff. 39 more themed events are scheduled on weekends through the end of September to give the teenagers something fun to do. (Nick Papantonis)

It was the first of 40 weekends “Save Our Students” events scheduled at Central Florida Boys and Girls Club scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays through the end of September.

The program, in its third year, will consist of different themed nights and have an extended calendar run.

READ: Volusia County judge OKs change of venue for accused cop-killer Othal Wallace

“The positive empowerment that they’re getting, it helps them make better choices about who their friends are, and what environments they hang out in,” said Bishop Kelvin Cobaris, who runs the program with his wife and Boys and Girls staff and volunteers.

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VIDEO: Volusia County judge OKs change of venue for accused cop-killer Othal Wallace The man accused of killing a Daytona Beach police officer in 2021 won’t stand trial in Volusia County. (Demie Johnson, WFTV.com/WFTV)

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