Don Wagner believes that without proper training, today's youth won't have a ghost of a chance at becoming successful paranormal investigators.

As founder of the Peace of Mind Paranormal Society, a Pittsburgh area paranormal team, he's doing his part to take action.

Mr. Wagner, of Finleyville, is taking applications for a planned POMPS Youth Group, open to ages 11 to 17. It aims to be an extension of his adult team, and a means of introducing youths to the field "the right way," he said.

"A lot of kids watch those 30-minute ghost hunting shows and think, 'Wow. I can do that," Mr. Wagner said. "But what they don't see is what goes on in the six or 12 hours it took to get those 30 minutes. It's not all glitz and glamour. A lot of it is boring."

The first meeting is planned for late November or early December; parents are encouraged to participate.

He plans to take group members to cemeteries, giving assignments that include research and learning how to properly use field equipment.

Activities will help members to face their fears about spirits, increase their self-confidence, and offer parents a way to spend more time with their children, he said.

POMPS member Brian Johnson, producer and disc jockey at WJPA 95.3-FM, an oldies station in Washington, Pa., will assist with the group.

Parental permission slips will be required. All meetings, investigational outings and social events will be held weekends or early evenings so they don't interfere with school work.

Initially the group will be limited to 12 members, but Mr. Wagner is certain a lot of members will drop out after a while, opening up spots for those on a waiting list. Membership is free.

To contact Mr. Wagner, send e-mail to ltltazman@aol.com or visit his Web site at www.peaceofmindparanormalsociety.com.

-- Kathy Samudovsky