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Counterattack on juvenile delinquency: a configurational approach
Adolescence
|January 1, 1978
Summary
The Michigan Youth Services boys camping program demonstrated significant positive changes in attitudes and behaviors for all participants. This intensive one-week encampment fostered improvements in vocational skills, health, and leadership among diverse youth groups.
Area of Science:
- Youth Development
- Behavioral Psychology
- Program Evaluation
Background:
- The Michigan Youth Services initiated a camping program to address attitudinal and behavioral issues in young males.
- Participants included achievers, pre-delinquents, expelled/suspended students, and wards of the court, highlighting a diverse at-risk population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an intensive one-week camping program on youth participants.
- To assess attitudinal and behavioral improvements across different subgroups of male youth.
Main Methods:
- An intensive one-week encampment was conducted at Wurtsmith Air Force Base.
- Participants were strategically "mixed" into squads comprising various behavioral and legal statuses.
- The program emphasized vocational opportunities, healthcare, recreation, fellowship, and leadership development.
Main Results:
- Substantial attitudinal and behavioral improvements were observed in all participant groups.
- The program facilitated positive engagement across diverse youth populations, including pre-delinquents and wards of the court.
Conclusions:
- The Michigan Youth Services boys camping program proved effective in fostering positive youth development.
- The findings suggest that structured, immersive programs can yield significant improvements in youth attitudes and behaviors.
- Suggestions for evaluating similar youth programs are provided.