NCJ Number
58573
Date Published
1979
Length
94 pages
Annotation
METHODS AND CONCEPTS USED IN WORKING WITH DELINQUENT AND HANDICAPPED BOYS IN A CAMP SETTING ARE PRESENTED; SUCH METHODS ARE EQUALLY EFFECTIVE IN OTHER ENVIRONMENTS.
Abstract
THE PHILOSOPHY, EDUCATIONAL METHODS AND OBJECTIVES, AND COUNSELING SERVICES PROVIDED AT THE LOUGHMILLER CAMP IN TEXAS FOR DELINQUENT AND EMOTIONALLY DISTURBED BOYS ARE PRESENTED. THE OBJECTIVE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THE BOYS CAN DISCOVER THEIR STRENGTHS AND EXPRESS THEIR ABILITIES. THEY COME TO THE CAMP BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FUNCTION ADEQUATELY AT SCHOOL, AT HOME, OR IN THE COMMUNITY. THE BOYS RANGE IN AGE FROM EIGHT TO SIXTEEN AND ARE MODERATELY TO SEVERELY DISTURBED. NORMALLY, THEY RETURN HOME AFTER 16 TO 18 MONTHS AND FUNCTION SATISFACTORILY AT THEIR AGE-GRADE LEVEL IN SCHOOL. THE TEXT IS DIRECTED TOWARD PERSONS INVOLVED IN WORKING WITH YOUTH INCLUDING PARENTS, TEACHERS, COUNSELORS, AND CORRECTIONAL OR MENTAL HEALTH PERSONNEL. A GENERAL OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM IS PROVIDED, DESCRIBING THE SETTING, COUNSELING SERVICE, PROBLEMS SOLVED BY THE GROUP, ELEMENTS OF EDUCATION AND DISCIPLINE, AND THE ROLE OF THE PARENT. CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR PERSONAL GROWTH, AND APPROPRIATE LEARNING TECHNIQUES ARE DISCUSSED. THE VITAL ROLE OF THE COUNSELOR AND THE CONTINUOUS NATURE OF COUNSELOR TRAINING ARE EMPHASIZED. FINALLY, GUIDELINES ARE OFFERED WHICH CAN BE USED IN ESTABLISHING OTHER CAMPS, CONCENTRATING ON SITE SELECTION, BUILDINGS AND OTHER FACILITIES, ECONOMY AND SIMPLICITY, STAFF, AND PROPER STAFF-CAMPUS RATIOS. (LWM)