NCJ Number
99389
Journal
Juvenile and Family Court Journal Volume: 36 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1985) Pages: 31-35
Date Published
1985
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This description of the operation and results of the Sierra II Wilderness Adventure Program for probationers of the Virginia Beach, Va., juvenile court covers program activities, staffing, and evaluation results.
Abstract
The program includes probationer group meetings, parent group meetings, weekend outings once a month, and a 12-day wilderness expedition in the summer. Both the adolescent and parent groups discuss parent-child problems, drug abuse, motivation, peer pressure, school, and particular adolescent developmental problems. The weekend outings include a variety of camping and field trips. The 12-day wilderness expedition includes backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, and a 10-mile mountain run. In a debriefing session at the end of the expedition, the probationers discuss their experiences and how they can apply what they have learned to improve their family life, school experiences, and peer relations. The staff workers and volunteer consultants are trained in counseling, wilderness skills, rescue, and first aid. Evaluation findings indicate that during the program there is an 84 percent decrease in probationer criminal activity, a significant increase in self-esteem and school attendance, and a significant decline in problem behavior at school (as reported by teachers).