NCJ Number
100730
Journal
New Designs for Youth Development Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: (July-August 1985) Pages: 7-12
Date Published
1985
Length
6 pages
Annotation
B.O.L.D. (Biological Opportunities and Leadership Development) -- an annual 1-week camp for troubled youth sponsored by the University of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Association of Youth Services -- teaches participants self-expression, introspection, effective communication, responsibility, and responsiveness to others.
Abstract
A committee plans the structure and activities of the camp each year based upon a critique of the previous year's camp. Trainers are selected to conduct activities and counselors to guide the youth. Participants are divided into small groups for the camp's duration. Each group consists of 1 or 2 committee members, 3-4 counselors, and 7-10 children. Every minute of the day is structured, and adult leaders as well as youths participate in all activities. Through group activities and feedback on experiences, youths are taught how to achieve goals through cooperation with others and how to meet the needs of individuals through empathy and group support. Counselors guide the youth in setting goals for themselves for the week. The youths keep journals to record their insights and progress toward their goals. At the end of camp, participants write a letter to themselves about what they have learned from the camp and its application to their lives in the community. Staff mail the letters to the youths 2 months after camp to remind them of their experience.