Youth First Inc.

The Adventure Based Challenge (ABC) program helps high risk youth explore their potential and abilities through weekly group interaction and challenging outdoor activities under the supervision of trained facilitators. The after-school program is based on a group change model, where the participants are both the means of change and the persons to be changed. ABC combines the systematic use of carefully designed experiential learning activities and group processing to create a positive environment supporting personal growth. Group members develop new insights and behaviors which help them become more:

Self-confident.
Trusting of supportive adults.
Active and successful in their lives.

The ABC curriculum combines the following components:

Nine weekly meetings with trained counselors for groups of 12 youth.
Two challenging outdoor weekends at the YMCA’s Camp Carson in Princeton with trained facilitators.
One weekend backpacking trip at Hoosier National Forest with trained counselors.

Groups begin by participating in non-threatening activities which incorporate ice-breakers and goal setting activities. The activities become more difficult and emotionally-challenging as the group develops skills in:

Communication
Conflict resolution
Decision-making
Problem-solving

Team course activities, high ropes course elements, and wilderness backpacking further challenge youth to communicate, explore the decision-making process, and experience the natural consequences of their behavior. Through the use of experiential activities, this program challenges the attitudes, behaviors and perceptions of participants, empowering them to build self-confidence, a sense of personal responsibility and healthy emotional expression. Transference of all activities to real life situations is a key component of this program.

The ABC Program is designed to benefit adolescents who may be:

Using/abusing alcohol or drugs.
Incorrigible.
Experiencing low self-esteem.
Rebellious, angry, defiant.
Failing in school.
Running away.
Choosing the wrong friends.
Bright but not achieving.

Petranek Consulting Services, Inc. evaluated two ABC programs through participant observation, self-administered questionnaire, and focus groups. One group met at the Mulberry Center during the spring of 2003, while the second group met in Posey County during the summer of that year. Dr. Chuck Petranek observed these positive results:

There seemed to be a great deal of trust and excitement in the groups. It wasn’t just youth trusting other youth. Youth were also trusting adults, and the adults were trusting the youth.
The participants not only enjoyed the activities but could also apply what they learned to their lives.
The campouts were successful, with the group really bonding during those times.
The written debriefing showed the youth learned about teamwork, listening to others, the necessity of planning, trusting others, and not quitting when mistakes were made.

In its final evaluation, Petranek Consulting Services, Inc. gave the ABC Program high marks and recommended that it continue to be utilized for youth who are at serious risk for using drugs and alcohol.

Youth First works with its collaborating partners to secure funding and to insure the highest quality coordination and implementation. Youth First provides:

Three trained counselors to lead the program.
Two youth peer leaders who were past participants.
The curriculum.
Supplies, materials, and incentives for students, including snacks and meals.
Evaluation tools, data collection, and data analysis to measure outcomes.
Program coordination, including recruiting and interviewing students and collaborating with the YMCA’s Camp Carson.
Collaborative efforts to secure continued funding for the program