Why the Program Works

Many young adult programs don’t work.
Why is this one different and, more importantly, why does it work?

Youth Corps is designed for all youth, those from two-parent, middle-class families, as well as from low-income and/or single parent households. It includes all races, all economic groups, males and females, and, most importantly, successful youth who possess leadership skills, as well as, youth with significant problems.

And it is precisely because of this diversity that this unique camp is so successful. Youth Corps creates an atmosphere where youth from all segments of the community, reflecting the composition of our society as a whole, work together and become a unified team. This team, with no “labeling” as an “at-risk” program and where success oriented youth are carefully and deliberately integrated with less successful youth, provides peer role models within the team itself.

The 40 to 60 Cadets are then divided into smaller groups called “squads”. In this small group setting (10-12 Cadets per squad), the unique camaraderie that develops among the team members raises the expectations for “at risk” youth within the team, without drawing attention to the objective. The name itself “Leaders in Training” instills pride in these young people! The difficulty of the military styled camp becomes the common “adversary” for individual squads and further solidifies the unity of each team. Through this teamwork approach, the individual cadet then develops self-confidence, responsibility, self-discipline, and, of course, teamwork skills, all in the framework of real-life employment and leadership instruction and experience.

In addition to peer role models, each team has the added benefit of adult role models through the exemplary military staff that is utilized each year. This staff has the opportunity to share individually with every member of his/her squad. A true bond develops between each staff member and his/her Cadets.

Youth Corps is an unusual concept, but one that has been carefully constructed and has proven successful year after year. Its impact on young lives is both remarkable and lasting.

At the conclusion of the two week camp, the Community Outreach, lasting from July through May, allows Youth Corps to maintain contact with the camp graduates and allows the Cadets to further utilize their employment, leadership and life skills in a supervised environment.