Positive Youth Development and Adventure Therapy with Underserved Youth: An Evaluation of the Chicago Voyagers Program

Authors

  • Christine Lynn Norton Texas State University
  • Anita R. Tucker The University of New Hampshire
  • Bernard Rupe Chicago Voyagers
  • Michael Riley Prescott College

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2023-11703

Keywords:

adventure therapy, positive youth development, outdoor adventure programs, youth of color, underserved youth

Abstract

Adventure therapy programs can promote beneficial experiences and attributes that cultivate positive youth development (PYD). This study explores the impact of an urban, outdoor adventure therapy program for underserved youth. Multiple versions of the Positive Youth Development Inventory were given to participants and a comparison group (N = 161) across three school years (pre-pandemic). In addition, qualitative data were collected via surveys and interviews completed by participants, parents, and chaperones, which were analyzed in tandem to provide program feedback. School data such as grades, attendance, and disciplinary referrals was also analyzed to triangulate self-report data. Findings indicated that CV programming increased PYD in the areas of competence, character, and confidence. This supports the use of adventure therapy for promoting protective factors with underserved youth who face adversity. This adjunctive program can be considered as a way to foster PYD among underserved youth who have experienced chronic exposure to trauma.

 

 

Author Biographies

Christine Lynn Norton, Texas State University

Dr. Norton is an Associate Professor of social work at Texas State University.

Anita R. Tucker, The University of New Hampshire

Dr. Anita R. Tucker is a Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of New Hampshire in the College of Health and Human Services. She is the Co-Coordinator of UNH's Dual Masters Degree in Social Work and Kinesiology: Outdoor Education which prepares graduate students for careers in adventure and wilderness therapy. In addition, Dr. Tucker is the Associate Director of the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare (OBH) Center for Research where she is responsible for the promotion of research, accreditation and risk management in OBH and adventure therapy programs. She is also responsible as a Co-PI for the National Association of Schools and Program Practice Research Network, the largest ongoing aggregate database of outcomes from participants in wilderness therapy, residential treatment and therapeutic boarding schools across North America.

Bernard Rupe, Chicago Voyagers

With over 25 years of experience working with at-risk teens, Bernie Rupe, LCPC, NCC, CCTP, CCAT, is the executive director of Chicago Voyagers adventure therapy program in the greater Chicago-land area. He continues to remain active in leading programs, and is determined to ensure that all Chicago teens have an opportunity to explore the outdoors and themselves.

Michael Riley, Prescott College

Michael Jason Riley is an Adventure Education faculty member at Prescott College.

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Published

2023-05-31

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 4 (2023)

Section

Regular Papers

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