The primary purpose of this study was to determine if an Outward Bound experience was more effective in reducing further delinquent behavior in adjudicated delinquent adolescent boys than a traditional training school experience. One hundred and twenty adolescent delinquent boys were the subjects (60 boys selected from a reception center group and 60 from correctional institutions). Thirty from each group were combined to form an experimental group and a comparison group matched on the basis of age, race, religion, offense for which they were committed, area of residence, and number of prior commitments to the Massachusetts Division of Youth Service. Effectiveness was measured by a comparison of rates of "recidivism" (return to an institution for parole violation or new offense) between the two matched groups. Three Outward Bound schools located in Colorado, Minnesota, and Maine were utilized which provided the experimental group with physical conditioning; and technical, safety, and team training in a physical environment. The comparison group was treated in a routine manner by the Division of Youth Service. Twenty percent of the experimental group and 37% of the comparison group were subsequently identified as recidivists. Background variables and possibly the unique differences in the 3 Outward Bound schools are contributors to the differences found. The results suggest that for some delinquents an Outward Bound experience is a desirable short term alternative to traditional institutional care and is an effective means of promoting positive change. (SW)