Most reasons for the failure of youth groups can be organized around a few major themes or points. The most commonly mentioned reason is "the leader leaves." Four possible outcomes in this case are continuation of the group under a new leader, changes for the worse under a new leader, floundering, and death of the group. A second reason for group failure is lack of commitment. Strategies for control of commitment include family traditions, parental involvement, continuity in summer programs and camps, "tight" programming, "structure," and getting the children to work at something. The "formula for success" idea can also be employed to explain some of the cases of groups that are in decline. A necessary component changes; this leads to other changes; and it all begins to come apart. In cases of groups that are transformed, a key component (such as the leader) changes; this leads to other changes; and the group becomes a different group with a rearranged "formula for success." A final reason for failure involves a crisis of support. Both money and adult volunteers are needed, but the competition for them has grown as the number of youth groups has multiplied. (YLB)