ERIC Number: ED200348
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1980-Sep
Pages: 321
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
A Wilderness Adventure Program as an Alternative for Juvenile Probationers: An Evaluation.
Winterdyk, John Albert
A true experimental design with 60 male probationers, ages 13-16, was used to evaluate the viability of an Ontario-based 21-day wilderness adventure program as an alternative for adjudicated juveniles placed on probation. Participants were randomly assigned to a control group and an experimental group. The experimental group was subdivided into 3 groups of 10 boys. The groups were matched on age, sex, frequency of prior offense, and various background characteristics. The Jesness Inventory and an adapted Piers-Harris Self-Esteem Measure were used in pre, post, and follow-up tests. Self-report data on recidivism, background characteristics, and behavioral and attitudinal changes were gathered from both groups. The three experimental groups were also evaluated by the staff. Data did not indicate a significant relationship between exposure to the program and subsequent attitudinal or behavioral changes. A noticeable, but not significant, difference was that the offenses committed by the recidivists tended to be fewer and of a less severe type for the experimental groups. Staff and parent reports recommended using the program as a supplement to probation, introducing a process evaluation, improving referral and screening procedures, and implementing some form of post structure for juveniles after they complete such a course. Appendixes include tests, evaluations, contracts, form letters, activity outlines, sample schedules, questionnaires, follow-up surveys, testing procedures, and written responses from parents. (CM)
Descriptors: Adolescents, Adventure Education, Attitude Change, Delinquency Prevention, Delinquent Rehabilitation, Evaluation Methods, Males, Outdoor Education, Parent Attitudes, Personality Measures, Pretests Posttests, Probationary Period, Program Evaluation, Recidivism, Research Methodology, Self Concept, Self Evaluation (Individuals), Student Evaluation
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative; Dissertations/Theses - Masters Theses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services, Toronto.
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Piers Harris Childrens Self Concept Scale
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A