Early Intervention: Challenge Program
Each summer, hundreds of youngsters from across the Commonwealth attend week-long residential sessions of The Second Mile's Challenge Program at sites in either central or southeastern Pennsylvania. Boys and girls, ages 8 through 12, are referred to the program by school counselors, youth service workers, and other professionals working with children and families. They come from a variety of geographic locations - inner city, rural farms, or the suburbs. They face many different issues - a divorce in the family, the death of a parent, impoverishment, a chronically-ill sibling, personal health issues, familial substance abuse or neglect, academic deficiencies, or peer issues. However, they all have one thing in common - they need some extra support in their lives.
They receive that support during the week of residential stay - from their residential counselor, from the other members of their group, and from the supervisory staff. From the time they arrive until their departure at the end of the week, the youngsters' days are filled with activities that provide a challenge, some stimulation, and lots of fun. The overall objective of the residential week is to provide an environment in which youngsters develop a better understanding of themselves and others, and to achieve that objective, the residential week's curriculum includes:
- Initiatives, which develop team-building and problem-solving skills;
- Guest speakers, who teach goal-setting and promote community service;
- A community service day, which provides a model for at-home service projects; and
- Typical camp activities, such as swimming, canoeing, games, talent shows, and art projects.
Further, participants are mentored on the development of a plan to complete a personal goal, an academic goal, and a local service project when they return home. By working on these goals during the academic year, they can earn their way back to another Challenge Program residential week session.
However, The Second Mile's expectation is not that they meet these goals alone. In collaboration with the youngster's referring counselor and through a program of year-round support through mailings and phone calls, participants are reminded that The Second Mile cares about their success throughout the year. We send them newsletters, cards, letters reminding them to work on their goals, and inspirational letters from our Founder, Jerry Sandusky. Many young people respond by sending us their artwork, stories, and letters about their progress.
If they continue to make progress in meeting their goals, participants earn their way back to the residential weeks through age 15, and most youngsters do just that. With the support of The Second Mile and their referring counselor, on an annual basis, 75% to 85% of our participants meet their goals and are awarded a return trip. For those campers at age 15, the program culminates with the SMILE (Second Mile Intensive Learning Experience) Program, which includes, first, an "outdoor challenge" session and, ultimately, the opportunity for a leadership development session for the most skilled participants.
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