GUIDING PRINCIPLES

• Developmental changes, emerging independence, and a wider range of opportunities and choices make adolescence a time of unique promise and vulnerability.
  
  
• Some youth are at higher risk for problems because of underlying personal, family, and/or economic issues and may need extra guidance and support.
  
  
• An environment that is welcoming and appealing to a broad range of youth will help meet our commitment to those at highest risk.
  
  
• The most effective approach to improving the well being of youth is to identify, then work simultaneously, to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors.
  
  
• Youth are more likely to thrive in a safe environment that provides supportive guidance, consistently enforced standards, expectations and guidelines, and opportunities to develop useful skills and realistic goals for themselves.
  
  
• On-going relationships with caring, consistent, and competent adults support the healthy development of all youth.
  
  
• Communication and connections among the multiple contexts of adolescents' lives--families, schools, peers, community organizations, and clinical services--increase the likelihood of positive outcomes for youth.
  
  
• Providing an environment where youth can learn to identify, negotiate, and manage challenges contributes to their empowerment and character development.
  
  
• Including youth as partners in policy development and program planning improves our services and is empowering for the youth involved.
  

ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS

• Program Evaluation
  
  
• Public Visibility
  
  
• Fund Raising
  
  
• Scholarship opportunities for those in need of financial aid
  
  
• Staff retention
  

GOALS

• Foster respect for self, others, and the environment.
  
  
• Encourage the development of supportive relationships with adults and peers.
  
  
• Provide opportunities for participants to build skills and be recognized for their accomplishments.
  
  
• Enhance participants’ appreciation for education and learning and help them develop critical thinking skills.
  
  
• Help participants discriminate between healthy and unhealthy risk-taking.
  
  
• Encourage civic engagement and a sense of connection and belonging to the community.
  
  
• Help participants develop empathy and identification with others.
  
  
• Encourage respect for and appreciation of diversity.

ACTIVITIES/FUNCTIONS

• Structured challenges and opportunities
  
  
• Adventure experiences
  
  
• Encourage schools, law enforcement, and community organizations to refer youth who will benefit most from the activities offered
  
  
• Make a concerted effort to seek out participants who will benefit most from specific activities