Each of the following program activities have been shown through research to be effective in promoting positive youth development.
About NYPUM:
NYPUM is a National Youth Project
Using Minibikes. This is a Honda sponsored program where children
between the ages of 11-15 will be challenged to set goals in their
personal life and then learn to maintain and ride motorcycles (dirt
bikes) as a group. This group has been run in different parts
of the nation with positive results and immediate improvement in children's
behaviors. After all, who doesn't want to learn to ride a
bike?!
Nationally, NYPUM research shows a positive impact on participants in the following areas: increased self-respect, improved grades,
increased respect for others and self-assurance, improved family relations, improved attendance at school and teacher relations, development of mentor skills, decreased incidents with the law,
and improved study skills, among other positive changes.
The L.I.F.E. Outdoor Adventure Program provides a non-traditional approach to
intervention and learning. Youth ages 12-16 participate in 16 weeks of
outdoor adventure including climbing, white water rafting, challenge ropes
course and backpacking. With staff facilitation and support,
these activities provide opportunities for participants to learn skills
related to teamwork, communication and setting goals. Participants meet
weekly to plan and engage in activities, and the program culminates in a
week-long backpacking trip.
Another component
of the L.I.F.E. Services programs is an experiential strength-based group for young women, called the Circle
Group. This group does activities such as mask making, flower
pot painting and growing flowers, rock climbing, and ice-skating, while discussing
important female issues. The focus is on self-care and opportunities to share personal experiences with one another. It is facilitated by a therapist to help accomplish these goals. We are also in the process of creating
additional groups for children of all ages including their families.
In this program youth can learn sewing skills while being supervised by a Larimer County Department of Human Services Staff Member. While having fun learning to sew, youth build social skills and relationships with peers and have a completed product to show for their efforts.
