At-Risk Youth Mentoring

“anyone done this? have any experiences to share?”

“I have taught Youth Firesetter Intervention for 10 years, and have been an Assistant Scoutmaster for over 15.

The cool thing is that you get to see the youth you wouldn't give a chance in heck to of staying out of prison change.

Crash, I have one kid who when he was 11 we almost through out of the troop 5 times. Today he is in GA Tech, he worked for 4 years in a cabinet shop to get the money to go to school....PRETTY DARN COOL>”

“Youth Firesetter Intervention

this can't be a real thing...you got it from MAD tv, didn't you LOL”

“I believe Fridge has...”

“Back on topic...Crash...if you are going into teaching I would HIGHLY suggest you try some "at Risk youth mentoring". The thing most of these kids lack is someone who #1 Holds them accountable, #2 lets them know they are accepted for WHO they are and not what they do.

Most kids have so many "screwed up perceptions" of the term "approval" we see it in all levels of society. I get to see kids from the projects to the "gated communities" who are desperately trying to be accepted for something.

At Risk Youth programs are sadly only as successful as each youth wants to make them (Crash the kids have to want to take a step). But by a large I think every hour you spend with one of the kids will save millions in "later expenses" if you get my meaning.

Personally I know that your off site persona would be fantastic for this. You have an incredible experience (world traveler etc) that would really bring a whole new angle for the kids. Good Luck.”

“thank you for the useful post, xl. i think that this is something that would benefit me (and i dont mean as just resume padding) as much as someone i could help. im kind of anti-social as well as somewhat unmotivated and ive always felt that i dont do enough in my community. that needs to change”

“Crash, the cool thing is that regardless of what you do (legally of course LOL) you make a difference and I think it will help you feel alot better about yourself.

NO...honestly, one of the cool things about getting out of "your shell" is seeing how much someone else can benefit. Then you start to see what an incredible person you can be.

Another REALLY COOL thing I have had happen is to meet some kid from like 10 years ago who you thought was LOST...and he is doing great. Especially when they remember you.

5 years ago I worked a case where a girl had threatened to "BURN HER MOTHER" in bed. So she was arrested, I did the interview. We put her throught the Youth Firesetter Program.

Last week her mother mentioned that the girl was getting some sort of award in school and wanted me to know about it!!!.

Good luck and you know my email if you need to ask anything.....”

“Crash, you are wonderful with kids, Grace adores you. Kids are a wonderful judge of character. You have chosen well!”

“i havent started the process. i just happened to run across an advert on the IU kokomo website, where im a secondary ed major. i need to apply and interview”

“Mentoring yes but not specifically at risk kids. We did have kids roll through the Scouts who were at risk and one who was court ordered to be in Scouts and we did what we could for them. Success rates varied.”

“I agree with XL400. Mentoring make a difference in a youths life. It helps youth to make better decisions that affect their lives and empowers youth to fulfill their dreams. If you suspect your youth being at-risk, you need to take action now before it is too late.
last edited: 11/30/11 6:41:00 PM”

“Did I read this right? A misguided youth threatens to burn her mother in her bed and is enrolled in a "youth firesetter program"??

That is a big chunk of irony, huh?
last edited: 11/30/11 8:28:27 PM”

“I give it a 2/10 as a trolling post.”

“Yeah, it is pretty lame as far as trolling goes.”

“I don't think its trolling. My guess is that it is someone trying to promote a website (or a service) and has been doing searches for opportunities where there are relevant opportunities to post.”