About the Weekend Alternative Program
By providing a safe sanctuary for youths to learn about themselves and express the problems they are
encountering in their communities, the Weekend Alternative Program delivers a better learning experience
for participants. Staff members help youths work through their problems, offering advice and suggestions
that they can try out with their families and peers and in community settings during the week.
With just 10 weekends in which to impact the lives of program participants, staff members deliver a
life-changing experience—an experience that includes sleeping year-round in outside shelters. Depending
on staff members for their security, youths understand the need to rely on others and, through this trust,
develop relationships that open them to learning.
Strong, Fundamental Programming
Youths in the Weekend Alternative Program rotate through a series of specifically designed program
options that include counseling, community service activities, and the Diakon Wilderness Center’s
adventure-based activities—away from the distractions and temptations presented by peers in their home
community. These program features include:
- Wilderness Adventure—includes full weekend trips spent canoeing, rock climbing, caving, and hiking,
designed to build teamwork and self-respect.
- Community Service—teaches the value of giving back to the community through service with non-profit
organizations.
- Competency Development—focuses on managing communication, decision making, and emotions while helping
youths learn how to become positive, productive members of the community.
- Drug and Alcohol Awareness—creates recognition of the negative effects drugs and alcohol have on
individuals, families, and communities.
- Violence Awareness—emphasizes the impact of violence on individuals, families, and communities,
including domestic violence and gang or gun issues.
First-Response Approach
Developed for 13- to 18-year-old males and females, the Weekend Alternative Program is a strong
first-response intervention for youths whose negative behaviors do not require more costly and restrictive
services. The program addresses a wide range of concerns including but not limited to…
- Social adversities
- School adversities
- Family dysfunction
- Accountability for probation violations
- Drug and alcohol issues
- Those accepted into the program must complete a physical examination, because adventure-based activities
are physically challenging.
Weekend Alternative Program |
About the Program |
Referrals