Vroooom Vrooom!

So Friday night I attended my first Monster Truck Rally ever. I never considered myself the type to go to such an event, but it was still fun.  It was super loud and interesting to say the least! It got me thinking about other "innovative" TR activities that I could use in the future. I came across a Lutheran organization called Bethesda Children's Home located in Pensylvania that has a lot of different education and therapeutic programs for children and adolescents. 
          I looked into their National Youth Project Using Motorbikes (NYPUM). Their mission statement sums up the reason for starting the program: 


"The NYPUM Program at Bethesda is a unique behavior modification tool designed to help change the destructive and inappropriate behaviors of the children and youth that we serve. Through the use of Honda Dirt Bikes and with the use of a "behavioral contract" Bethesda counselors help youth and their parents target specific behaviors, which are causing them problems."

The cool thing about the program is that the counselors create a unique and firm contract with each youth, which requires them to think about the consequences of their actions and abide by the rules. The goals for the program are stated on the program page:

"diverting youth from the juvenile justice system, developing safe riding skills, providing substance abuse education, encouraging school attendance, promoting environmental awareness, providing basic mechanical skills, developing responsible citizenship, fostering community collaboration, and providing health education."

I think it's great that they got Honda to sponsor the program and provide bikes for all of the kids. It seems like a great TR intervention strategy to use with at-risk youth to increase the self esteem for the kids and help them feel like they can be apart of something!

..........Definitely innovative! :)