We envision programs all over the world, connecting young people and providing resources and education so that youth may move beyond their unique "war zones". Through travel and the Internet, and by sharing their LifeMasks and other forms of artistic expression, participants will communicate the specific behavior changes required to create peace in their lives and throughout the larger global community.

VISION: We see a group of juveniles learning and applying core life skills. As they graduate and enter the real world, they will make successful and peaceful transitions into compelling futures filled with their fully realized dreams. They become healthy, peaceful and productive members of our community.

WHAT: The need in our community is evidenced by the 4,288 juveniles in the Bexar County Juvenile Probation system as of December 31st. Recidivism rate is approximately 55% for youth released from residential facilities.

HOW: The first step is initial screening and one-on-one or small group information gathering to assess "current state" information for each participant. This will result in a customized set of behavioral change objectives. The objectives are behavioral as well as attitudinal. At the halfway point, each participant's progress in relationship to the originally determined outcomes will be assessed in order to cite any needed changes or modifications in Program elements. At programs end, individual progress will be assessed as to successful integration of the original set of behavioral objectives into daily life. At each of these markers (beginning, middle and end), the participants will create a full face LifeMask expressing their growth and change through the program. By the end of the 90 days, they will have created a tangible expression of this evolutionary journey.

Program Benefits / Results: The combination of internalizing powerful behavior change tools coupled with self-expression through art has intrinsic value. This program will provide each participant with enhanced self-esteem, increased self-discipline, and a compelling positive self-image. Self-image is more than a concept. When it is devalued and impoverished, the human cost effectively destroys lives. The consequences of our youth leading impoverished lives affect our community and the wider world.

Imagine, on the other hand, a young person who experiences life as creative and filled with emotional and behavioral options. For each one who gains access to that experience, a different world is created. Both the individual and the community is enriched. Consider the possibilities when participants gain clarity of thought combined with flexibility, emotional choice and genuine self-expression.

These are the life-changing, community-enhancing benefits offered after successful completion of this program.

The Compelling Futures Camp is a program that offers guidance and education to disadvantaged, low-income or at-risk youth conducive to positive adolescent development. Focus is on key behavioral components, such as mediation and peaceful resolution methods, leadership, and successful job interview skills. Program fosters character development including motivation mastery, effective verbal and non-verbal communication, and steps to building compelling futures.

Participants will attend one or more Resource Days. Resource Days are designed to utilize artistic expression as a positive outlet, combining communication and core life skills training with creativity exercises. Participants will master the "Steps to Success" and create art as an expression of their dreams, their unique Compelling Future.