DETROIT RESCUE MISSION MINISTRIES children's and youth camp WILDWOOD RANCH has launched the YOUTH CHALLENGE COURSE program in the Fall of 2008! This is a program aimed at empowering youth ages 11 to 15 from Detroit and Highland Park with skills and knowledge to help them succeed in life.

This program is aimed at educating and skill development to help children and youth learn more about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse. Through a series of eight weekend mini-camp sessions (one weekend per month throughout the school year) the youth will experience educational classes and hands-on experiences that will enable  them to be better equipped to survive in school systems that are littered with dropouts plagued by bad choices in the area of substance abuse choices.  There is an additional parent education component to develop knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective parent. These sessions will enable the parents to be aware of the latest drug trends and cultural idioms that the youth are faced with daily.

Today's youth are bombarded with many voices that literally detour them from achieving productive lives.

Children living in the areas served by the Y.C.C. program face multiple risk factors for substance abuse, violence, and delinquency. There is a 24%  poverty level in Detroit and 39% poverty level in Highland Park. Truancy encompassed 9,848 incidents representing a 9% rate of student enrollment. There is a school dropout rate of 26.5%. There were 4,152 juveniles admitted in 2003-4 to Wayne County Juvenile Detention. Of this number (youth between the ages of 10 and 17) 51% tested positive for marijuana and 2% tested positive for cocaine use . The Michigan CEPI Center reports that disciplinary referrals, physical assaults, illegal possession, trespass, and weapons are present at a rate of 1 incidence per 100 students.

With these types of challenges, the youth of these communities will benefit from a program that enables them with pertinent knowledge and empowers them with necessary skills for good decision making and choices.

One weekend a month at our residential camp facility (we provide transportation) will be the first step towards the life you desire, free of the tyranny of drug and alcohol addiction, gang violence and displaced anger. There is also a family education component that will teach parents skill available to guide their families through these perilous times.

Register today or call the office with any questions you may have.