Positive Youth Development and Adventure Therapy with Underserved Youth: An Evaluation of the Chicago Voyagers Program

Adventure therapy programs can promote beneficial experiences and attributes that cultivate positive youth development (PYD). This study explores the impact of an urban, outdoor adventure therapy program for underserved youth. Multiple versions of the Positive Youth Development Inventory were given to participants and a comparison group (N = 161) across three school years (pre-pandemic). In addition, qualitative data were collected via surveys and interviews completed by participants, parents, and chaperones, which were analyzed in tandem to provide program feedback. School data such as grades, attendance, and disciplinary referrals was also analyzed to triangulate self-report data. Findings indicated that CV programming increased PYD in the areas of competence, character, and confidence. This supports the use of adventure therapy for promoting protective factors with underserved youth who face adversity. This adjunctive program can be considered as a way to foster PYD among underserved youth who have experienced chronic exposure to trauma.