Project Reclaim has launched a new partnership with the Louisiana National Guard’s Youth Challenge Program, bringing its Louisiana Youth for Excellence (LYFE) curriculum to cadets as part of an effort to promote healthy decision-making, positive relationships, and self-worth.
The collaboration began in April and has already completed two one-day sessions, one for female cadets and one for male cadets, with about 20 participants in each group.
Project Reclaim announced the partnership, noting that the LYFE program provides instruction on healthy relationships, goal setting, decision-making, avoiding risky behaviors, and building self-worth.
“We love this new collaboration,” said Zaria Stephens, Project Reclaim’s LYFE program coordinator.
Stephens said she approached Youth Challenge Program officials with the idea, and after moving through the approval process, the partnership was established. Officials at the program were impressed by how closely the LYFE curriculum aligns with the values and life skills already emphasized in Youth Challenge.
The Louisiana National Guard Youth Challenge Program is a voluntary residential program that helps at-risk teens earn academic credits while developing leadership, discipline, life skills, and job readiness. The program combines classroom instruction, physical fitness, leadership development, community service, and mentoring to prepare participants for future education, military service, or employment.
Youth Challenge selected cadets for the LYFE sessions based on factors including behavior and grades, using participation as an incentive.
Stephens said the female cadets attended the first session and immediately wanted to know when instructors would return. The male cadets completed their session in June.
Participants who complete the course receive a certificate and a $25 McDonald’s gift card.
“They were very excited,” Stephens said.
Each session begins at 8 AM with introductions and an entry survey measuring participants’ attitudes toward risky behaviors. Throughout the day, instructors present six lessons covering topics such as goal setting, healthy relationships, decision-making, self-worth, and avoiding risky behaviors.
Following lunch, provided by Food 4 the Soul, cadets visit the LYFE Store, where they can select prizes including blankets, charging cables, and other items before completing an exit survey and receiving certificates.
“It’s just a fun day, all around,” Stephens said.
Stephens said the exit surveys indicate that participants are gaining a better understanding of how to make positive life choices.
“They’re really understanding, and they’re benefiting from the LYFE program,” she said.
Discussions throughout the day address the consequences of behaviors such as drug use, drinking and driving, and becoming a parent before marriage.
The LYFE handbook, which participants keep as a reference, includes role-playing exercises, suicide awareness information, interview skills, and lessons on sexual risk avoidance.
“We don’t go into detail about what sex is, but focus on avoiding sex until marriage,” Stephens said.
One activity asks students to arrange cards representing different levels of physical intimacy in order from least to most intimate. Instructors then ask questions designed to encourage reflection, including, “Where is your boundary? Where do you stop?” and “Where does commitment begin for you?”
Stephens said instructors also discuss consent, a topic that generated numerous questions from the male cadets.
“The young men really had questions about age-of-consent,” she said. “They were surprised by many of the answers they received. It really gets them thinking.”
The curriculum also teaches participants how to recognize warning signs in unhealthy relationships.
“It’s good that we’re having these conversations because they need to be had,” Stephens said.
Before leaving, participants are invited to leave comments on sticky notes posted in a “parking lot” display, where many expressed positive feedback about the experience.
Based on the success of the first two sessions, Youth Challenge plans to continue the partnership with future groups of cadets, with the goal of eventually offering the training to every participant during their time in the program.
Project Reclaim also offers the free LYFE curriculum to schools, churches, youth organizations, and individuals. The Starting Point curriculum is designed for students in fifth through eighth grades, while the Advanced curriculum serves students in ninth through 12th grades.
Stephens said Project Reclaim is currently accepting participants for future sessions.
“We’re looking to enroll any youth who are interested,” she said.
Once enough participants register, a date will be announced.
For more information or to enroll, contact Stephens at (318) 372-8369 or by email at [email protected].
