Phases
The Wyoming Youth Challenge Program is 17 months long and consists of three phases – Pre-Challenge Phase, Residential (Challenge) Phase, and the Post-Residential phase. The Pre-Challenge Phase, also known as the "Hard Core" Phase, is the first two weeks of the program and the most intense portion of the program. Once Candidates graduate from the Pre-Challenge Phase, they become Cadets and begin the Challenge Phase which is 20 weeks. At the end of 20 weeks, Cadets graduate the residential portion of the program and enter the Post-Residential Phase. The Post-Residential is the unique aspect of the Challenge program and the most critical. It lasts for 12 months.
Phase One: Pre-ChalleNGe
First Two Weeks:
The first two weeks of the program referred to as Pre-ChalleNGe is structured to guide the Cadet toward Success. During this time, the concept of "me" is replaced by "we", through training that focuses around team building, cultural diversity, physical training, and close order drill. The time will be filled with group activities, physical training, marching and other structured classes.
Pre-ChalleNGe is the hardest portion of the 22 week residential phase of the program. The program isn't easy and it isn't for everyone. These first two weeks are an evaluation period to determine if prospective cadets are prepared for the challenges of the program. During this phase, it is important that the candidates remember that they made a choice to change their life, to change the way they were conducting themselves and handling situations. The Wyoming Youth ChalleNGe Program will take them back to the basics on how to do these things.
During these two weeks, the program is quite intense. Candidates will be pushed to break out of their comfort zone in order to realize their potential. They will have very little personal time which will most likely be used for sending and receiving mail. They will be supervised at all times, and remain at the facility unless they are participating in an approved off-site activity. They will march in formation to and from activities, and join in daily physical fitness and study programs. The daily comforts that they are accustomed to (television, radio, and internet) will not be available. And, the reading material will mainly consist of the Candidate Handbook which will be studied intently.
At the end of the Pre-ChalleNGe phase, Candidates will be evaluated on attitude, performance, and motivation. If it is determined that a Candidate does not meet the standards set fourth by the Wyoming Youth ChalleNGe Program, he/she will be dismissed from the program.
Phase Two: ChalleNGe
Back To School:
The ChalleNGe Phase is our "Back to School" phase centering on instruction for the General Educational Development (GED) test battery and the 8 Core Components. Teamwork, discipline, education and personal growth are emphasized. In addition to GED preparation, the Cadets are instructed in many other areas:
Academic Excellence CPR
Life Coping Skills First Aid
Job Skills Organized athletics
Responsible Citizenship Keyboarding skills
Leadership/Followership Identity Theft Prevention
Health, Hygiene and Sex Education Internet Job Hunting
Community Involvement/Service Projects Basic Computer Skills
Physical Fitness Computer/Internet Etiquette
The five month Residential period not only instills discipline and a sense of self worth, but also establishes an effective learning environment by supervising the students' time 24-hours a day.
Every day will be a mental and physical challenge!
Phase Three: Post-Residential
After Graduation:
The twelve months following graduation are referred to as the Post-Residential phase and is crucial to the success of the Cadet. During the residential phase, the RPM Coordinator, RPM Assistants and the Mentors work with the Cadets preparing them for their return to the community. They also train and match screened Mentors to Cadets in preparation for the "Mentoring" Phase. The Post-Residential phase is made up of the RPM Assistants and Mentors providing personalized guidance to Cadets to assist them in implementing goals they established in the residential phase and help each student face the difficult choices that establish the foundation for a productive future. Beginning on the Cadet's graduation date, this phase lasts for one full year. The Cadets are monitored by the RPM Assistants through reports filed by Mentors, telephone calls, and contact through other staff members after they return to their communities to continue their education or begin employment.
Once the entire 17 month program is completed, the Wyoming Youth ChalleNGe staff continues to take an active interest in the success of their graduate students. Many students return to the program to visit with and encourage current classes of Cadets and visit with the staff that they have formed lasting bonds.
"Coming together is a beginning…Keeping together is progress…Working together is a success."
-Anonymous
