The Chilliwack Progress from Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada • Page 14

12 THE CHILLIWACK PROGRESS. Sept. 25. 1968 TEAMWORK IS NEEDED in traversing this rope bridge, another feature of the Centre Creek obstacle course. If one rnan starts to wobble, he can make movement precarious for the others.

If the bridge starts to flip, the watchword is "hang on tight!" Should a man fall which hasn't happened yet there is a thick layer of wood chips below which could possibly save him from injury. ATTRACTIVELY LANDSCAPED gardens, smart buildings and a stunning mountain backdrop help create a park-like setting for Centre Creek Camp. But lif is rigorous for inmates on the DASH program, and the challenges and the discipline are tough. Camp buildings and landscaping, incidentally, are almost exclusively the work of inmates and officers. Wherever possible, available materials are used and lumber comes from the sawmill at Mt.

Thurston camp. Challenge For Young Inmates THE OLD ESTABLISHED FIRM Tough New Program Shapes Character, Skills 6 EAST YALE an obstacle course has been built. This demands not only physical effort but also cooperation with others in the group. There will be no effort to make everyone complete one stage of the program at the cesses and is completely undaunted by the prospect. Like the rest, he looks at the one brand snatched from the burning as justifying any effort to put out the fire.

Gordon Chappie, officer in charge of the four camps of which Centre Creek is one, gives Bruce Tate full marks for the initiative, drive and imagination that is producing this program. He also himself supplies a full measure of enthusiasm and support in the work. Whatever the difficulties there is no doubt that this new approach to an old and ever-increasing problem provides inspiration that is lifting the whole level. 792-1945 By GUY SYMONDS "I hereby sentence you to one year definite and one year indeterminate in that portion of Oakalla Prison Farm known as the Young Offenders' Unit." That has been the start of a road that went downhill all the way for many a young man who, without becoming maudlin about it, got little help from a society concerned only with punishment. In the next year or so, it may be possible to see a similarly sentenced young man, not only back in society in six months but with a new set of ideas, values and reactions gained under conditions that do not even remotely resemble those in "the Young Offenders Unit of Oakalla Prison Moreover, he may have in his possession a fairly earned set of badges or diplomas telling him, and the world, that he has passed the test and is fully qualified to keep up with the rest.

It started about three years ago on Vancouver Island and went under the name of SALT "Search and Leadership It is reported that of 43 who completed the 39-day course We'll give you one good reason why you should convert to GAS HEAT. in 1964, 1965 and 1966, some 63 per cent had not committed a further delinquency resulting in institutional sentence up to July of last year. Of 10 probationers destined to go to an institution in 1964 and who completed a six-week course 70 per cent have not committed a delinquency in the past three years. CHARACTER BUILDING Object of the SALT course is described as developing in each probationer "a sense of responsibility to himself, his family and community. It seeks to promote "self-discipline, self confidence and self reliance, to improve his attitude towards authority and involves the actual handling of responsibilities under supervision." At Centre Creek, a Corrections Branch forestry camp some five miles from Chilliwack Lake, a similar program has just been started.

It is known as 'DASH' Development of Attitudes, Skills and Habits. Eleven Inmates arrived at, the beginning of September, and their numbers will be increased by monthly intakes until a maximum of 48 is reached. Fourteen correctional officers had earlier taken an intensive course to administer the program. The program covers a variety of subjects suitable to a British Columbia location from knots and lashings to mountaineering. A vigorous work program, fire suppression, snowshoeing, wilderness survival in summer and winter, handling of boats and rafts, search and rescue, use of compass and geography, as well as hunting and fishing, are all aspects of the course.

HELPING OTHERS It is hoped to be able to take a class of young offenders, train them as a group, and graduate them as a group. Essential to the program is the teaching of dependence on others and of assisting others. At the camp same time. Each stage could take a month at best and six of these stages, successfully completed to the satisfaction of the authorities, could put a young man back into society after six months instead of two years. Successful completion of each stage brings a badge or certificate.

First of these, level one, is a cog wheel, representing motion, industry work. Then comes the Cross of St. John, denoting aid and compassion for others. Third is the Olympic torch, symbolic of team spirit and sportsmanship; fourth, a cross of stars to represent Christian guidance; fifth, armor and a sword to represent the obligation to defend the faith and trust placed in a person; and lastly the laurel and maple leaf, victory and patriotism. All this may sound pretty ambitious.

One might be forgiven for having doubts as to the appeal of this type of program to the young man who has found it necessary early in life to defy society, its taboos and disciplines. But it must be borne in mind that this scheme is not the brainchild of do-gooders far removed from the realities of the job. Bruce Tate, head of Centre Creek camp and chief designer of the program has some 14 years experience in the Corrections Branch and he is working under and with men with comparable practical knowledge of the young offender. And with very few illusions. "This cannot be treated as a mass problem," is Bruce's verdict.

"Every one is a different person and must get personal and individual attention if there is to be any success." He agrees that there may the fuel you need, without wasting BENCHES ON A LAWN beside the Chilliwack River are put to good use on visiting day, which takes place once a month. And the cook helps to make the day a memorable one. the chimney. And we'll 1 VJTSw heat up B.C. Hydro will give you an accurate, signed estimate of what your annual heating costs will be if you change your existing heating show you that gas is clean.

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It develops nimble-footedness in mountaineering. i.