The newest addition to Coosa Valley Youth Services is Camp Robert E. Lewis. Named for the former juvenile judge in Etowah county who served as our Board Chairman for many years, Camp Lewis is a military style "boot camp" for male delinquents 14-18 years of age. Serving our six member area, Camp Lewis provides a 90 day treatment program, followed by an aftercare component, for 30 "cadets". Serving as a community-based trial program initiated by the Alabama Department of Youth Services, Camp Lewis was one of three programs selected for funding as an attempt to divert youths from commitment to DYS. The program is designed for delinquents who have shown themselves to be at high risk for further involvement in the juvenile justice system. It is designed to be used for delinquents who have not been charged with any violent or sexual offenses. The 12 week program combines physical training, discipline, camping and wilderness survival skills, team-building techniques , drill and ceremony, academics, counseling, and community service. The program seeks to provide an overall atmosphere which contributes to each youth developing a positive self image. An individual treatment program, focusing on their individual needs, is developed for each youth by the Case Manger, Counselor, Teachers, Juvenile Training Officers and Juvenile Probation Officers. The Case Manager ensures the goals of each cadet's Individualized Treatment Plan are achieved. This effort is continued after graduation by the Aftercare Coordinator for up to nine months. Aftercare plans are established with the cooperation of court officials, cadet family members, Camp Lewis personnel, and the cadet himself. Each quarter, cadets provide up to 800 hours of community service to a variety of locations. Examples include Habitat for Humanity, Anniston Museum of Natural History, Red Cross, Salvation Army, National Forest Service, YMCA, Boy Scouts of America, Calhoun/Cleburne Mental Health Board, local churches, city and county governments.
Serving Northeastern Alabama since 1974
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providing treatment alternatives for Alabama's troubled youth
