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Youth Justice Boot Camp

Youth boot camps are programs designed as an alternative option to detention for young people aged 10 to 17 years old who have been:

  • found guilty of an offence
  • granted bail.

Youth boot camps offer structured and supervised community-based activities, designed to address criminal behaviours, promote accountability and reparation, and give young people mentoring, practical skills and opportunities to re-engage with education, training and their community.

Department of Corrections delivers them in partnership with local organisations and businesses.

What it involves

There are different types of camp components to support young people.

Programs deliver culturally appropriate and intensive intervention activities including physical challenges, outdoor work, mentoring and counselling.

Camps may be delivered in structured phases, including goal setting, skill-building activities and community-based “give back” components.

They may help young people:

  • become aware of the impact and causal factors of their offending and anti-social behaviours
  • take responsibility for their actions and participate in reparation activities
  • improve communication, teamwork and decision-making skills
  • change their attitude and strengthen resilience
  • learn behaviour management, emotional regulation and problem-solving skills
  • overcome their alcohol or drug misuse issues and improve health and wellbeing
  • strengthen family relationships and community connections
  • strengthen their cultural connection and identity
  • take part in education and training initiatives such as vocational education and training (VET)
  • gain work experience, skills and training to enter the workforce
  • develop life skills such as budgeting, planning and independent living
  • connect with family and support services.

Locations and providers

See the different youth boot camp providers for each location.

These programs include:

  • mentoring and case support
  • cultural activities and on-country learning to support identity and confidence
  • mental and physical resilience activities to build wellbeing and self-discipline
  • community service and engagement activities to promote accountability and positive contribution.

Bikes Mwerre

Physical fitness, wellness, discipline, outdoor leadership, work readiness and trade skills camp. It is delivered in phases, progressing from workshop-based skill development to outdoor riding and team-based camps

Includes:

  • bike mechanic skills workshops (up to 20 hours per month)
  • bike riding skills workshops (up to 10 hours per month)
  • mountain biking camps (day trips and overnight camps)
  • hands-on mechanical activities to build practical and job-ready skills
  • teamwork, communication and routine-building through structured activities
  • pathways to employment, training and community engagement.

For more information, go to the Bikes Mwerre website.

Young Yarning

Cultural and community service, outdoor leadership, physical fitness, wellness and discipline camp. It is delivered in structured phases, supporting young people to progress from individual goal setting to skill development and community engagement.

Activities focus on emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving and resilience, while promoting accountability and reducing reoffending.

Includes:

  • one-to-one goal setting sessions
  • two days mental and physical resilience, skill building, family-focused workshop (camp or two-day sessions)
  • 1.5 days community give-back
  • mentoring and support to build confidence, motivation and positive behaviours
  • practical life skills development, including planning, budgeting and teamwork
  • cultural activities and yarning to strengthen identity, connection and self-esteem
  • family and community engagement activities to rebuild relationships and trust.

For more information, go to the Young Yarning website.

Pathfinders Ltd, in partnership with QCM

Delivered across school terms and holidays, it combines workshop-based learning with practical skill development, particularly in the construction and trade industries, while promoting confidence, discipline and positive behaviours.

Includes:

  • structured classroom and hands-on learning activities
  • vocational taster programs in construction and trades (like carpentry, painting and mechanical basics)
  • work readiness skills including communication, teamwork and workplace expectations
  • mentoring and cultural support through Aboriginal community partnerships
  • personal protective equipment and practical worksite experience.

For more information, go to the Pathfinders website and the QCM website.

Balanced Choice

Physical fitness, wellness and self-discipline camp, promoting positive decision-making, accountability and goal setting.

Includes a three-day Anchor camp with evidence-based practices in theatre, fitness and positive psychology to build engagement, trust, and initiate vales-based future thinking.

Includes:

  • one-to-one goal setting sessions
  • two days mental and physical resilience, skill building, family-focused workshop (camp or two-day sessions)
  • 1.5 days community give-back
  • theatre-based and interactive workshops to support engagement and self-reflection
  • mentoring and group-based activities to build trust, teamwork and communication
  • cultural engagement supported by Elders and local community.

For more information, go to the Balanced Choice website.

Balanced Choice

Physical fitness, wellness and self-discipline camp, promoting positive decision-making, accountability and goal setting.

Includes a three-day Anchor camp with evidence-based practices in theatre, fitness and positive psychology to build engagement, trust, and initiate vales-based future thinking.

Includes:

  • one-to-one goal setting sessions
  • two days mental and physical resilience, skill building, family-focused workshop (camp or two-day sessions)
  • 1.5 days community give-back
  • theatre-based and interactive workshops to support engagement and self-reflection
  • mentoring and group-based activities to build trust, teamwork and communication
  • cultural engagement supported by Elders and local community.

For more information, go to the Balanced Choice website.

Young Yarning

Cultural and community service, outdoor leadership, physical fitness, wellness and discipline camp. It is delivered in structured phases, supporting young people to progress from individual goal setting to skill development and community engagement.

Activities focus on emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving and resilience, while promoting accountability and reducing reoffending.

Includes:

  • one-to-one goal setting sessions
  • two days mental and physical resilience, skill building, family-focused workshop (camp or two-day sessions)
  • 1.5 days community give-back
  • mentoring and support to build confidence, motivation and positive behaviours
  • practical life skills development, including planning, budgeting and teamwork
  • cultural activities and yarning to strengthen identity, connection and self-esteem
  • family and community engagement activities to rebuild relationships and trust.

For more information, go to the Young Yarning website.

Contact

For more information, email Youth Justice Programs at doc.youthcommunityprograms@nt.gov.au.