The, individual development and experience of each partic~
ipant would be part of the evaluation. Whether or not the
program has met the basic needs of the individuals would

be the major concern. The recreation setting is the en-
vironment which we utilize. It attracts chiidren and
because no child is required to attend, they are ina
comfortable environment. It provides a setting in which the
adult can facilitate friendship with the child in a non-
threatening environment. It provides a place where friendly

relationships develop in a climate of confidence and trust.

Many other counselling services are beginning to
realize the advantages of such a situation. Right now, if
a child has a social problem, they are often very reluctant
to go to a strange school counsellor who is just a name

on the door. They are much more likely to go to an adult

they have known over the years with whom they have devel-

oped &@friendship. They feel more comfortable with them in
discussing their problems. This is the type of atmosphere

and type of friendship we are trying to develop.

The other common description of Boys' and Girls' Clubs
is that it is a “prevention agency." When I hear the words
"prevention agency" I think of delinquency. People say
"prevention" and they are talking about preventing juvenile
delinguency. That is one of the by-products that happily
comes out of our services, but it is net the purpose. We
are just as interested in preventing other things. Suicide,
withdrawal, and alcoholism are many of the other behaviors

that can happen because of a child's problem. We are in the