Getting Kids on the Right Path Judges Can Sentence Juvenile Offenders to Outdoor Challenge

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Byline: Bob Susnjara Daily Herald Staff Writer

Tucked in pristine woods where a neat wood-chip path meanders toward the Des Plaines River, a group of youths climbed rope and participated in other events like they were in day camp.

But the woods in question were on the Robert W. Depke Juvenile Justice Complex property on Milwaukee Avenue near Vernon Hills, which means something more serious than day camp was happening.

More than 100 juvenile offenders on probation and court supervision have participated in "Junior's Challenge - A Journey Into Yourself" since it opened about five months ago. The challenge is an additional option available to juvenile …