Program Effectiveness: Case Studies in Mitigating Radicalization Case Study 3: Thrill Seekers – Channeling Excitement Into Positive Adventures Thrill seekers are often drawn to the adrenaline rush associated with extremist activities. They are enticed by propaganda depicting violence and action as exciting. Adventure programs redirect thrill seekers from radicalization by immersing them in adrenaline-pumping activities like scaling cliffs, navigating rapids, and conquering wilderness trails—igniting their sense of purpose, teamwork, and self-discovery.
Adventure programs like Chicago Voyagers provide youth with thrilling and transformative outdoor experiences that deter them from pathways leading to radicalization. Through activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wilderness survival, participants build resilience, leadership, and self-confidence while satisfying their need for adventure. The majority of Chicago Voyagers participants are youth from low- income households who have faced trauma and systemic adversity. These programs channel their energy into overcoming physical challenges, fostering teamwork, and forming positive social bonds, providing them with a sense of excitement, accomplishment, and belonging. 7
5
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs