The societal youth problems of violence, racism, poverty, obesity, and depression
have impacted a population of youths within the urban district of Worcester, Massachusetts known as Main South. The coach of a track team there, a Catholic woman whose hobbies include marathon running, leisure reading and theological exploration, combines her passions to create a program that transports small groups of youths out of the city for day trips that include fun runs along scenic trails, followed by silent reading, group discussions and shared meals within a home-like setting. Undergirded by a spirit of playfulness, the author notes the transformational benefits of each program element: distance running, leisure reading, hospitality, and time in nature, toward easing youth problems. Also recognizing a spiritual hunger as complicit in youth problems, “Mama Clark’s” Doctor of Ministry project infuses non-denominational spirituality into an otherwise secular program, toward total wellness of youths, body, mind, and spirit.
While long-term change could not be immediately shown, initial responses from participants indicated positive outcomes. Referencing theology, the author suggests that seeds sown can begin to bridge the gap between the problems of youths and a “kingdom” ideal of happy, healthy, and delightful young people, playing on the face of the earth.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bu.edu/oai:open.bu.edu:2144/48166 |
| Date | 21 February 2024 |
| Creators | Clark, Patricia A. |
| Contributors | Stone, Bryan, Daily, Eileen M. |
| Source Sets | Boston University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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