Readers React: Camp Scott’s therapeutic model gives teen a second chance

To the editor: Accept my deepest gratitude for the excellent coverage of a teenage girl’s journey from a devastating childhood fraught with crime, drugs and truancy to hope and possibilities. Stephanie Valdivia should be lauded for this transformation and supported as she continues to gain confidence in her abilities. (“Can the ‘worst kid ever’ survive probation camp and thrive?,” Oct. 30)

I was particularly moved by the innovative efforts of Camp Scott, the juvenile detention camp, which uses a therapeutic versus a disciplinary “boot camp” model.

Special honors to the math teacher who connected with his student and gave her a real compass, and to the Holocaust survivor who, by sharing her story of survival, gave hope to a young girl.

This story confirms no child is a throwaway.

Annette Debs, Santa Ana

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