Released 24 February 2006
Tackling Bullies in Thunder Bay
Two years ago The Salvation Army in Thunder Bay started to get tough on bullying. That’s when the Army’s Red Cap program got underway in two primary schools. The eight-week course is for kids aged 8-13, most of whom are sent to the program because of behaviour problems.
Three Army staff direct the role-playing, self-video taping, games and courses, all of which are designed to teach anger management and conflict reduction. The kids, who have to give up a lunch period to attend, look forward to the weekly sessions. “Although it’s a confidential program the kids usually tell their friends about it and proudly start wearing their red caps,” says Stephanie Rowan, the director of the Army’s Community and Family Services.
The program is offered by The Salvation Army in other cities and has received wide acclaim. And that praise continues in Thunder Bay. “Red Cap really fills a gap, especially in inner city schools,” says Wayne McElhone, principal of the St. James public school where Red Cap is offered. “Kids usually know they have issues and this gives them strategies to cope. I’ve seen lots of kids change thanks to this program.”
The name of the program includes an acronym with Cap standing for: Capping Anger Positively. Officially the word ‘Red’ has no significance, although program kids claim it stands for “real easy dude”.
While parts of Red Cap program are easy and fun, much of it challenges young people to think about how they act and how to make needed changes. “It opens a door for the kids and it gives us another alternative apart from suspension,” says McElhone. “I’m a big fan of it. Schools need this because some kids can get lost.”