We started this program to get young boys off the street, to help them form values and goals for the future. Los Duros use an holistic approach to lead the youth in a better direction. The program's body conditioning aspect attracts the boys. Saturday mornings are filled with cross-country runs along highways, river banks or in parks, while two nights a week are devoted to intense workouts and body boxing. While physical training may attract the boys, they soon find lessons of health, respect, courage and, yes, love, come with the package.
Physical development raises their self-esteem, builds confidence and channels emotions and energy.
Meanwhile, the young men build relationships with adult program leaders and see them show understanding, patience, caring, fairness and integrity in simple things like apologizing when wrong. The weeknight workout sessions conclude with a brief prayer. Each spring, Los Duros boys go away for a weekend spiritual retreat filled with fun, food and faith-building experiences. Los Duros also addresses the adolescent need to belong, Mr. Campbell said. Membership in the program requires a significant amount of time, so participation becomes either an alternative to being in a gang or a tempering and competing interest for a boy who chooses both, he said.