Rare video of children being abused at Pasadena boot camp

[Reddit TroubledTeens]

TRIGGER WARNING!!

Footage like this is extremely rare, facilities usually don't allow the abuse to be documented. I fail to see how this 'treatment' would help any kid. http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_19202271

Longer story and more info here: http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_19202277

One of the men in the video was arrested in May for trying to extort money from a family. He demanded $100 as a down payment to enroll their daughter in his boot camp or he would bring her to a juvenile detention facility for truancy. http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_18495489

[cmack]

Thanks for posting. Those are disgusting videos.

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_19202277

McFarland said he is a recovering alcoholic who at one time was homeless. He said he was turning his own life around at the same time that he was trying to reform troubled children.

The two boot camp instructors parted ways in 2009, when McFarland failed to pass a background check and allegations emerged of inappropriate training methods, Gibbs said.

McFarland launched Family First Growth Camp in Pasadena in 2009. Gibbs said at that time McFarland began recruiting children and instructors away from Gibbs' operation.

McFarland was arrested on May 27 and charged with kidnapping, child abuse, false imprisonment, extortion and unlawful use of a badge. The charges stem from a May 16 incident during which McFarland allegedly handcuffed a truant Pasadena Unified School District high school student and extorted money from her family.

According to testimony given in a pre-trial hearing, McFarland told the victim's family that he would take the girl to a juvenile detention center unless the family enrolled her in his Family First Growth Camp.

Read more: http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci ... z1c1Fbl9tD

Just the kind of people you want working with kids.

[Ursus]

For previous coverage of this case, see:

• Boot camp director arrested
  viewtopic.php?f=9&t=37263

Here's an earlier article I had originally prepped for posting in that thread, but didn't get around to doing so in time... Might as well post it here so we know who we're dealing with:

-------------- • -------------- • --------------

abc7 · KABC-TV · Los Angeles, CA
Man arrested after allegedly posing as truancy officer, handcuffing teen

Wednesday, June 08, 2011


Kelvin McFarland, 40, was arrested after police said he posed as a truancy officer and handcuffed a 14-year-old girl.  (KABC Photo)

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- A man who runs a boot camp for kids in Pasadena was arrested after police said he posed as a truancy officer and handcuffed a 14-year-old girl.

Pasadena police said Kelvin McFarland, 40, then took the teen to a family member's house and demanded money for his services.

McFarland then allegedly tried to persuade the family to enroll the child in his business, Family 1st Growth Camp.

McFarland is being held on $285,000 bail and faces charges of kidnapping, false imprisonment and extortion.


Copyright ©2011 ABC Inc., KABC-TV/DT Los Angeles, CA.

[Ursus]

Comments left for the just above article, "Man arrested after allegedly posing as truancy officer, handcuffing teen" (June 08, 2011; abc7/KABC-TV):


1 Cause_I_Do_Care · 6/8/11 9:11 AM PDT

### is wrong with these people???

2 ldlovesmusic · 6/8/11 9:11 AM PDT

POS Lock him up for 25 years

3 rainjarden · 6/8/11 9:18 AM PDT

Hmmm... I am thinking he needs to revise his business model...

4 mrharleyquinn87 · 6/8/11 9:51 AM PDT

I know this man personally and professionally and he has done nothing but bring peace to the family and teens his organization reaches out to. He is a outstanding community leader who made a made choice. But nothing should be taken away from the good he has done. SARGENT MAC were standing by you! FAMILY 1st!

5 srodrigu · 6/8/11 10:45 AM PDT

doesn't sound like he was being very professional when he cuffed her and presented himself as someone he is not....

6 rock5ash12 · 6/8/11 11:02 AM PDT

You know it is bad enough when you trying to get kids back on the right path you get a scumbag like this trying to exploit them.

7 luvwhenuhateme · 6/8/11 11:02 AM PDT

Just another piece of ### who is going to the big house for a long time.......goodbye Mr. Wanna Be cop! You have to earn that title sorry buddy!

8 MISSE2U · 6/8/11 11:46 AM PDT

#4 I understand your concern regarding your friend, however, those of us who do not know him think he is a creep. Why on God's earth, would he take someone's kid against their will. First off that is straight kidnapping, and then DEMAND that the child be enrolled in his program. Wrong approach sir. Sargent Mac, needs professional help buddy sorry:(

9 much_smarter_than_you · 6/8/11 12:43 PM PDT

#4 - What is a strange man (who is NOT law enforcement) HANDCUFFED your kid and took him/her somewhere??? This was just about the worst decision he could ever make. Pure stupidity.

10 Mike.sigmond · 6/8/11 1:17 PM PDT

#4 ,He may be a nice guy, but he made a bad move here and its not good. no one here knows you either, you could be a wacko too, not saying it ,just saying.

Copyright ©2011 ABC Inc., KABC-TV/DT Los Angeles, CA.

[Reddit TroubledTeens]

First link I posted:

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_19202271

Watch: videos show tactics of teen boot camps in Pasadena
Posted: 10/26/2011 09:07:48 PM PDT

Before viewing the videos in question, readers should be aware that they are disturbing and not suitable for viewing by children.

PASADENA - Two disturbing videos obtained by this newspaper offer an inside look at Pasadena-based boot camps.

The videos were created at least two years ago. One shows Kelvin "Sgt. Mac" McFarland forcing children to gorge themselves on water. The children in the video struggle to drink the water and several are seen vomiting as a result.

The second video shows a boy crying as he carries a truck tire around his neck. McFarland and three other boot camp instructors - at least one of whom was allegedly on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps at the time - can been seen screaming at the boy and coaxing him to say he "loves his sergeant."

The boy falls to his knees in tears and for a time it appears that he too is going to vomit.

**************************

COMMENTS:

Reddit TroubledTeens
This is extremely rare video as most 'troubled teen' facilities are closed environments and don't allow the abuse to be documented. Kudos to Pasadena Star News for obtaining it and publicizing it. There are hundreds of facilities in the US that use similar tactics to 'break' a child. Forced water and scream therapy are just a few, they also use sleep deprivation, isolation, withholding food, physical exertion, forced labor and many other torturous techniques. These places exist in all 50 states, it is a billion-dollar industry. More info here: http://www.reddit.com/r/troubledteens/c ... like_most/
Reply · 1 · Like · Unfollow Post · 5 hours ago

David Lutzeier
Don't these idiot's know that drinking too much water can lead to Hyponatremia??? They can certainly die from being forced to drink too much water, if you have a decrease in Sodium in your blood that's great enough you would have a dead child. If this is how you instill discipline in children this is disgusting. Why don't one of these "soldiers" pick on a person their own size? Do parents voluntarily put their children in these programs? If so they should be punished as well as the people abusing the kids on the video.
Reply · 3 · Unlike · Follow Post · 13 hours ago

Frank Larez · Los Angeles, California
I would Love to See All The Taggers And Gang Members Go there "
Reply · 1 · Like · Follow Post · 13 hours ago

Anthony Connelly · Cincinnati, Ohio
It's no wonder that kids are dying in these places. Google: Martin Lee Anderson, his death was captured on video, he was killed by several boot camp staff in florida.....and every one of the staff involved was acquitted. I guess murder is okay if you run a teen program. Federal legislation has been introduced to end this type of abuse and death: H.R. 3126 and S.1667
Reply · Like · Follow Post · 3 hours ago

Collin Mitchell · Ellison High School
Wtf is wrong with this people? They need a life. Trying to scar children for eternity is what Satin does and Satin lives in the underworld. That's why he is there burning in that wretched place, I oughta go beat some sense into these people.
Reply · Like · Follow Post · 2 hours ago

Daniel Dupill · University of Southern California
I agree that the videos are disturbing and should be seen; however, the blurring of the face of boy with the tire is totally inadequate. Anyone who knows him would recognize him. Please modify so that his privacy is protected.
Reply · Like · Follow Post · 4 hours ago

Sheila Wilson
These are troubled children that they are trying to "break". Just as they do in boot camp to adults. However... They are only showing a portion of a "clip" that was recorded.
Reply · Like · Follow Post · about an hour ago

George Martin Diaz · Alhambra, California
dood !!!there other ways to teach honor, loyalty ,courage ,....its called Little league baseball ...blow hards.just raisin MONSTERS!!
Reply · Like · Follow Post · 12 hours ago

Hailey Hubacek · Grafton, Wisconsin
I hope these boot camps are shut down and each of the "soldiers" who witnessed, made, and recorded these videos are arrested for ATLEAST 5 years
Reply · Like · Follow Post · 3 hours ago

Tony Venti · Surfside, California
LOOKS LIKE A WHOLE BUNCH OF UNDERACHIEVERS GOT TOGETHER AND OPENED A CAMP..
WHAT WILL THEY THINK OF NEXT?
Reply · Like · Follow Post · 11 hours ago

Anthony Connelly · Cincinnati, Ohio
This is sick....these staff are sick people and should not be allowed around children.
Reply · Like · Follow Post · 3 hours ago

James Smith · Pasadena, California
WHAT IS GOING ON? WHAT IS GOING ON? THIS IS NOT, AND I REPEAT NOT O.K.!!!
Reply · Like · Follow Post · 12 hours ago

    Reddit TroubledTeens
    No, it is not OK! There are hundreds of facilities like this one, more info here: http://www.reddit.com/r/troubledteens/c ... like_most/. They must be stopped, kids should not be abused like this!
    Reply · Like · 5 hours ago

James Smith · Pasadena, California
If no one is going to do anything about this, I will!
Reply · Like · Follow Post · 12 hours ago

[Reddit TroubledTeens]

Second link: http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_19202277

Exclusive videos detail tactics at teen boot camps in Pasadena
By Brian Charles, Staff Writer
Posted: 10/26/2011 09:24:24 PM PDT

In a frame grab image of a Commit II Achieve Boot Camp video a youth is seen wearing a tire while being yelled at by boot camp leaders. (HAND IN 10-2011)
Video: Watch: videos offer inside look at children's boot camps
Photo gallery: Inside look at controversial children's boot camps

PASADENA - Two disturbing videos obtained by this newspaper offer an inside look at Pasadena-based boot camps.

The videos were created at least two years ago. One shows Kelvin "Sgt. Mac" McFarland forcing children to gorge themselves on water. The children in the video struggle to drink the water and several are seen vomiting as a result.

The second video shows a boy crying as he carries a truck tire around his neck. McFarland and three other boot camp instructors - at least one of whom was allegedly on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps at the time - can been seen screaming at the boy and coaxing him to say he "loves his sergeant."

The boy falls to his knees in tears and for a time it appears that he too is going to vomit.

Child abuse legal expert and USC Gould School of Law Professor Thomas Lyons did not view the videos but said the behavior described on them could easily fit the broad definition of child abuse.

"A lot of statutes will include cruelty as part of the definition of child abuse," Lyons said. "If there is no justification for this and
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you are just trying to induce pain, that could be child abuse."

Lyons also raised questions about the efficacy of the methods used in the videos.

"He can argue that this is all part of the program and part of necessary discipline," Lyon said. "But there are plenty of experts that will tell you that the behavior is beyond the pale and not effective."

McFarland, a Monrovia resident, is the operator of Family First Growth Camp in Pasadena. He denied he was in either video, although he declined the opportunity to view them. When asked about his role in the videos, McFarland acknowledged they existed. However, he said "if you look at that video, you will see Keith `Sarge' Gibbs in the video."

Gibbs operates Sarge's Community Base, Inc./Commit II Achieve Boot Camp, also based in Pasadena.

While Gibbs is not seen in either video, his voice is heard off camera in one of the recordings. Children in both videos are seen wearing Commit II T-shirts.

Gibbs denied being present during the filming of the videos. He offered no explanation for why his voice was heard on one.

He said he deplored the instructors' behavior in the videos.

"It's not the way I would run a camp," Gibbs said.

Before they were rival boot camp operators, McFarland worked for Sarge's Community Base, Inc./Commit II Achieve Boot Camp, which Gibbs owns and operates.

Both men have served in the military, with McFarland serving in the Persian Gulf War.

McFarland said he is a recovering alcoholic who at one time was homeless. He said he was turning his own life around at the same time that he was trying to reform troubled children.

The two boot camp instructors parted ways in 2009, when McFarland failed to pass a background check and allegations emerged of inappropriate training methods, Gibbs said.

McFarland launched Family First Growth Camp in Pasadena in 2009. Gibbs said at that time McFarland began recruiting children and instructors away from Gibbs' operation.

McFarland was arrested on May 27 and charged with kidnapping, child abuse, false imprisonment, extortion and unlawful use of a badge. The charges stem from a May 16 incident during which McFarland allegedly handcuffed a truant Pasadena Unified School District high school student and extorted money from her family.

According to testimony given in a pre-trial hearing, McFarland told the victim's family that he would take the girl to a juvenile detention center unless the family enrolled her in his Family First Growth Camp.

The girl was never enrolled in the boot camp, according to court testimony.

Pasadena police have not broadened their investigation into Pasadena boot camps or their operators to include allegations outside of the May 16 incident, according Lt. Tracey Ibarra.

Gibbs' boot camp operation has not been free of controversy.

He was kicked off Pasadena Unified School District campuses in 2009, after allegations emerged that McFarland was "too rough" on the children in his program and forced several children to clean the bathrooms in the school.

Boot camps operate with little in the way of oversight, according to a 2007 Government Accountability Office report.

Boot camp staff members are often untrained, discipline hawks and many of the trainers are convinced the children under their command are faking injuries, the report said.

Children are pushed past their physical breaking points day-after-day; injuries occur, go untreated and the children often die slowly, the report said.

According to the GAO report, more than 1,600 teens have been victims of abuse in juvenile boot camp programs since 1990, and 10 have died.

In its report, the GAO admitted that the lack of oversight "hampered" efforts to count child abuse incidents at juvenile boot camps.

Rep. George Miller, D-Richmond, subsequently sponsored two bills to regulate boot camps. Both passed the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008 and 2009, respectively, but failed in the U.S. Senate.

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci ... z1c33pAMg1

**********************

COMMENTS:

Johnny Romero
where do i sign up for this!?!
Reply · Like · Follow Post · about an hour ago

[Reddit TroubledTeens]

Third link: http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_18495489

McFarland case delayed until August
By Brian Charles, Staff Writer
Posted: 07/17/2011 07:02:49 AM PDT

PASADENA - Police in Pasadena have failed to turn over vital evidence in the Kelvin "Sgt. Mac" McFarland case, causing two delays this week in the criminal court proceedings, according to the suspect's attorney.

McFarland, 40, is a Pasadena juvenile boot camp operator accused of kidnapping, child abuse, false imprisonment, extortion and unlawful use of badge.

"Investigators have presented nothing in the way of discovery," said McFarland attorney Bill Paparian, a former mayor of Pasadena. "When (the police) interrogate somebody they tape record the interview. I requested those tapes. I haven't received (the tapes) yet."

McFarland heads back to court Aug. 1.

Paparian said the responsibility lies solely with the Pasadena Police Department and not with the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office prosecutors.

"It's not a prosecution issue. I have worked with Carolina Lugo and I think highly of her... The problem is with the Police Department and I don't know why," he said.

Pasadena police Chief Philip Sanchez said he did not have "intimate knowledge of the case," but added that any request by attorneys to obtain interrogation tapes is normally honored.

McFarland became embroiled in controversy after he was arrested in a May 16 incident where he allegedly handcuffed a 14-year-old and drove her to the home of a relative.

Police allege McFarland threatened to take the girl to a juvenile detention center for being truant if the family failed to pay him $100 as a deposit for enrollment into his Family First Growth Camp, a Pasadena-based juvenile boot camp the money.

He pleaded not guilty in June.

During a contentious preliminary hearing in June, Paparian attempted to impeach the credibility of the young victim in the case, dubbed Lady M in court.

On the first day of preliminary hearing testimony, Lady M failed to pick McFarland out in court despite the fact that he was sitting less than 30 feet from her.

He also has questioned whether she was truthful with her parents and other adults on the day of the May 16 incident.

Paparian put in a request for the victim's school records with the Pasadena Unified School District. The PUSD provided Paparian with those documents, he said.

brian.charles@sgvn.com

626-578-6300, ext. 4494

***********************************

COMMENTS:

Ignacio Ruiz
wow, if this guy was white he wouldnt be introuble , he would be getting praised!

[Oscar]

Both Wiki-pages are now updated:

Sarge's Community Based Training
Families 1st (California)

[Reddit TroubledTeens]

Awesome, you rox, Oscar!

[Inculcated]

Before viewing the videos in question, readers should be aware that they are disturbing and not suitable for viewing by children.

My eyes landed on that disclaimer after viewing the videos of children being abused *for their own good*—yet again and I just…I can’t even…
Seriously, this sickness must stop, but it seems to fester in the hearts of people who DVR Scared Straight and Lock Up. How the hell did our culture get so hung up on the punitive bent that these tactics which amount to nothing less than degradation, subjugation and potentially life threatening physical punishments have become what passes for guidance?
At least the comments accompanying the OP's link were appropriately outraged. When there isn’t a video, it’s usually just a lot of drive by remarks of the usual troubled teen pandemic panic variety and of the trollish calloused indifference sort. That presence of outrage is good, but they seem to not know how sickly commonplace this abuse is (with the exception of its' video documentation).So it was very nicely done of you to chime in there and include a link to more discussion, Reddit TroubledTeens.
While rousing to the public the videos probably wouldn’t even be admissible (to establish a pattern of his behavior toward minors),in *Sarge* McFarland’s trial for kidnapping the girl off the street and driving her around in handcuffs and extorting her family, because they were hired by the parents of the kids in the videos to *treat* them this sickening way.
So sick of this sickness being peddled as a path to wellness or even just compliance.

[Reddit TroubledTeens]

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_19220182

Pasadena boot camp head defends operation
By Brian Charles, Staff Writer
Posted: 10/28/2011 09:28:59 PM PDT

PASADENA - As the national media spotlight on the practices of two Pasadena- based boot camps intensified Friday, the proprietor of one of those camps - Keith "Sarge" Gibbs - began damage control, defending his actions in an interview aired on radio station KFI 640 AM.

In an interview with Bill Carroll, Gibbs commented on the two videos published on this newspaper's website Thursday. One showed children being coerced to binge drink water to the point of vomiting. In the other, a boy was forced to carry a truck tire around his neck while being taunted by boot camp instructors. At one point the boy collapses in tears.

Gibbs told the KFI radio host the tactics merely teetered on the edge of being unacceptable.

"I would say that's borderline," Gibbs told Carroll.

The 2009 videos have been described as disturbing by experts in the fields of child development and child abuse law. The tactics depicted also have been called "ineffective" by experts.

Kelvin "Sgt. Mac" McFarland is clearly visible in both videos, and can been seen in one coercing the children to binge on water despite their inability to hold the water down.

In the other video, McFarland can be seen screaming in the ear of the boy wearing the truck tire around his neck.

At the time the video was shot, McFarland worked for Gibbs at his Sarge's Community Base/Commit II Achieve Camp. Gibbs can be heard talking on one of the videos.

And while
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both men deny being present during the filming, Gibbs' answers during the midday KFI broadcast "frustrated" Carroll.

"The `Sarge' can't make up his mind about what we see on those tapes," Carroll said in an email. "Is this appropriate behavior that provides results he's proud of? Or is this a crime he wants to distance himself from? I still don't know."

When asked how his voice was recorded on the videotape without him being present, Gibbs told Carroll: "If that's my voice on tape, I don't know how it got there."

Gibbs went on to allege that someone may have doctored the digital files to embed his voice on the video, perhaps to bring down Gibbs' operation.

"It's like a pirate ship," he said to the radio host. "They want to take me down with them."

During the broadcast, Gibbs described the daily ritual at his Commit II Achieve Boot Camp, which he said included exercise, academics and plenty of motivational talks.

He said his tactics have never been as harsh as those depicted in the videos. When asked him whether he would coerce a child to binge drink to the point of vomiting, Gibbs responded "No, I wouldn't."

Gibbs and McFarland split in 2009 when the latter failed to clear a background check, and both men quarreled over the camp's training regimen.

McFarland subsequently started his own operation, Family First Growth Camp in Pasadena.

McFarland was arrested on May 27 on suspicion of kidnapping, child abuse, child endangerment, extortion and unlawful use of a badge. The charges stem from a May 16 incident in which McFarland allegedly handcuffed a truant teenager and extorted money from her parents.

Gibbs' camp has not been without its share of controversy. He was kicked off Pasadena Unified School District campuses after officials found his tactics "too rough."

Meanwhile, the story garnered attention in the nation's Capitol again Friday as Rep. Judy Chu, D-El Monte, became the third member of the House of Representatives to condemn the acts in the videos.

"No child should face abuse at the hands of an adult, and juvenile boot camps are no different," Chu said.

Her comments echo those of Rep. George Miller, D-Richmond, who introduced a bill in early October that would regulate boot camps.

Staff Writer Frank C. Girardot contributed to this story.

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci ... z1c9VEezU3

[Inculcated]

What an abusive program director feigns an obtuse mix of innocence and ignorance whilst deflecting blame on his former colleagues even when confronted with compelling evidence like his own audio presence on the video documenting the abuses he claims to never have witnessed and to also disapprove of and to meekly defend as being tough love???…so sick of it!!!!!!

*Sarge* Gibbs: "It's like a pirate ship," he said to the radio host. "They want to take me down with them."

Oh, it’s a mutiny!

[Reddit TroubledTeens]

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local ... 63648.html

Youth Boot Camps Under Fire

"It border-lined on humiliation disguised as physical activity."
By Robert Kovacik and Bill French
|  Friday, Oct 28, 2011  |  Updated 6:47 PM PDT
View Comments (4)
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Lolita Lopez and Sue Monroe

Newly released video seems to show questionable practices at so-called youth "boot camps" in Pasadena. But who was in charge?

Newly released videos from youth "boot camps" show heavy-handed tactics that might go beyond the sort of discipline that could be positive for some at-risk kids.

The Pasadena-Star News obtained the videos.

In one of the videos, a boy can be seen carrying a tire around his neck. He falls to his knees and screams and cries. The instructor screams at him to continue.

The videos depict activities at two Pasadena "boot camps."

"It border-lined on humiliation disguised as physical activity intended to instill discipline," said Pasadena City Councilman Victor Gordo.
Multimedia
Pasadena Boot Camps Under Fire
Pasadena Boot
Camps Under Fire
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In another video, children are forced to drink water to the point of vomiting.

"Potentially dangerous behavior on the part of the instructors toward the kids," Gordo said.

Gordo has asked the city's police department to investigate the incidents. An officer who viewed the tape was not ready to reach any conclusions.

"It's disturbing to see the video," said Commander John Perez. "But again we have to take the video for the entire content."

The investigation starts with Kelvin McFarland, apparently seen on both videos taken two years ago. McFarland operates Family First Growth Camp in Pasadena.

McFarland was arrested in May for allegedly handcuffing a girl he saw skipping school, then demanded money from her parents to enroll in his boot camp.

Friday, the operator of a second Pasadena boot camp, "Sarge's Community," defended his operation.

"In our camp, we yell," said Keith "Sarge" Gibbs. "But it's a one on one individual. We don't surround and yell all at the same time."

Gibbs and McFarland used to work together. Now police will sort out the timing of the videos, to see who is ultimately responsible, and whether any laws were violated.

So, what do parents think of this?

"It appears that some of the parents have okay-ed it, from discussions with other people, " Perez said. "We're not sure if that's absolutely true. And did the parents know what the format was?"

****************************************
COMMENTS

Sara Aguilar Figueroa · West Covina, California
Yes, parents are willing to take their children to SCB Inc...I am one of those parents. My son, age 13 has been attending SCB since June 2011. Despite the generalization, my son is not a 'troubled child' (whatever that may mean) my son is a GATE student w/ a 3.8 GPA attending 8th grade at a local Arts Academy w/ accepted enrollment to IPoli (Cal Poly Pomona High School). There are no words to describe his improvement; exceeding confidence, high level of respect towards himself, peers & superiors, empowered & controlled expression & communication. I have received nothing but praise from his teacher as to the level of maturity he displays. There is value w/in the yelling. Discipline is the foundation of all success. During quiet time the kids and sargeants do bond. And quiet the contrary, there is a level of respect and 'love' for one another. I highly recommend SCB Inc. to any parent seeking a higher level of order in their child's life.
Reply · Like · Follow Post · about an hour ago

Margarita Gamero
Given, these examples are extreme, but life itself has worse ways to humilliate and torture some at-risk kids in the future. We have to agree that some kids need more 'strict' education (note I did not say "extreme") to help them in their futures.
Reply · Like · Follow Post · 12 hours ago

Donnie Trent · CSUN, Northridge, CA
As a 54 year old man, I wish to volunteer as a participant in this program. If these sadistic people touch me, I would respond with an awesome explosion. Then I would teach the children to explode also--especially to the man getting the money!
Reply · Like · Follow Post · 9 hours ago

Jerry Cohen · Santa Monica College
UN-REGULATED places that are in it for the money only. Sadistic employees that get off on the power. This kind of program needs to be closely watched.
Reply · Like · Follow Post · 13 hours ago

[Reddit TroubledTeens]

http://laist.com/2011/10/27/boot_camp_i ... l_made.php

Boot Camp Instructor on Trial Made Kids Carry Tires and Drink Water Until They Puked

bootcamp.png
Screenshot (Pasadena Star-News)

A local boot camp instructor on trial for kidnapping, child abuse, extortion and more used disturbing methods for disciplining troubled children in his program.

Videos show kids at the boot camp led by Kelvin McFarland aka "Sgt. Mac" being forced to drink until they puke — and then being forced to drink some more. Another video shows a child in tears being screamed at to carry a tire — the child also nearly pukes. Two videos of McFarland's disturbing methods were obtained by the Pasadena Star-News and can be viewed here.

Until his arrest, McFarland ran the Family 1st Growth Camp in Pasadena and Altadena. He was arrested in May after police said he took one of his students home, after handcuffing him and demanded money for transporting him. They said he also tried to get the parents to enroll the kid in his after school program. Since his arrest, police have been looking into other incidents and allegations of abuse as well, according to the Pasadena Star-News.

Not many people are paying attention to what happens in boot camps — to the detriment of teens, the paper reports. More than 1,600 teens have been abused in boot camp programs since 1990 and 10 have died, according to a 2007 Government Accountability Office report. Boot camp staff members are not trained and they assume kids in pain are faking it. They don't notice until it's too late.
Contact the author of this article or email tips@laist.com with further questions, comments or tips.
By Emma G. Gallegos in News on October 27, 2011 9:40 AM

[Reddit TroubledTeens]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/2 ... 51216.html

Kelvin 'Sgt. Mac' McFarland: Boot Camp Video Emerges Detailing Abuse Of Teens (Warning: Graphic Video)
Warning: The below video is graphic and might not be appropriate for children.

The Huffington Post   Sasha Bronner First Posted: 10/27/11 05:38 PM ET Updated: 10/28/11 02:47 PM ET
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Two disturbing videos have emerged that show shocking and abusive treatment of kids at a Pasadena teen boot camp. The videos come courtesy of the Pasadena Star-News and further the case against Kelvin "Sgt. Mac" McFarland, who was arrested on May 27, 2011 under charges of "kidnapping, child abuse, false imprisonment, extortion and unlawful use of a badge," reports the Pasadena Star-News.

In the video above, McFarland and other instructors scream and yell at what looks like a pre-teen boy as he is forced to hold a heavy car tire. The boy is brought to his knees as he cries and is terrorized by the adults around him.

McFarland's May arrest sparked much controversy. CBS has more on what lead to the arrest:

    Officials say he spotted a 14-year-old girl downtown cutting school. Pasadena police say he approached the girl, insinuated he was a police officer and handcuffed the girl. In addition, police say McFarland then demanded money from the parents to provide his boot camp/after school services.

And yet, many clients of McFarland's came to his defense. Friends and supporters rallied to his defense, reports Altadena Patch, speaking out about "how important the program was to their children."

The video below chronicles teen participants at McFarland's boot camp being forced to drink water until they vomit. McFarland has not seen the videos but admits he is aware of their existence. He tries to deflect some blame by calling out a former colleague: "If you look at that video, you will see Keith 'Sarge' Gibbs in the video," Pasadena Star-News reports.

Keith Gibbs and McFarland both served in the military and used to work together at Gibbs' boot camp. Yet in 2009, McFarland left to start a competing boot camp in Pasadena called the Family First Growth Camp. Gibbs tells the Pasadena Star-News that the split occurred when McFarland "failed to pass a background check and allegations emerged of inappropriate training methods."

As for why the boot camp activities were filmed, investigators have yet to find out.

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COMMENTS (NOTE: There are 77 pages with 2,948 comments. This is the first page.)

juicyazzmarie
6 Fans
 
34 minutes ago (7:04 AM)
Discipline

Since no child's behavior is perfect all of the time, discipline is an important way to teach children self-contr­ol and what is expected of them as a family member, a playmate, or a student in a classroom. The primary goal of discipline is to teach these important lessons to children, not to punish them. When adults need to stop a child's bad behavior, they should to do it with self-contr­ol and without violence.

Whether at home or in the classroom, adults can establish an atmosphere where children can get attention for doing the right thing—not the wrong thing. To do this, they need to take the time to praise and reward. They need to establish a safe environmen­t for playing and sharing. They need to establish simple rules that children understand­. When the rules are broken, adults need to step in, calm the child down, then discuss alternativ­e nonviolent ways to resolve the conflict with appropriat­e sanctions for the behavior.

if YOU as a Parent cannot raise your child right and teach them right from wrong at a young age then you should not even have them anyways! YOU have NOTHING to OFFER!!

if your child is bad then more than likely its YOUR FAULT, NOT that child dont go putting the blame on someone who learned what you taught them!!!
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Rustie Kuntsz
1 Fans
4 hours ago (3:23 AM)
What's the problem? She he have given fatbody a timeout? puuuuleeaz­zz
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Dale Birmingham
Conservative and REAL American
893 Fans
5 hours ago (2:21 AM)
I have been to bootcamp not once but twice. And this type of training builds character and will. This is NOT torture in any way shape or form. It's mental discipline to adjust to each and every situation you come across. Its typical the weak minded sees this as what they think it is. That's nothing compared to other bootcamps. Nothing.
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G D
42 Fans
3 hours ago (4:49 AM)
Dude being forced to drink water until you throw up is torture. You can die from drinking too much water. With that said I see the value in these boot camps but let's not act like they should be able to do as they please.
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dbrett480
222 Fans
6 hours ago (1:56 AM)
These boot camps need officers with actual training in juvenile correction­s; it seemed like they just hired some knucklehea­ds who could shout.
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Longrifle1
?? ?
60 Fans
6 hours ago (1:14 AM)
Nothing wrong here. If you think there is, you may be contributi­ng to the decline of America. Just ask the Chinese. . .
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Tuigim
The perils of benefactors...
442 Fans
 
7 hours ago (12:49 AM)
Do not sign up.
No soldiers, no wars.
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AG creative
Ba Gawk!
464 Fans
 
7 hours ago (12:33 AM)
That'll be 100k for a lifetime of psychologi­cal bills, thanks.
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Azrael1701
69 Fans
7 hours ago (12:21 AM)
Those officers deserve very harsh treatment in a maximum security prison. Anybody who victimizes the helpless deserves nothing but misery.
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Jimmy Smitz
12 Fans
8 hours ago (11:31 PM)
That kid looks a bit...tire­d.
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Jim bob
Be the change you wish to see.
590 Fans
9 hours ago (10:16 PM)
That's more than disturbing and it's more than torture, it's child abuse. Those people should be in jail.
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Ba Gawk!
464 Fans
 
7 hours ago (12:34 AM)
That's like a military exorcism. Horrible, the kid will be messed up for life.
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Jim bob
Be the change you wish to see.
590 Fans
7 hours ago (12:55 AM)
Imagine the PTSD associated with that, and imagine how he's going to feel about authority figures. Wow. What a delight. And those paid profession­al bullies get to walk away without anyone even saying what it is.
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Sixteenthkid
11 Fans
 
9 hours ago (10:16 PM)
What is wrong with these people? These are adults! And these kids are kids. Not adults who choose to join the military. You can teach a child self discipline and help them change their behavior without being abusive. If it is harmful to the child, physically or psychologi­cally then it is abuse. And what these people are doing is over the line.

And for all of you who keep saying "well then you come up with a solution", all I have to say is that I don't need to come up with a solution to condemn these adults. Do I have a solution, no. But does that make the behavior of these adults acceptable­? NO
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worldsam
147 Fans
10 hours ago (10:06 PM)
When parents have trouble with their children they tend to turn to any help they can find in the hope these strangers might somehow turn their children around. The trouble is nobody knows how. Troubled children need help which most parents may not be able to find or afford. It is not fault of the parent or the child. The problem is with the opportunis­ts who get in for the money and subject the children and the parents to unimaginab­le levels of pain.
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elsquibbs
Socially liberal, fiscally prudent atheist.
162 Fans
 
10 hours ago (9:53 PM)
That kid is too young for this stuff.
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django707
360 Fans
11 hours ago (8:12 PM)
May I volunteer to give 'Sgt. Mac' a taste of his own medicine?
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mdipary2004
46 Fans
11 hours ago (8:54 PM)
Sgt. Mac has allready done basic training. You cant give him a tatste of anything. You can try but you will lose. He is a highly trained troop..
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oldsilkhat01
11 Fans
10 hours ago (9:22 PM)
Depends on what we find out about why he was trying to force that little boy to be nice and talk love to a strange man. Who were they promoting their little videos to?
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Jim bob
Be the change you wish to see.
590 Fans
9 hours ago (10:17 PM)
You don't seem to know "out of control" when you see it. Not surprised.
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oldsilkhat01
11 Fans
10 hours ago (9:08 PM)
Since the whole gang of them decided they wanted to play Baby Doc Duvalier by necklacing the kid with a tire, I frankly think that the grown up thugs should get the grown up version - light the tires on fire until they tell us how much they love us while we scream at them and tell them how they stink like kerosene. Those bastids!
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django707
360 Fans
6 hours ago (1:18 AM)
I'm down with that.
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oldsilkhat01
11 Fans
10 hours ago (9:23 PM)
Only if you let me help with the interrogat­ion of that piece of garbage.
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django707
360 Fans
11 hours ago (8:12 PM)
Institutio­nalized child abuse is a scourge on any culture.
Putting troubled children into the hands of these twisted psychopath­s only creates more twisted psychopath­s.
Highly discipline­d psychopath­s, but psychopath­s, nonetheles­s.
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mdipary2004
46 Fans
11 hours ago (8:55 PM)
Then you should take the trouble girls and boys in and come up with a program for them. Bet you will give up first