Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform > The Troubled Teen Industry
Rare video of children being abused at Pasadena boot camp
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!!!!!!
--- Quote ---*Sarge* Gibbs: "It's like a pirate ship," he said to the radio host. "They want to take me down with them."
--- End quote ---
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
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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.
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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?"
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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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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
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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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
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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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
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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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
AG creative
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
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