Positive youth development programs in not-for-profit recreation: Dilemmas and recommendations

Positive youth development (PYD) is an approach to helping youth grow into successful and responsible adulthood based off of developmental systems theory. Despite there being a wealth of knowledge in the literature regarding what outcomes PYD-focused programs should achieve in youth participants and practices that work to achieve these outcomes, programs operating in this space face various challenges that can impede their success. The dilemmas faced by PYD programs are not simply the result of a lack of knowledge on PYD concepts but also the everyday logistical and managerial challenges that come with running such programs. This article examines seven categories of dilemmas found through a thorough review of the sport and recreation literature associated with creating and implementing self-sustaining, not-for-profit, community-based PYD programs. It then concludes with seven recommendations addressing each of these dilemmas.