As satisfying as the idea of locking up all criminals and throwing away the key might sound, it isn’t a practical solution for every situation. And it would deny the opportunity for many who’ve been convicted of crimes to turn their lives around and become productive members of society.

That’s why a boot camp program the Pueblo Municipal Court is preparing to launch seems so intriguing. Municipal Court Judge Carla Sikes told the Pueblo City Council last week that plans are in the works to send some at-risk juvenile offenders to a boot camp that will be held on the campus of Central High School in June and July.

At the camp, participants will attend classes and participate in physical exercise. The goal will be to teach them discipline, teamwork, self-confidence, conflict resolution, nutrition and overall health and leadership skills. Participants also will work on a yet-to-be determined project that they will have to complete and present at the end of the camp.

Read more at The Pueblo Chieftain.