Over the past decade, our understanding of the fundamental differences in child development, behavior, and emotional maturity between boys and girls has increased dramatically, and as a result, many gender-specific interventions and support programs have been developed to meet the needs of parents, teachers, and mental health professionals. However, these all take the form of responses designed to minimize an already disruptive behavior pattern. What has been needed is a pro-active program whose goal is to instill positive skills and patterns in 'at-risk' boys, rather than waiting to address problems after they are already visible.

BAM! Orientation. The Challenges Boys Face. The Necessity of Good Contact. The Social Influences: The Impact of Dysfunctional Aspects of Traditional Masculinity on Boys' Relationships. The Biological Influences: A Different Kind of Contact for Boys. Seeing Boys' Strengths and Addressing Their Challenges. Five Goals for BAM! Leaders: Making Better Contact with Boys. Five Goals for BAM! Participants: Helping Boys Make Better Contact. A New Experience for Boys: Walking the Talk in BAM! Groups. Making Contact Through Strategic Storytelling. Making Contact Through Physical Challenges. BAM! Example. Week One: Lost in the Woods. Week Two: Alligator Swamp. Week Three: Haunted House. Week Four: Sitting Circle. Week Five: Willow in the Wind. Week Six: Making Lists. Week Seven: Treasure Hunt. Week Eight: Trust Falling. Week Nine: Talking Cards. Week Ten: Found in the Woods. BAM! Instructions. Initiating a BAM! Group. Facilitating a BAM! Group. Session-by-Session Instructions. BAM! Appendix. BAM! Group Evaluation: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods. Additional Activities and Discussion Topics.