Freedom School a hit at juvenile probation camp

David, 16, second from second, greets other juvenile students at Camp Afflerbaugh, which saw great success with the Freedom School program this summer. The Times received permission from Los Angeles County juvenile court to use the images of the young men, as well as their first names.  (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

David, 16, participates in a reading session during Freedom School. David and another teen said the program transformed their behavior and reading habits. The Times received permission from Los Angeles County juvenile court to use the images of the young men, as well as their first names.  (Cheryl A. Guerrero /Los Angeles Times)

English teacher Monica Jackson projects an example of a haiku poem written by one of the juvenile probationers during Freedom School.   (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)

Marquis, 16, counts the syllables in his haiku poem during Freedom School. He said the teachers encouraged the youths’ reading by boosting their confidence. Since Freedom School, Marquis said he has written 20 poems. The Times received permission from Los Angeles County juvenile court to use the images of the young men, as well as their first names.   (Cheryl A. Guerrero / Los Angeles Times)