Travel is good for you

     Americans think that travel is good for you. Some even think it can help solve one of the country’s

worst problems - crime (犯罪).

     Crime worries a lot of people. Every year, the number of crimes goes up and up. And many criminals (罪犯) are young. Most of them - 85 percent are boys. They often come from sad homes, with only one

parent or no parents at all. There are problems with alcohol and drugs.  

     There are many young criminals in prison. But prison doesn’t change them - 60 to 70 percent will go

back to crime when they come out of prison.  

     One man, Bob Burton, thought of a new idea. In the old days, young men had to live a difficult life on

the road. They learned to be strong and brave, and to help their friends in time of danger. This helped them to grow into men. So Bob Burton started "Vision Quest".  

     He takes young criminals on a long, long journey with horses and wagons 3,000 miles through seven

states. They are on the road for more than a year.  The young people on Vision Quest (boys and a few

girls) all have bad problems. Most of them have already spent time in prison. This is their last chance.  

     It’s hard work on the road. The day starts before the sun comes up. The boys and girls have to feed

the horses. Some of them have never loved anyone before. But they can love their horses. That love can

help them to have a new life.  

     Not all young people on Vision Quest will leave crime behind them. 30 or 40 percent will one day be in prison again. But that’s a lot better then 60 or 70 percent. Bob Burton is right. Travel can be good for youEven today, Americans still say, "Go west, young men".