Q Camp was failed social experiment in WWII Britain [audio 30min]

Jolyon Jenkins recounts a forgotten story of World War II. The authorities had a problem with children who had been evacuated but who were too disturbed or delinquent for normal families to handle. So, when a group of earnest young conscientious objectors offered to take some of them off to a field in Essex and cure their antisocial tendencies, nobody asked too many questions. The staff theorized that antosocial children could be socialized by voluntarily sharing responsibilities. But the children would not voluntarily share responsibilities and, indeed, continued to engage in arson and vandalism. Ultimately the Q Camp was closed after authorities raised concerns about the children's health and safety. Jenkins's report includes interviews with former Q Camp residents and staff.