A comparison of the 1982 and 1984 camp release groups showed that youths in the two samples were similar on the majority of characteristics. Recidivism rates at 24-month followup for satisfactory releases were statistically stable over the two periods, being 59 percent for 1982 releases and 62.7 percent for 1984 releases. Overall, the study found statistically significant evidence that some probation camps in Los Angeles County had lower recidivism rates and State commitment rates than other camps. The study also identified some of the characteristics of the more successful programs, characteristics that were highly related to youths' success on probation in the 24-month post-camp period. In effect, the programs provided a period of incapacitation while youths were in camps, followed by a reduction in violent offending in the community. These results were more highly associated with some camps than others. An implication of these findings is that it might be possible for camps to lower the recidivism and State commitment rates among releases by adopting the characteristics of the more successful camp-type programs. 8 tables, 5 references, and appended supplementary information