During the 1968-72 years, Northwestern Junior High School had the reputation of the "most racially troubled" junior high school in Battle Creek, Michigan. The BACSTOP (Better Acquisition of Cognitive Skills Through Outdoor Programming) was implemented to address some of the negative problems facing the school. BACSTOP aimed to: create a mechanism that would stop and reverse the racial separatism and isolation pattern that began to develop among new 7th graders entering the school each year; and improve the educational performance of 7th graders in basic skills by refocusing students, faculty and administrative attention on the school's cognitive responsibilities. Activities were designed to bring students into early contact with each other in situations requiring that they communicate with each other and work together to bring about a positive and successful experience. Four activities encompassing two days and one night were developed as the major thrust of the outdoor program (rope course; backpacking; cross country skiing, winter camping and dual solo; and a canoe trip). In addition each student was given the opportunity to sign up for one 5-day expedition in an isolated area in Northern Michigan. By the end of the 1975-76 school year, the school represented a more positive profile. There was a higher level of positive biracial interaction among 7th grade students; and rate of achievement exceeded the district rate of achievement. (NQ)