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April 2011
Re: Residential treatment for troubled teen
I highly recommend Open Sky Wilderness. It's not a ''boot camp''
type of program, though it is extremely structured and boundaried.
What I like most about this program is that they see the wholeness
in the kids and definitely have a more holistic approach. Yoga,
meditation, ritual. I also recommend David Heckenlively who is an
educational consultant. He will meet with you and/or your kid to try
to recommend the best placement for your particular kid. He is great
with kids and really knows the resources well. He also has biweekly
support groups for parents which are wonderful. His # is
925-681-1700. Good luck. It's hard. I've been there.
HG
April 2011
Need a ''theraputic'' program for add teen. Teen is barely going to
make it out of high school, refuses to do any work, stays in bed.
Already being treated for depression and anxiety but nothing seems to
help. Professionals have suggested we consider a wilderness/boot camp
program. Would like to hear any feed back on these types of programs,
the good, and the bad.
Anon
First of all, not all wilderness programs are boot camps. A good
wilderness program, while it offers an experience of wilderness
living and learning survival skills, is accompanied by a significant
therapeutic component, and is not punitive in nature. I would not
recommend trying to find a good program without consulting a
professional educational consultant. On BPN you will find
recommendations -- of course, there will be positive and negative
comments for all of them, so talk to people you trust about who they
have worked with. Ed. consultants are expensive, but they have
visited and worked with these programs and can help you find one
best suited to you and your teen's needs. Not all programs are right
for all teens, or their families. Just trying to find a program by
reading websites is not reliable.
Wilderness programs can have a remarkable and transformative effect
on even the most difficult and troubled teens. The family has to do
a lot of work, too, however, especially on things like
communications skills. Having the appropriate aftercare is also
critical to sustaining the change. Most professionals will tell you
that sending a teen to wilderness, and then bringing them home, will
not be successful. Most children go on to a therapeutic boarding
school, or even some kind of residential treatment program. Again, a
professional ed. consultant has the knowledge of these programs and
can tell you which ones are best for your child.
These programs are phenomenally expensive, and deciding to send your
child away to wilderness, and then to a boarding school, is a
painful and difficult decision to make. It sets off a depth charge
in your family. But parents who do so are often in the position of
feeling they have no choice, because their child is engaged in such
damaging behaviors and is so estranged from the family. Results are
not guaranteed, but when the alternative is a child who seems to be
completely lost, it is worth the risk.
One who made the choice
March 2010
My sophomore has a hard time doing any kind of work at home
- from homework to chores. He's in to socializing
(Facebook) and music (guitar).
A lot of this is emotional, some is a developing new view on
the Meaning of Life... Otherwise he's a good kid.
I've heard of kids going off to Wilderness Programs and
really losing the apathy and agony. Any suggestions?
new kid on the block
Check out the Camp Unalayee Website. It's great camp -- non-profit -
- old fashioned. Kids are out there, together cooking, hiking,
talking and they are away from phones and electronics. They really
need some time in nature. We all do.
http://www.unalayee.org/
anonymous
Camp Unalayee
is an excellent Wilderness Program for teens & youth.
Campers backpack in the Trinity Alps wilderness for half a 2-week
session with experienced counselors in small groups. In Base Camp,
it's still wilderness -- they chop wood for dinner fires -- & Campers
can choose from a variety of activities: rock climbing, archery, arts
& crafts, waterfront activity, campfire. There are also longer trail
programs for teens who are up to the challange. Camper staff ratio is
1:4 or 5. It's not a 'therapy' camp: campers have lots of choice of
daily activity, also lots of oversight & encouragement & instruction
from staff. It was transformative for me, and a big part of my kid's
teen years (been around over 60 years) Office in Palo Alto.
www.gocampu.org
Seena
March 2010
my friend has a 14 year old son that is angry but has
friends. he is doing poorly in school (8th grade) and is
not interested in traditional learning. he identifies as a
skateborder as well as being a tough guy/ hip-hop/ gangster
culture (don't get mad at me for a potentially non
politically correct comment, lets focus on the kid). in
reality he is a nervous boy and gets very frustrated with
his school work. he is occasionally violent around his mom
and sister. he also is extremely needy, calling his mom
constantly at work, unable to find his own socks in the
morning before school
this kid is defiant of his mom's advice and nurturing.
there is no dad/male in the family.
one family therapist suggested ''wilderness therapy''. any
experiences/advice here?
CB (concerned boyfriend)
I've heard good things about Second Nature (though no direct experience).
I did use the Bodin Group as consultants to help me find a program for
my young adult and am pretty pleased with them though they charge a
lot for what they provide...
best wishes
Your letter makes me a little nervous; I am a mom with a boy of about
the same age who loves skateboarding, hip-hop music, etc. I'm not
sure to what degree the boy you write about is ''tough'' or how violent
his violence against his mom and sister is: is it physical violence we
are talking about here (an absolute no-no) or rough and abusive
behavior and language (also not OK, but fixable) or just disrespect
(normal among boy teens, unfortunately, and in need of correction, but
not a sign of deviance). A LOT of boys are ''not interested in
traditional learning.'' The reason I am nervous about your letter is
the way you describe your relationship with the mom and the way you
seem to be inserting yourself into the solution of this problem. If
you are the mom's boyfriend, it seems to me that you are rather
judgmental about her son and the way she interacts with him. If you
are just a ''friend,'' I think you need to back off. If you are a
member of the household you are more than just a friend and you should
have some say in how people treat each other in the household, but you
are still not the boy's father, which is something he well knows.
Have you considered (if you are the boyfriend) how your presence might
have an impact on the situation? I have a partner who lives with me
and who is not my son's father, and one thing that is very important
in maintaining good relations all around is my partner's recognition
of my right to raise my son as I see fit, even if he doesn't agree.
If the mom is at her wit's end and is asking for help and solutions,
MAYBE it would be appropriate to discuss something like wilderness
programs. But I didn't hear that in your letter, nor did I hear
anything about the son engaging in dangerous behaviors (unless the
violence you described is physical violence). Would it really be
right to exile him, just get him out of the picture, because he's
difficult?
skateboarder's mom
Please, proceed with great caution. There are lots of wilderness
programs; some are awful and dangerous. It is an extreme, last
resort sort of decision and you need to know what you are doing.
Unless you are in crisis mode (and even if you are in crisis mode),
consider whether there is a less severe alternative means to helping
your child. Beware of ''educational consultants'' who receive
kickbacks from wilderness programs and beware of programs that
pay ''educational consultants'' for referrals. The programs are
extremely expensive and there is no assurance that the result will
be positive. It is often a stepping stone on the way to long-term
therapeutic boarding school.
anon
This response addresses both posts on Wilderness programs. When we
reviewed wilderness programs, we had a child like yours--not into
anything bad, just difficult and unmotivated, and shooting himself in
the foot over and over again at school. We were not thrilled about
mixing him in with a Wilderness program that included teens with far
more serious problems. We sent him to NAWA Academy
http://www.nawaacademy.org/ for 1.5 years. It's out in the woods near
French Gulch, and they learn a lot about wilderness rescue while also
doing classroom work. Although he has mixed feelings about the
experience, he acknowledges he gained a lot from the experience.
First, the school offered him many leadership opportunities and he
became responsible for himself as well as very aware of helping
others. Second, while he felt he was not challenged enough in school
there (although he had never taken advantage of the challenges at his
public school) he learned how to put together an essay and how to do
research--two skills that put him in good shape when he went on to
College. Third, he did their International Academy for one semester
and loved it. The costs have close to doubled since he went (in
2001/02), but compared to a wilderness program, it may be in the same
ballpark. I think if we had sent him at the beginning of his
highschool years instead of the end, he might well have been able to
come home and finish up in the public school. When he was going there
NAWA had summer programs that might give some of the experience you
are looking for.
relieved mom
Dec 2009
We are thinking of sending our 15 year old daughter on a teen
trip to Hawaii run by a company named ''Wilderness Ventures''.
It looks great on their website - has anyone sent their kids
on one of their trips? If so, what did you think? Thanks.
A Mom
Sorry, I don't have experience with Wilderness Ventures, but I do have
experience with organizing adventure tours. Wilderness Ventures may be
outstanding, on the same level as National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
or Outward Bound (both of which you may want to also look into).
My advise is to carefully understand the training and experience the group
leaders have:
- How long have they been leading?
- What is their training regimen?
- Are they certified in wilderness medicine or wilderness first responders?
Also, what is the company's risk management plan in general and for the
specific trip that you're considering?
Taking a guided adventure can be exciting but needn't be unnecessarily risky.
Asking a few questions can make a big difference in your enjoyment.
Happy trails!
anon
Oct 2009
Desperate, and out of resources I feel forced to entertain two next
moves for my bi-polar 15 year old. I want to send her to Vantage Point
Aspiro, a new wilderness/assessment program recommended by Bodin (I
think they are really good) to see how she responds w/o academic
pressure, etc. Anyone know this program as it looks like what she
needs before I take the next step. School has recommended Cinnamon
Hills from there which I have lots of reservations about:negative
parent reviews and very regimented for a bright bi-polar with sleep
and many other issues. She also needs spec.ed intervention. School
also mentioned Heritage which has great reviews from parents whose
judgment I trust. School is filing due process since I refused the
placement to Cinnamon Hills. (Said Heritage refused her) Any feedback
please as I really trust this site's responders and their integrity
and intelligence.
Hi,
I'm an MFT and also run a therapeutic wilderness program (though not
right for what your daughter needs). But since this is up my alley,
I thought I'd offer what I can.
For another perspective, you can contact David Heckenlively, MFT who
is an ed. consultant in Walnut Creek. He specializes in working with
struggling teens and their families. I have a lot of respect for his
integrity and level of staying current with wild. therapy programs. I
have seen some excellent placements and outcomes result from his
work. I believe his website is www.integratedteen.com.
If you haven't looked at them yet, you might consider Open Sky
Wilderness Therapy in Durango, CO. I don't know that they're the
right fit for your daughter/family, but they're doing some great work
whose results are corroborated with ongoing outcome research.
Hope this is of use,
Dave
In 2001, my 15 yr old who was spiraling down terribly. I also went
to the Bodin group. A therapeutic wilderness program was recommended
for my dd, Second Nature. They also recommended a therapeutic
boarding school.
Please reconsider. Second Nature worked well for my daughter d
emotionally. I asked lots of detailed questions and still did not
knnow the harsh conditions. Her diet was restricted to beans and
water until she earned the privilege to eat more. She slept on the
ground in the snow of the Utah mountains. All she had was a tarp, no
tent. My girl was signficantly injured in the program. The program
was described as gentle; it was not.questions, but still I did not
know what the conditions would be. Caveat Emptor with these
programs.
My biggest mistake was sending my daughter away after Second Nature.
Many of these therapeutic programs are very behaviorally based. The
staff is often poorly trained. The therapists typically are right
out of school; they stay one year to be licensed and leave.The staff
psychiatrist overmedicated the kids. My daughter received 3X the
maximum dosage allow of her medication. My daughter was emotionally
harmed by staff and victimized by older boys in the program. I found
that Bodin was in bed with the program. When it came to protecting
my daughter,they did not act to do so.
This was my direct experience with my own child. Please be careful.
Before taking such a drastic step, I recommend consulting with a
therapist in Albany, Terry Trotter. She is amazing.
I understand the anxiety about wilderness programs all too well as it was one of the most
difficult decisions that my husband and I have ever made. In 2006 we sent our son to a 5
week program I won't name (very well known), and it had limited impact. In 2007 we
decided to work with Bodin and subsequently sent our son to Second Nature, and our son
then moved on to an 8 month follow-up program recommended by both Second Nature
and Bodin. I'd like to balance the critical perspective about Bodin offered by Peggy who
posted today, though by no means can I argue that our experience is typical or applicable
to others. Yes, it is the case that Bodin is favorably disposed to Second Nature, but Bodin
prefers to send clients to programs they know well, and we found that to be a tremendous
benefit. Our son's co-therapists talked with us almost weekly, and our Bodin consultant
was on the phone with us as well, and therefore we had a network of support. Our son's
follow-up program is a program favored by Second Nature and Bodin, and I suppose some
parents would be suspicious about that, but, for us, these program relationships
facilitated continuity of treatment from one program to another. All this said, after all this
treatment, our son continues to struggle, and none of his three programs were 'cures.' On
the other hand, we've learned a great deal about our son (as he did about himself), and we
now understand that he may never be able to handle his life like an adult. As sad as this is
to accept, we've had the input and perspective of many professionals, each of whom has
expressed both 'glass half full' and 'glass half empty' perspectives, and offered us hope as
well as painful realities. These professionals definitely offered our son hope - yes, maybe
the programs are challenging, but our son was loved in so many ways, and he carries that
love with him. It's noteworthy that his former therapists are his facebook friends. I'm very
sorry that other parents and kids have had less positive experiences with Bodin and
Second Nature, but I just wanted to offer another perspective. Best of luck, and a hug of
support.
anon
This is in response to the mother whose 15 year old daughter went to
Second Nature. We had a different experience when our 18 year old
daughter went to the same program. Perhaps she was in a different age
group. Yes, the conditions were harsh. but I think the reasons for
that were sound. The therapist assigned to our daughter was
excellent; compassionate, caring and experienced. Our daughter liked
the other staff as well. Victimization by other participants was not
allowed and the kids were carefully monitored. Upon graduation
parents were allowed to spend the night in the wilderness (it was
really, really cold) and see for themselves what went on. We got a
lot out of the group sessions and meeting the other participants. That
said, we are glad she is no longer there and so is she! She went to
an after care program after wilderness and her life was turned around.
Anon
Jan 2009
My niece is currently flunking two of her classes at a local
community college. She lacks motivation, has been lying to me
about small and large issues, lacks self-esteem, and is attending
therapy, but is not altering her bad behaviour. I am thinking of
sending her to a boot camp, one that isn't punitive, but provides
emotional support, group therapy, and consequences to poor
behavior. She is living with me since she has a tenuous
relationship with her Mom. I am wondering if anyone has had
success with this type of program? And, if you can recommend a
specific program?
anon
You might consider engaging the services of an educational consultation who
specializes in such placements, as they are often able to sort through the variety
of programs to match the specific needs of your child. The Bodin Group (925-
283-9100) is one such resource. They have an enormous amount of experience
in these matters. Good luck.
Andrew
I highly recommend that you work with an educational
consultant. We worked with a woman named Virginia Reiss
(in Larkspur, CA) and found her to be incredibly helpful
and knowledgeable. There are many good people out there
who can guide you through the process. It is important to
find the right place for her, especially due to the fact
that she is over 19 and cannot be legally held against her
will. There are also many places that are not safe so it
is worth spending the money on a consultant to help guide
you. Good luck!
step mom of a formerly troubled teen
I strongly recommend Second Nature Wilderness Program. A
teenager I know well was completely melting down, not
getting along with anyone and having trouble with, well,
everything. He really transformed with some time with this
program. They are not a 'boot camp' except in the sense
that they take the kid out of their usual environment and
help make them feel independent and self-reliant. There's
no hint of outrageous militaristic discipline. The teen I
know was at the one in Utah. Their website is www.snwp.com
I can vouch for Second Nature - my son, who is now 20,
went there when he was 16. The counselors are excellent,
and though he was very defiant at the time, I might go so
far as to say he liked it. He definitely got a lot out of
it and appreciated the program structure. But we got
there with the help of Bodin Associates - I don't think
you can book with Second Nature directly. You have to
work through one of the consultants.
Diana
You do not have to go through a consultant to enroll your
child at Second Nature. You can call the Second Nature
office in Salt Lake City or Duschene, Utah and talk to an
admissions person directly. Call information and ask for
Second Nature in Duschene. The admissions staff is
compassionate and very knowledgeable.
anon
May 2006
Has anyone tried or heard about a good wildnerness program
for teens (1 week to 10 days only)?
I am looking for my unmotivated, obsessed to World of
Warcraft video-gamer son.
Thanks
--always hopeful mom
My son loved Adventure Treks
....look them up on their website. They combined
wonderful, challenging experiences with great leadership building since the
teens have to set up camp each night, cook and clean. He did the trip where
they go to Oregon and Washington and backpack, climb mountains, kayak, etc.
anon
For the video-gamer son who need a Good Wilderness Program.
Have you heard of Camp Chrysalis?
This camp is the best. Call Lee Tempkin at 843-6157
or e-mail him at ltempkin@earthlink.net. or Michael Rossman at 849-1154 or
mrossman@sbcglobal.net.
They are the directors of this camp. The website is www.campchrysalis.com.
They have different sessions and prices. My daughter, 16, has been going for years
and would not want to miss it. This is just a wonderful camp.
Please inquire. Brigitte
I've heard raves about Camp Chrysalis
from young teens and
preteens. But I'm not sure if it has older teens
good luck
Camp Unalayee
www.unalayee.org It's in the Trinity Alps and they have
backpacking trips for teenagers in a stunning and pristine area of Northern
California
wilderness lover
One of the best around is second nature. However, you will
need more then 10 days. World of Warcaft is worse than
cocaine. Your kids health may depend on you getting him
off the game no matter what it takes even if the counsler
thinks it is to drastic. This also goes for the mother who
wrote in about her 14 year old son spending to much time on
the computer . Throw the computer out if you have to.
dad who has seen it first hand
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