(1) Therapeutic adventure activities that build trusting community and individual understanding of new self
Programs and activities that use experiential education models in an adventure setting to provide therapeutic and behavioral-changing outcomes. Through intentional and directed group activities and processing that includes interaction, teamwork, and trust-building, participants build sense
of safety and have enriching “ah-hah” moments that build community, self-efficacy, and understanding of personal strengths and behavior. Participants build relationships with other participants, interns, and staff through activities in an outdoor natural environment. Teaching is conducted in a strengths-based, non-judgmental manner, building trust, mutual respect, feelings of safety and support. (2) Whole body-mind-spirit healing and therapy that teach new healthy daily practices to heal effects of trauma:
Programs will be holistic in nature, addressing whole body health, and teaching daily practices that can heal the effects of trauma. Traditional therapies for PTSD deal primarily with the mind; cutting-edge holistic therapies take advantage of the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit. Participants will have the following therapies and healing services available to them on a daily basis (in addition to the recreational and adventure therapies): yoga and meditation; one-on-one and group therapy; creative art and music activities; animal therapies. (3) Educational experiences in an interactive, interdependent and sustainable working community that build new life skills for a fulfilling civilian life
Through participation and group reflection, life-skills are learned, relationships are built, group behavior is valued, and personal “can-do” attitudes are developed.
