Residential Program

Daily Life

Even though the boys and girls are on totally separate campuses, their daily activities are very similar. Monday through Saturday, groups rise at 6:30 am. The first hour is spent taking care of one's sleeping area and performing campsite responsibilities. After all individual and group responsibilities and chores are completed, the group has breakfast either at the lodge or at campsite. Following breakfast, staff members and students have the opportunity to state their goals for the day and to recognize one another for positive actions and accomplishments. Students who have earned academic hours attend the formal classroom program. The remainder of the group then begins its chosen morning activity, which may vary from planning, building, or maintaining group campsite structures to participating in recreational or off-campus activities. Following lunch, the group again follows the planned activity, and some students again attend earned classroom hours. After supper, there is usually time for games or other leisure activities. At 8:00 p.m., a group meeting is held to evaluate the day and deal with any unresolved personal and group issues. This meeting lasts until conflicts and issues are addressed and brought to appropriate resolution. Generally, the group is in bed by 9:00 p.m.

Recreational Activities

While offering traditional recreational activities, including basketball, softball, volleyball, soccer, and swimming, the Programs also offer an opportunity for students to plan extensive recreational adventure trips and outdoor activities. These trips, which include backpacking, canoeing, or bicycling, may last up to two weeks. Groups also regularly utilize the School's "Alpine Tower" and low ropes courses. Adventure activities enhance group process and provide significant experiences that build self-confidence, self-esteem, group cohesiveness, and trust in others.

The Programs provide opportunities for groups to participate in community, social, and cultural activities and to plan special outings to museums, historical sites and other areas of interest, such as zoos, aquariums, colleges, local industries, or state parks.

Living Accommodations

Group campsites are located within a quarter-mile of the central administrative area. Each living site is autonomous from the others. Groups plan, build, and maintain their own living sites, which are composed of three sleeping structures and eating, cooking, personal hygiene, and group meeting tents. The administrative building, schoolhouse, shower house, and dining hall are modern facilities located in the central campus area.