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Phase 2 – Awareness & Ownership

Phase 2 – Awareness & Ownership

Weeks 3-4

The Second phase of the wellness camp is called “Awareness and Ownership.” This is when we encourage each student to really become aware of themselves and how their thinking and actions can affect themselves and their families. Taking “Ownership” of their mistakes and accomplishments and taking responsibility for their future is key for progress. Phase 2 emphasizes self-reflection time. Students will hike quietly, except during trail breaks when staff are present to monitor the conversation and encourage it to remain productive and positive.

During Phase 2 of our obesity health and wellness camp, the Rites of Passage curriculum learning tree leads our students to reflect on the long term effects of their health and mental well-being, such as diabetes, depression, and wellness. Research has shown that an obese teen carries that weight into their adulthood and has a higher chance of health issues such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Research also shows that obesity negatively impacts the social and professional opportunities that lie ahead in your child’s future. These are hard things to talk about and accept, but taking a direct and loving approach early on, can avoid these potential lifelong impacts.

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This individual approach requires the student to spend some hours a day in thought and serious reflection about their problems, their lives, and the therapeutic feedback they are receiving from our staff. They will have time to reflect on communication from family members through letters and meetings with their therapist.
This period is guided by journal and instructor topics and is heavily monitored by our therapists. The students will have a meeting twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. This is also known as camp council within their trail family.

These meetings will center around topics concerning daily camp life. These topics will consist of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are topics that include food preparation, water purification and land navigation. Soft skills are topics such as communication, respect and teamwork.

By the end of Phase 2, most students have developed insight into their past behaviors and are starting to take responsibility for their actions. Students move at different speeds, however, and are given the time they need to progress. During Phase 2 we encourage students to ask the question, “What relationship do I want to have with myself?” in reference to their behavior and actions.

Phase 2 of our wellness program also consists of the students getting to be responsible for all of their daily activities. They will cook their own meals, learn about nutrition, set up and tear down their own camp. They will get their own water and build their own fire in the wilderness! This is a LOT OF FUN!