Some people ask what we do with students when they misbehave. The simple answer is nothing that couldn't be done in a public school or their home. The only difference is that running away or acting out won't do them any good. Part of the skill on deciding on an appropriate "consequence" is to avoid patterns that they have experiences in the past. So kicking them out of the group or putting them on timeout would be a last resort. Conversely, giving them a chance to overcome a challenge and gain positive rapport with the group is golden. The following student kept loosing his gear, thereby slowing the group down. So when I found his headlamp hanging in a tree as we were exiting camp, I gave him the opportunity to earn it back with a poem.
Dear Jay. How you helped me find my lamp today. I would have been lost with no light for nights, but now i can walk with no natural light. With out a fight. So I thank you with all my might.The students are creative, there is no doubt about that. Most find means to amuse and humor themselves as to their plight. Usually this means blowing things out of proportion to make a point, but it's not like any of them are here voluntarily. (PS, we don't whip them).
The holidays can be an emotional time for the student as well as the staff. There is something humbling about realizing that you've screwed up enough to be put in treatment for Thanksgiving and it's even worse for a birthday. Well one student had the misfortune to have his birthday on Thanksgiving. Having sympathy, another student took it upon himself to write a poem to validate his emotions and hopefully uplift his emotions.
From birthday's come
to birthday's past
So many seem to go by fast
From a hike that seemed to never end
Though the drop was just around a bend
To sitting round the fire with friends
Th fire flickers, the wood ablaze
The smoke softly floats away
Into the air
From its fiery lair
Our bellies filled from the food we prepared
And although we can all relate to being pissed
At being taken away from the life we miss
Just try to remember, remember this
This may be your only birthday in the Wilderness
Pretty damn good if you ask me. That particular student was unfortunately inhibited by his own creativity and it took him a while to realize his potential. While it's nice to see the students transform during their stay, nothing is better than know that you made a difference in somebodies life...especially when they say so.
