RedCliff Ascent...A Student's Perspective

Guest Blog Post

by Moonstone Tiger 120 (Jordan)

RedCliff Ascent Wilderness program is a place for troubled kids to work on themselves in a safe environment with an experienced group of people who want the best for each & every student as well as their families.

My name is Jordan & I attended RedCliff Ascent, a wilderness treatment program. My first few weeks were rough & all I wanted was to refuse and get pulled. If you are a parent reading this...DON’T pull your child!!! It is really difficult & you really miss them at first, but it is beyond beneficial in the end.

Once I was motivated & worked on myself the staff were always there to talk to me & work with me through rough times. In wilderness, everyday is a new day which is very helpful & every piece of progress you make is always recognized by those around you so you feel good about the change you’re making.

Not only did RCA support me in my change, they also incorporated skills that I’ll use for the rest of my life. Hiking is a big part of RCA, at times I felt like I was going to collapse or give up but in the end I learned that I can do anything I put my mind to...especially a 10 or 23 mile hike. RCA also encouraged me to learn memorization skills, how to start, build & maintain a fire from sticks, how to take care of the environment around me, & most importantly how to take care of myself and be healthy...all of which are skills I can incorporate in everyday life.

Once genuine change is shown in an individual, they have the chance to receive an Earth Name which is absolutely an honor. An Earth Name is a 2nd name given to you by a group of staff based on how you’ve changed & grown. The names are derived from Native American naming. When named you receive a beautiful handcrafted leather necklace that is decorated based on your name called a Powaka. When you get named you receive a ceremony where you get rid of your old self & you step into your new changed self, then recieving your name.

RedCliff was a very big turning point in my life & I’d recommend it to anyone 210%. It changed my life for the better & without RCA I’m sure I’d still be involved in drugs & attempting suicide. I will forever thank RedCliff for helping me be the confident, beautiful young lady I am today.

~Moonstone Tiger 120

Comments

The Young Boy and the Rattlesnake

By Stephen C. Schultz (Editors note: This is a story used in a Wilderness Treatment Program. Many come to this program having struggled with depression, anxiety and substance use.) Many years ago there was a young Native American who lived in the very land you are residing in. He decided to seek wisdom by journeying to the top of Indian Peak. As he approached the base of the mountain he came across a rattlesnake that slithered beside him. The snake coiled as if to strike and the young boy moved back quickly in fear of being struck by the snake’s deadly venom. At that instant the snake spoke to the boy saying, “Don’t be afraid of me, I mean you no harm. I come to you to ask a favor. I see that you are about to traverse to the top of Indian Peak and was hoping that you may be willing to place me in your satchel so that I don’t have to make the long journey alone.” The young boy surprised by the snake’s request quickly responded by turning down the offer, stating, ...

When Seizures Strike: A Story of Resilience, Love, and Hope

By Stephen C. Schultz As a father, I never anticipated seeing and emotionally supporting my daughter through 50 seizures a day, for days on end. Each seizure brings with it a stiffened left arm and leg, convulsing motions, eyes rolling back to the left, and her head contorting to the right. Her breathing stops for the duration. The most harrowing aspect is that she remains conscious and aware of her surroundings. She can hear people talking, but her body simply does what it does. After 15 to 30 seconds of not breathing, a panic begins to set in. What if the seizure doesn’t stop? It’s a horrific experience to endure time and time again. It is nothing short of torture, with the emotional and psychological trauma that accompanies it. There were four seizures in the car on the way to the emergency room, all within about 20 minutes. After 10 hours in the emergency room, she was admitted and immediately hooked up to an EEG. There was a computer screen displaying graphs and a video...

Understanding and Addressing Problematic Sexual Behavior in Teens

By Stephen C. Schultz Teen sexual behavior concerns can be difficult for parents and professionals to navigate. When a teen exhibits problematic sexual behavior (PSB), it may be a sign of deeper emotional struggles, past trauma, or impulse control issues. Recognizing the signs early and seeking appropriate therapy for teen sexualized behavior is crucial for their well-being and development. What is Problematic Sexual Behavior in Teens? Problematic sexual behavior (PSB) refers to actions that are inappropriate for a teen’s developmental stage, violate social norms, or cause harm to themselves or others. This can include excessive sexual curiosity, coercive behaviors, or an inability to respect personal boundaries. Troubled teens with sexual behavior issues may struggle with emotional regulation, past sexual trauma, or underlying mental health conditions. Signs of Problematic Sexual Behavior in Adolescents Parents and caregivers should be aware of warning signs that ...

The Interpreted Rock

Search This Blog