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

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