Skip to main content

Life Transitions...Lemons or Lemonade?

By Stephen C. Schultz

The sun was high in the sky, with a slight breeze keeping the temperature at a comfortable 87 degrees. It was a pleasant day in the West Desert of Northern Utah. Getting to this point, however, required a two-hour drive.

The veins in his neck bulged, and the grimace on his face matched the guttural growl that escaped his lips. A long screech filled the air as the lug nut finally moved a fraction of an inch. Yes, it had happened—a flat tire in the middle of nowhere!



Daniel Hazen was the one tasked with bringing me to a team of kids in a wilderness treatment program. Daniel, the Program Director at Outback Therapeutic Expeditions, is an exceptional person. Well-rounded and easygoing, it’s clear how much he loves helping families and their struggling teens. I was on my way to meet a young lady who was scheduled to attend Discovery Ranch South. She was eager to learn more about where her transition would take her.

I visited Jamie (not her real name) at Outback and answered her questions. She had come prepared with a leather-bound notebook she had made herself, complete with a list of written questions. It was clear she had invested significant time and effort into preparing for her transition to Discovery Ranch. She was proud of her notebook and even prouder of the progress she had made at Outback. She had a sparkle in her eyes as she spoke about the hikes she had completed, the cooking skills she had mastered, and the experiences she cherished with other students and staff. There was a sense of openness, calm, and maturity about her—not qualities often found in teenagers today.

I explained that Discovery Ranch was for students on an upward trajectory who were thriving in their current treatment programs. When I said this, she beamed.

We discussed school, activities, and where she would sleep. When I asked what she was most nervous about, she admitted she was worried about being bored academically. I reassured her that Discovery Ranch focuses on achieving balance between therapy and academics, emphasizing that both are important. We talked about how, in traditional school settings, time is constant and learning is variable. At Discovery Ranch, however, learning is the constant, and time is the variable. I assured her that we would meet her at her current academic level, tailoring the educational experience to her skills rather than her age or school year.

She seemed excited about the transition, her demeanor bright and animated. I handed her a brochure that featured advice from other students who had transitioned from wilderness programs, sharing their insights and what they had learned. I also explained that, in the spirit of honesty, not all students immediately thrive at Discovery Ranch. Some experience setbacks. However, I emphasized that our goal is to meet students where they are and support them in taking full advantage of the opportunities available to them.

She smiled.



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

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 ...