Kolob Canyon RTC Students Explore Arches National Park

Kolob Canyon RTC students recently spent three days navigating the beauty and wonder that is Arches National Park. The students enjoyed the natural beauty and majesty of their surroundings, applied their math skills to calculate the height of the arches they encountered, learned about the geology, biology, and history of the area, and spent time star-gazing over campfires, Dutch oven dinners, and smores.

Kolob Canyon RTC's philosophy that lasting change is most effectively achieved through creating new and powerful experiences was on full display during this action packed 3-day trek. Kolob Canyon RTC students viewed, hiked to, and explored over 10 of Arches National Park's most magnificent arches, including Delicate Arch, which is the arch the Olympic torch relay passed through for the 2002 Winter Olympics, and Landscape Arch- the longest natural arch in the world.

Between challenging hikes students experienced opportunities for quiet solitude and reflection. One student shared that, "Being out there in an amazing place like Arches National Park really challenges your perspective on what is important in life. I love having time to just be with yourself in nature and not worry about all the pressures of trying to fit in with everyone around me. I definitely want to do this kind of thing when I go home."

Students are excited about their next experiential adventure to Zion National Park and service at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary later this month!

Kolob Canyon is designed exclusively for girls age 14-17 suffering from depression, low self-esteem, trauma, and difficulties in their relationships with themselves and others. Our clinically sophisticated program is intentionally limited to 12 girls in order to maximize one-to-one interaction with peers, staff, teachers, and DBT trained therapists to maintain a family-like environment.

Kolob Canyon is a member of the CERTS organization. CERTS is the acronym for Certified Educational, Recreational, Therapeutic Schools and Programs, and was founded in 2001. Kolob Canyon Residential Treatment Center was started in 2002, followed by Moonridge Academy in 2004, Mountain Springs Preparatory Academy and La Europa Academy followed in 2005. Collectively the four CERTS schools have literally graduated hundreds of successful students and families and have changed many lives. For more information, visit www.certsgroup.com.