REDCLIFF ASCENT UPDATES CURRICULUM AND COMBINES FIELD OFFICES
(July 30, 2001) Steve Nadauld, Director of Admissions at RedCliff Ascent, St. George, UT, 800.898.1244, reports they have formalized their curriculum around the values of “Courage, Self Discipline, Respect, Honesty, Work Ethic, Trust and Compassion,” and have updated their brochure, video and web site to reflect the new changes. They are also in the process of combining their field offices in St. George and Beryl Junction, into a new field office in Enterprise, UT, to be completed by mid September, to better accommodate parents during the graduation portion of their program. Their “field” and their admissions office will remain the same location.

ASPEN EDUCATION GROUP ACQUIRES EXCEL ACADEMY
(August 1, 2001) Aspen Education Group, Cerritos, California, 562.467.5507, announced their purchase of Excel Academy, in Conroe, Texas, 800.260.9178. “Excel Academy is a boarding school that combines a strong academic program with counseling support for emotionally challenged students, many of whom also have substance abuse problems. The school, with its current capacity of 70 students on a 25 acre campus, offers a grade 9 – 12 high school experience” with the “option for high school graduates to participate in a distance learning college program.” Sally Keith, one of the original founders, will be remaining as Director of Excel Academy.

OUTWARD BOUND ASCENT COURSES
(August 1, 2001) Jessie L. Kushner, Youth Programs Coordinator for Voyageur Outward Bound School’s Ascent program, Ely, Minnesota, 218.365.7790, described their “highly structured 28-day wilderness-based early intervention program for at-risk youth.” With the entire family as its focus, school-year courses will operate out of Ely, Minnesota on Sept. 2-20, 2001 and April 28-May 25, 2002. Courses will also operate out of Rio Grande, Texas on Oct. 28-Nov. 20, 2001, and Jan. 27-Feb. 19, 2002.

TERRY WARNER OF ARBINGER INSITUTE PUBLISHES BOOK
(August 3, 2001) Anasazi Foundation, Mesa, Arizona, 800.678.3445, announces the publication of Terry Warner’s book, Bonds That Make Us Free, on which their “highly successful parent’s seminar is based.” Warner, who has worked with BYU and the Arbinger Institute, offers throughout the book’s 14 chapters, “ideas that largely concern the positive steps we can take to obtain and hold onto the change in our being, upon which all other positive changes depend.” The book can be ordered online at: Deseretbook.com, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Deseret Book or other reputable booksellers.

BCA STUDENTS COMPLETE 70 MILE RAFTING JOURNEY ON SALMON RIVER
(August 6, 2001) Fourteen students from Boulder Creek Academy, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, 800.858.1933, and three staff recently returned from a six-day, 70-mile rafting trip. This journey through rushing white-water in inflatable kayaks on the Salmon River in the scenic Frank Church Wilderness of Idaho and Montana was part of BCA’s emotional growth curriculum. BCA is a 20-24 month educational program for students ages 14 through 17 who exhibit undeveloped social skills and learning difficulties. It utilizes, in addition to these kinds of adventure activities, a working farm and greenhouse. Students also work with clinicians on an individual and group basis.

JOHN MCKAY RESIGNS AS CEO OF RANCHO VALMORA
(August 6, 2001) “In the interest of true love,” Chief Executive Officer of Rancho Valmora, John McKay, J.D., M.S., informed our network that he has resigned, so that he can relocate to join his new wife, Kimber, who is working as a sociologist in Nepal. Gary David Jordan, the new CEO of Rancho Valmora, has been with this corporation for nine years, and has acted as the CEO for the sister facility, Hacienda Valmora, for four years. “There is a Rancho Valmora legend that Harry Vorath, the Positive Peer Culture creator and guru, has observed that Gary knows the PPC model better than anybody.”

HIDDEN LAKE ACADEMY GIRLS HAVE NEW DORM AND GREAT SPORTS
(August 7 & 16, 2001) Hidden Lake Academy, Dahlonega, Georgia, 800.394.0640, announced its new girls dorm, overlooking the lake, will open in October 2001. It will provide residence for 64 girls, two to a room with connecting bath to the next room, along with individual computers on the HLA server, aerobics, laundry, and telephone rooms and a large, two story common area. HLA girls, who compete in the Atlanta Athletic Conference (AAC), won their league championship in volleyball and tennis, taking third place in basketball and track. HLA boys finished in first place in the ACC Championship.

JILL SCOTT: NEW DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS FOR ST. PAUL’S ACADEMY
(August 7, 2001) St. Paul’s Preparatory Academy, Phoenix, Arizona, 602.965.9090, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jill Scott, M.A. as their new Director of Admissions, effective immediately.

SIERRA TUCSON ADDS ‘POSITIVE POTENTIAL’ WORKSHOP AT MIRAVAL
(August 7, 2001) Sierra Tucson, Tucson, Arizona, 800.842.4487, “by popular demand” is adding another Quality of Life Workshop, 2001, entitled “Positive Potential”, scheduled for September 16-20, 2001 at Miraval. This workshop will focus on personal growth and creativity using Experiential Group Processes, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and a Challenge Course, taking place at Miraval, featuring their healing environment, luxurious spa services and gourmet cuisine.

NATWC ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(August 8, 2001) Bebe Gaines, Board member of the National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camps (NATWC), with Woodside Trails, Smithville, Texas, 512.237.4602, announced NATWC’s 8th Annual Training Conference. Entitled “Best Practices: Holding Our Own,” it will be at the Unicoi Lodge and Conference Center, Helen, Georgia, September 17-18, 2001. The conference plans over 30 workshops relating to youth in experiential settings.

CORRECTION: Deborah Wright At NORTHFIELD MOUNT HERMON SCHOOL
(August 12, 2001) Woodbury Reports wishes to correct last month’s misspelled announcement of Deborah Wright’s appointment as the new Director of Admissions at Northfield Mount Hermon School, Northfield, MA, 413.498.3222. She can be reached at 413.498.3227.

CONSULTANTS ASCEND 50FT CLIMBING TOWER AT ASCENT
(August 14, 2001) Julia Andrick, CEDU, Sandpoint, Idaho, 208.267.0607 reported that eight educational consultants, with the aid of ASCENT participants, ascended the 50-foot climbing tower. The consultants also witnessed an all-female group return from an eight-day backpacking adventure, and observed a dartboard workshop, “a therapeutic tool used by ASCENT to help children pinpoint core issues and identify new coping skills.” The ASCENT therapeutic adventure program, 800.974.1999, in the Selkirk Mountains of Idaho provides a six-week, high-impact outdoor experience for adolescents ages 13 - 17. They welcome tours, with admissions counselors available 24-hours a day, and enrollment any day of the week.

KRISTIN ALLEN JOINS CEDAR RIDGE AS GIRL’S HOME CASE MANAGER
(August 14, 2001) Geary Oakes, the Case Manager of the boys home at Cedar Ridge, Roosevelt, Utah, 435.353.4498, is pleased to announced that Kristin Allen has joined their staff to become girl’s home Case manager. She has a B.S. degree in Psychology and school counseling. Both Kristin and Geary can be contacted at 435.353.4424.

NATSAP HIRES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
(August 14, 2001) Kimball DeLaMare, President of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), 801.773.0200, and John Reddan, outgoing Executive Director of NATSAP, 912.447.8404, announced the Board has hired Andy Anderson as the organization’s new Executive Director effective September 1, 2001. For the last 13 years Anderson has been with Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc., a not-for- profit organization that has served children, youth and young adults, since 1968. His office will be located in Clearwater, Florida. “NATSAP is a 501(C)(6) trade association of one hundred and ten (110) boarding schools, residential treatment centers, wilderness programs, and group homes in twenty-eight states.”

CHARTER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SETTLES OVERCHARGE ALLEGATIONS
(August 18, 2001) Associated Press reported “Charter Behavioral Health Systems LLC, once the nation’s largest chain of private psychiatric facilities, agreed to pay the government $7 million to settle allegations it overcharged Medicare and other federal programs” according to the Justice Department. “The company did not admit any liability in the agreement,” and has filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy laws, according to the settlement agreement. “The government will receive the $7 million in cash by the end of August or when Charter closes the sale of three psychiatric facilities.” The agreement also allows the government to potentially collect an “additional $8 million in compensatory damages for fraud, as administrative and unsecured claims in the bankruptcy court proceedings.”

ANASAZI WILDERNESS FIRST RESPONDER TRAINING
(August 20, 2001) Mike Merchant, Anasazi wilderness program, Mesa, Arizona, 602.892.7403, announced in order to intensity their already strong wilderness safety plans, they have brought Adam Such on full time staff, as CPR/First Aid, WildernessFirstResponder trainer. He will be in charge of safety to make sure all the Anasazi staff are fully trained for wilderness medical emergencies, and will ensure all the staff are fully capable of utilizing their knowledge in case of an emergency. Adam Such will also be available to conduct Wilderness First Responder classes for other members of the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Industry Council (OBHIC), an organization of private wilderness providers. Anasazi was one of the founders of that organization.

DANCING MOON EXPEDITIONS WILDERNESS COURSE UPDATE
(August 20, 2001) Dancing Moon Expeditions, Chinock, Montana, 406.357.3614 (ranch) or 406.357.4101 (office) provided their wilderness course update, stating the next available trip will be September 13, 2001 through October 7, 2001. Their website will be coming online mid September.

MARGARET GEORGE RELOCATES TO THREE SPRINGS NORTH CAROLINA BOYS PROGRAM
(August 23, 2001) Margaret George, M.S., Three Springs, Pittsboro, North Carolina, 919.542.1104, has left Three Springs Transition Program in Alabama to become the Assistant Administrator for Clinical Services at their Boys Outdoor Program in North Carolina. Robyn Warner, Director of Operations for Three Springs, is overseeing the administrative duties.

PAUL JOHNSON FROM ASCENT
(August 23, 2001), Paul Johnson, Admissions for the CEDU Ascent wilderness program, Naples, Idaho, 800.974.1999, stopped by Woodbury Reports Inc. to discuss some of the changes and improvements that have been happening at the North Idaho program.

NEW HORIZONS PROMOTION
(August 21, 2001) Jacqueline Danforth, Executive Director, and Audrey Peavey, Admissions Director for the New Horizons Wilderness Program, Orrington, Maine, 207.992.2424, announced their all female wilderness program has a special rate valid for the next 6 months. They also announced their new web site is now online at www.daughtersatrisk.com, and report great success with their first groups. “They also announced that Founder/Executive Director Jacqueline Danforth will be a featured guest on Iyania Vanzant’s new talk show. The show will be recording in early October and the program will announce when it will be aired.”

REMUDA OFFERS SPECIAL SUMMER FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS
(August 23, 2001) Amy Nygard, Community Education Manager, Remuda Ranch, 800.445.1900 ext. 4511, Wickenburg, Arizona, contacted Woodbury Reports stating, “we want to do everything within our power, short of going into treatment for them, to get young girls and women who are struggling with eating disorders, the help they need. Don’t let finances be the stumbling block…Currently there are some special summer financial arrangements available at the Remuda facilities. Please call today.” Remuda Programs specialize in the individual treatment of women and adolescent girls struggling with anorexia, bulimia and related issues.

IECA ANNE LEWIS IN TOWN
(August 24, 2001) Anne Lewis, an Independent Educational Consultant, Carpinteria, California, 805.969.2186, stopped by to visit Woodbury Reports Inc. while traveling through Bonners Ferry, Idaho on a tour of schools and programs in North Idaho, Western Montana, and Eastern Washington.

TRANSITIONAL LIVING CARE HAS ONE OPENING FOR SCHOOL YEAR
(August 23, 2001) Carol Hopwood L.C.S.W. of Transitional Living Care in Kalispell, Montana, 406.257.1339, announces they have one remaining opening for the start up of the first school year. The “unique home setting placement is available for the 2001-2002 school year for a young woman ready for graduation from a treatment program or school but not quite ready for independent living.”

WILDERNESS QUEST CONTINUES TO GROW
(August 31,2001) Anngela Ritter, 435.587.2801 of Wilderness Quest, Idaho, announced she is again Admissions Director, with Johanna Harrow assisting her. Jeff Johnson has left to pursue his life-time dream of traveling and studying in a monastery. He will attend the IECA conference in November to say his goodbyes and assist Wilderness Quest. We wish Jeff the very best in his adventures. Their Young Adult program reportedly is growing successfully, with limited open enrollment space. Many students, including adolescents, returned as interns in the field to assist the professional counselors on staff. Summer service projects included working on an old forest service trail that had not been serviced for over 15 years, developing springs, rebuilding catch basins and helping the cowboys clear brush. The next group is September 11, 2001.

SKYLINE JOURNEY PRESENTS "SUDS", THE TRAVELING SHOWER
(September 6, 2001) Lee Ann Fielding, Admissions Coordinator for Skyline Journey, 866.822.8336, sent this picture of “ SUDS”, their traveling shower. According to Program Manager, Mark Wardle, “We believe this is the first of its kind in the industry. All students are required to take two showers a week, 1 solar shower, and the luxury of a “full” shower in “suds”. The students have been enjoying ”suds” very much so far and I am sure this will continue. We are happy to bring this opportunity to our students and peace of mind to our families.”

ASPEN EDUCATION’S OUTDOOR DIVISION WILL OBSERVE JEWISH HOLIDAYS
(September 6, 2001) Scott Canter, Aspen Education Group’s Director of Special Projects, 888.879.7897 (Idaho), 888.828.9770 (N. Carolina), 800.283.8334 (Utah), informed their entire division, which includes the SUWS, Passages, and Aspen Achievement Academy, that they will be observing the upcoming Jewish high holidays. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will be celebrated by having a special “Day of Reflection” on September 27th, during which time students will participate in personal reflection, and then will come together in groups to honor the traditions of their Jewish students.

THOMAS CROKE WEDS
(September 7, 2001) Thomas Croke, President of Thomas J. Croke and Associates, Inc. Latrobe, PA, 800.727.3684, and publisher of Bridge to Understanding, informed the IECA list serv, which includes Woodbury Reports, that as of 7PM the evening of September 7, he will be married to Ms Helen Campbell Buell. We wish them every happiness.