West Ridge Academy
West Jordan, Utah

The annual Utah Recreation Therapy Association (URTA) Conference was held this year April 2nd & 3rd at Sundance, Utah. Recreation therapists from all over the state, and a few from out of state, met together to rub shoulders and attend two days worth of training.

On Friday, at the annual awards ceremony, the therapeutic recreation program at West Ridge Academy was awarded the honor of "Outstanding Program". This program is headed by John Webb TRS, CTRS, LCP, and also includes Eli Kerr TRS, CTRS, and Alta Swarnes TRS, CTRS. All three members of the department are licensed by the state of Utah as Recreation Therapy Specialists.

The recreation program at West Ridge Academy evolved into a Therapeutic Recreation program three years ago when John Webb took the helm of the department. Students at West Ridge participate in weekly therapeutic recreation groups, leisure education, and three therapeutic camping trips during their stay. Each activity with the student has therapeutic value and their progress through the program is assessed and tracked through industry recognized assessments and tools thus providing a clear picture of student's progress and how they are benefiting from their participation in therapeutic recreation.

West Ridge Academy has been providing troubled youth and their families with hope and healing for over 45 years. We are nestled in the shadows of the Oquirrh Mountains on 88 acres of beautiful property in West Jordan. Our separate boys' and girls' campuses also include an indoor and outdoor ropes course, baseball field, soccer field, playground, outdoor basketball courts, and a beautiful full-sized gym.