Working with the distinctive needs of 11-13 year olds, the minimum 28-day SUWS Youth Program offers a highly structured environment that provides each child with a positive and rewarding learning experience.
With interest rates at an all-time low, education loans present an attractive option for parents interested in the SUWS program. K-12 education loans through KeyBank, Prepgate, and SallieMae can mean that a 28-day stay could cost less than $150 per month (see examples below). Please contact us to get more information about these financing alternatives.
SUWS is pleased to offer a financial aid application for educational loans through our financing partners. Our corporate partners can loan up to the entire tuition and often include transportation costs as well, at very competitive rates. Please feel free to contact our Admission Office at (888) 879-7897 for more information.
Students remain in the program for a minimum of 28 days; with a maximum of nine weeks. Children are impressionable; by providing them with numerous opportunities and adequate time for individual success, SUWS Youth gives students hope and helps them begin to build a foundation of self they have somehow missed along the way.
More About Camp
Working with the distinctive needs of 11-13 year olds, the minimum 28-day SUWS Youth Program offers a highly structured environment that provides each child with a positive and rewarding learning experience. The concrete thinking inherent in this age group requires tangible learning experiences from which to build. Our base camp model provides safety, security and predictability. The program's high staff-to-student ratio and personalized treatment plans ensure emotional growth and increased awareness of self and others. Unique in that the Youth Program uses llamas in the therapeutic process, a child has the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in developing responsibility and care-giving skills. Twenty-eight day courses begin every week.
Preliminary Assessment Upon arrival, students are immediately placed in an established group of no more than seven students. Children are assessed as to how they interact with staff, peers, and tasks, and to determine individual patterns of coping. Relationships are developed and students are introduced to the concepts of cooperation and respect for self, others, and property. Once students have established a sense of personal responsibility, they begin to learn outdoor skills and activities to help build success and emphasize adventure. By creating small, tangible, sensory-based goals that facilitate success, students build personal investment and begin to feel better about themselves and their abilities. Goal-Based System Using a goal-based system, students are continually presented with opportunities to learn and practice skills that increase their understanding of personal responsibility and improve self-esteem. As the program progresses, students ascend through a network of levels designed to challenge, test, and encourage emotional and physical growth.
Llama Training Each group is supplied with several llamas used to transport food and gear. In addition, llamas are used as a therapeutic resource. By successfully accomplishing a variety of skills and tasks, a child earns the right to help care for the animals. We have found this system reinforces in each student an understanding of responsibility and giving.
Primitive Skills Provide opportunities for building confidence, problem-solving skills, and tangible, hands-on success. Students create positive reference points that will serve them the rest of their lives.
Unconditional Acceptance Focus is placed on the inherent goodness and potential of each student through non-confrontational, respectful interactions.
Ropes Course During the course of the program, students participate in a ropes course exercise designed to test a child's level of commitment and to encourage cooperation, communication, and trust. The ropes course provides students the opportunity to face their fears, and to experiment with their newfound attitudes of self-esteem and self-reliance.
Activities & Features
Outdoor Activities
Mountaineering Ropes Course Backpacking Hiking Rock Climbing
Water Sports
Swimming Canoeing Fishing Rowing
Other Activities
Individual and group counseling Llama training/care Primative skills
