April Parent Survival 201

Students at Diamond Ranch Academy have some of the most dedicated parents!  We had an amazing turnout for our Parent Survival 201 seminar on April 20th and 21st. 

On day one of our semiannual 201 seminar parents gathered together for instruction and activities related to the "The People Code" and transitioning home.  Our hope is that they left the seminar with a better knowledge about themselves and how best to interact with other personality types as well as a sense of what to expect as their child begins the long-waited transition home. 

On day two of the seminar parents were able to experience many of the things that their students have experienced throughout their stay at DRA.  The students love to watch and help out as their parents endeavor through the cart walk, drum circle, and BOW DRILL!  This seminar was the first time that all parents and students participated in group equine therapy sessions.  We received such great feedback about the equine program that we are hoping to include it in the next seminar as well. 

At the ranch we are so grateful for committed, loving parents.  Thank you to everyone who helped make this seminar a success.  We appreciate your support!

Which color group can build the highest structure?

The students worked hard to put together a song and dance routine for the parents.  It was fun to watch the parents join in at the end.

Drum circle with our very own Ephraim Hanks, Clinical Director.

The bow drill is one of the toughest tasks that students complete while at the ranch, but it also brings so much satisfaction and sense of accomplishment.  Notice that Nathan, one of our amazing therapists, got smoke!! Stuart, on the other hand, was caught sleeping on the job :).

 

A peaceful reflection trek.

Thank you Todd and Gary for making the equine portion of the seminar an amazing learning experience for everyone.

NA Guest Speaker

Students at Diamond Ranch Academy that struggled with substance abuse at home are given the opportunity to attend weekly NA groups throughout their program.  Students can voluntarily attend each week for support and to learn from one another.  A couple of weeks ago the boys and girls NA groups met together for a special guest speaker.  The father of one of our Crystal Springs students was very considerate to make the trip out to address our students.  It is always great to take a break from the routine of DRA and hear experiences of individuals outside of the academy.  We appreciate his willingness to share.

March Parent Survival 101

We had an excellent turnout for our Parent Survival 101 seminar this month. Parental involvement is key to the success of our students and our monthly 101 seminars are designed to educate and empower parents in the early months of the program. During this one day seminar parents learn about the various "pitfalls" they may experience with their child throughout the program. They are able to interact with the therapists, staff, and other parents while gaining support through a group process. This month we had the pleasure to hear from one of our recent graduates, Scott, as he shared his experience of the DRA Real Life Transition Program. We would like to thank each of the parents that made the journey to attend. Your support means so much!

Anti-Bullying Campaign

Students from our Lava Falls campus were able to take a break from their regular group routine today to participate in our new anti-bullying campaign.  The boys headed out to the corrals this morning with Todd and Gary to engage in an equine therapy session before moving inside for an educational presentation with Becky.  The students were able to observe interactions between the horses and relate it to their own experiences and interactions with their peers.  We hope this campaign will provide our students with relevant and valuable information to practice both here at DRA and when they return home.  Students from the Stone Ridge, Whisper Creek, and Crystal Springs campuses will also be able to participate in the campaign in the upcoming weeks.

Accountability and Personal Power

Last Tuesday our Upper Level students were given the opportunity to attend a group day activity off-ranch at Zion National Park. The students, therapists, and staff enjoyed a morning hike by the river while discussing and processing the theme for the day: Accountability and Personal Power.  Students were encouraged to take charge of their program and experience at DRA and to take personal accountability for what they make of their lives.  After lunch in the park they were able to watch the 3D movie "Tornado Alley" on the Zion Canyon Giant Screen Theatre. It was a beautiful day in Southern Utah and everyone seemed to have a great time!