Explorations offers a unique and time-tested residential transition program for adolescents. Teens who are a good fit for Explorations often have completed an intervention experience prior to coming to us and/or have been recommended by educational and mental health professionals in their communities who are familiar with our services. We serve only a small and select number of students at a time
in an effort to provide the most individualized experience possible. Students who live at Explorations learn and practice skills necessary to prepare for their next life step within a system of support and accountability. Explorations' students may transition back to their home, enroll in college, transfer to a traditional boarding school or enter the work force after leaving Explorations. How do we accomplish this? Our HomeBase Residential Transition offering immerses teens into regular life situations while living in a healthy home-like atmosphere. "Real life in real time" as we like to say. Students learn real life skills, participate in academics, are involved in recreational and extra-curricular activities and receive therapeutic support. Every day life challenges are supported with nurturing, yet firm, guidance and support of adult mentors. Students build confidence in their abilities while learning how to manage situations that don't always turn out as planned. Students practice problem-solving as well as appropriate communication. Individual and family therapy addresses both the individual needs of the student as well as helps support healthy relationships between family members. ACADEMICS
Individualized academics are built around student strengths and areas that may need remediation. Options may include:
*customized remote instruction for mid-semester credit recovery
* individualized tutoring
* enrollment at a public high school
* dual enrollment in college courses
* volunteer experiences that augment classroom and interests
* certifications and trainings
* career counseling, SAT/ACT testing, ASVAB testing
* involvement in extra-curricular activities
LIFE SKILLS
Students learn life skills as taught by our talented and experienced team. Students learn basic home skills such as nutrition and food preparation, laundering clothing, basic home maintenance and organization, lawn care, animal care, gardening and etiquette when sharing space with others. In addition to these skills, students practice interpersonal skills such as appropriate communication, self-advocacy, time management, self-accountability, social skills, personal hygiene, and involvement in one's community. Our real life model aims to arm its students with the tools necessary to make positive choices in their lives, long after they complete the program. Life can be messy and it is our hope that our students learn to navigate these moments with a variety of skills just as well as they navigate moments of success. COMMUNICATION
Explorations communicates with parents regularly to provide updates. Therapists also contact parents to discuss family therapy issues and schedule teletherapy family sessions on a regular basis. Students call or video-call parents a minimum of weekly. ACTIVITIES
Explorations students are involved in a variety of healthy recreational pursuits! Students may join extra-curricular school offerings that interest them. Weekends and summer offer the opportunity to enjoy our beautiful surroundings by hiking or canoeing. Certification trainings are often offered during the summer such as Advanced First Aid. PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Scheduled events are held at Explorations that are designed to provide parent education, to strengthen student-parent relationships and provide opportunities for our parents to join in their child's life at Explorations. Parents are encouraged to visit. Parent involvement is an important part of this unique living and learning environment! MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Individual and family therapy is available to all participants and provided by licensed professionals in our community. Our students are seen by a psychiatrist for ongoing medication management. Parent coaching is available for parents upon enrollment and throughout a student's stay.
