Adirondack Experience provides one and two-week programs that run Monday through Friday. These programs involve a blend of counseling with adventure/experiential learning activities. The overall goal is to provide an opportunity for youth to make positive changes as a result of a caring, trusting and supportive environment. Adventure programming objectives are to help participants learn better problem solving skills; improve communication skills; develop trust in self and others; learn to challenge themselves and to experience success. This, along with a behavioral modification approach and the “challenge by choice” philosophy, create situations where teens can learn while doing. Learning to ask for help from others at Adirondack Experience is not seen as a weakness, but as a strength. The participant is then better prepared for reentry into the home and community.

Many of the youth who attend AE do so during the school year. The Academic Coordinator works very closely with guidance counselors and teachers to ensure that students come to AE with any schoolwork they may be missing while attending AE. Participants are provided time each day to work on schoolwork, so that they do not return to school behind in their classes. They are provided with individual assistance and tutoring during this time if needed.

The daily schedule during the residential program is a busy one. Mornings are dedicated to schoolwork and individual counseling. All meals at AE are eaten together, family-style. After lunch, the group participates in the day’s activity. The evenings are spent on any number of educational group topics, including Smoking Cessation and Tobacco Use, HIV/AIDS and STD’s, Domestic Violence, Alcohol and Substance Abuse, and Values Clarification.

The aftercare portion of the program begins when the youth returns home.

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