http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/blog/ en webdev@artandimage.biz Copyright 2010 2010-08-06T23:23:06+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/explorations-cultural-immersion-course-in-peru-for-college-credit/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/explorations-cultural-immersion-course-in-peru-for-college-credit/#When:23:23:06Z Explorations Cultural Immersion Course in Peru for College Credit Penny James, Director and Co-Founder of Explorations, reports 4 students departed July 10, 2010 from Los Angeles as a part of Explorations Cultural Immersion Experience to Peru. The students and staff member, Elizabeth Chambers, MSW are traveling as a part of Flathead Valley Community College (FVCC) Study Abroad program, located in Kalispell, MT. Mick Stemborski is the coordinator of the program at FVCC and is accompanying this year’s group. Mick has guided five prior Explorations expeditions abroad. Students will earn 6 college credits as a part of their participation in this offering in addition to travel that is based upon cultural immersion instead of tourism. This year’s three-week itinerary includes community immersion and service in the village of Urabamba, just outside Cusco. Students will trek to Machu Picchu, explore Lake Titicaca, visit ancient Inca ruins and tour Lima, the country’s capital. Penny reports that prior to departure, students took part in a Digital Photography class on the FVCC campus and look forward to being able to utilize their newly acquired photography skills on this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Explorations students’ travel is tracked via the use of a SPOT transceiver unit. Penny reports that the trip’s exact GPS coordinates are transmitted via satellite back to the States so parents can view actual satellite or map images of their student’s exact location daily. August 6th’s SPOT was received from: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=-13.53877,-71.94408&ll=-13.53877,-71.94408&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1 Explorations has operated cultural immersion trips for nearly 10 years and today’s enhanced technology not only provides an added safety measures but also increased interface with families. Explorations is an imaginative outdoor, travel, and living experience that is a catalyst for changing the lives of teens experiencing trouble at home or in school. Our adventures are perfect for students who would benefit… Blogging 2010-08-06T23:23:06+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/summer-program-now-offers-parent-coaching-academic-credit-and-aftercar/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/summer-program-now-offers-parent-coaching-academic-credit-and-aftercar/#When:19:53:14Z Penny James, Director and Co-Founder of Explorations announces several new and exciting additions to the Summer Adventure Program, which kicks off the week of June 21. While each adventure session offers the signature weeklong immersion parent trip and therapeutic adventure-based curriculum, Penny states the enhancements to Explorations 20th summer season provide an even more comprehensive option for families whose child who would benefit from a summer of challenges. Parent coaching, parent support conference calls, academic credit, and post-summer AfterCare options have been added to the summer curriculum. All families participating in adventure sessions will receive regular parent coaching sessions, facilitated by Sarah Mack, Certified Parent Coach. Sarah Mack has worked in the adolescent treatment industry for over sixteen years. Sarah specializes in supporting families during their child’s treatment experience and helps families prepare for their child’s successful return home or to boarding schools. A comprehensive Parent Workbook, designed to enhance parenting skills and develop a deeper understanding of what will be necessary to create long term change for the family as a whole. AfterCare options for all summer participants include continued parent coaching, individual counseling and therapy, in-home or Montana-based intensive family weekends and other custom-designed options. Academic credit in Lifetime Adventure Sports will be offered to all students participating in the summer adventure courses. Please contact Penny James or Leona Gollen, Executive Assistant, with any questions about Explorations summer courses, customized family experiences or residential placement. For 20 years, Explorations has provided imaginative outdoor adventure and residential living experiences that serve as catalyst for change in the lives of teens experiencing trouble at home or in school. An industry leader of small programs, Explorations provides a high level of therapy, individualized attention, and firm, yet nurturing support for each participant… 2010-06-14T19:53:14+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/404-file-not-found/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/404-file-not-found/#When:23:45:13Z Oops, you’ve reached a page or URL that no longer exists. Please pick a new URL from our navigation links on this page. 2010-04-28T23:45:13+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/summer-at-a-glance-2010-summer-adventure-schedule-released/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/summer-at-a-glance-2010-summer-adventure-schedule-released/#When:22:39:56Z Travel dates for the 2010 summer program are: Pre-Summer: Rolling enrollment starting May 17th Girls Summer Wilderness Adventure Course: Arrival June 25th, Departure, August 15th Older Boys Summer Wilderness Adventure Course #1: Arrival June 23rd Departure August 13th Younger Summer Wilderness Adventure Course #2: Arrival June 21st Departure August 11th Women’s Empowerment: July 8th—August 1st Personal Leadership: July 6th—July 26th Post Summer: August 11th—September 6th Parent & Student Expedition: Annually, Explorations offers a week long wilderness trip for a parent and student.  This is designed to be an experience where parent (or surrogate parent) have an opportunity to connect with their child, away from the distractions of every day life in nature’s classroom.  A forthcoming mailing will cover the specifics.  Parents will need to bring their own personal outdoor gear as per a specific list.  A parent’s participation is contingent upon their child’s behavior in the program.  The expeditions are scheduled for: Girls: July 23rd—29th (Travel days for parents are July 23rd & 29th) Older Boys: July 17th—23rd (Travel days on July 17th & 23rd) Younger Boys: July 11th through July 17th (Travel days on July 11th & July 17th) Parent Visits: At the end of every summer program we have scheduled time for a family and parents conferences: Girls: August 15th, 2010 Younger Boys Group: August 11th, 2010 Older Boys Group: August 13th, 2010 2010-04-23T22:39:56+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/explorations-staff-team/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/explorations-staff-team/#When:22:28:21Z Students are mentored by experienced, caring outdoor instructors and each small group is supported by a therapist. At Explorations, we prioritize students emotional and physical safety and allow them to explore self-imposed limitations hands-on through adventure activities and individual and group therapy. Leadership Team Clinical Team Clinical Support Residential Staff Outdoor Staff Logistic & Administrative Leadership Team Penny James Owner & Executive Director Penny James co-founded Explorations in 1989 as a small program that is committed to offering quality, individualized offerings. Penny holds a B.S. in Secondary Education from Nebraska Wesleyan University and has over 25 years experience working with young people in non-traditional learning environments. Prior to establishing Explorations, her career experiences include working with developmentally disabled individuals in community-based environments and GED instruction for mentally ill students. She taught learning disabled and gifted students while an outdoor counselor, and initiated a volunteer program for adjudicated youth that assisted children in her community's Special Olympics. Penny has served on the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) Board of Directors for 8 years (2000-2004, 2005-2009) as a representative voice for small programs. She served on the NATSAP Executive Committee for two years, Conference Chair in 2003 and 2009, Public Relations Chair 2008, and chaired a Small Programs Standards Committee in 2007. Penny has advocated for registration and licensure of private programs in Montana. Penny was appointed in 2008 by Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, and confirmed by the state Senate, to serve a 3 year term on the Board of PAARP, the Montana Board of Private Alternative Adolescent Residential or Outdoor Programs. In this… 2010-04-23T22:28:21+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/aftercare-family-support/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/aftercare-family-support/#When:22:03:06Z (coming soon) 2010-04-23T22:03:06+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/bigsky-summer-adventure/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/bigsky-summer-adventure/#When:23:20:42Z Outdoor Curriculum The Big Sky Summer Adventures curriculum combines outdoor adventure, group building skills and activities that promote self-esteem.  These foundational experiences elevate the students potential for success at home and at school.  The program teaches the high adventure skills of backpacking, rafting, flat-water kayaking, rock-climbing, and mountain biking. Students live outdoors during the program and return to our rural Montana BaseCamp between expeditions to live in Native American tipis. Students are busy between expeditions, preparing for their next expedition, talking with their families, engaging in recreational activities and participating in projects around the ranch and community. Students learn the values of giving back through community service, and raise awareness about themselves and their choices through these adventures. Each offering teaches a no-trace environmental ethic and we participate in service work.  Parents are invited to participate in our successful and rustic weeklong Parent Trips alongside their teen and in our program-end Family Conference. We offer Pre-Summer and Post-Summer Sessions for students who are not fulfilling their potential at school and would benefit from a jumpstart and/or follow up with positive, life-enhancing experiences in our outdoor settings. Team Building & Counseling Explorations integrates individual counseling and group building skills with a challenging outdoor curriculum into the daily life of the Big Sky Summer Adventures.  Skilled outdoor professionals guide our students through the summers challenges in small groups (under 10 students). Our adventures include therapists to provide individual and group counseling. Students learn appropriate communication skills, develop healthy peer relations, and become responsible and accountable for their own actions.  They are encouraged to practice self-reliance, and to build healthy interdependent relationships within the group by engaging in meaningful teamwork.… Summer Adventures 2010-04-08T23:20:42+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/homebase/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/homebase/#When:23:17:40Z The longevity of our family-centered HomeBase Residential Program speaks for itself.  Students ages 13-18 have participated in Explorations residences since 1990, and they look and feel like home!  Students that are accepted into this program have identified their core issues and are willing to work on discovering solutions to every-day-life problems. Our students parents are willing to be involved in an ongoing and healthy reunification process through close communications and structured visits.  Adult mentors at HomeBase are nurturing, but firm, and guide students and their families through the difficulties of practicing healthy life choices. Misha and Nomi by Lake Ogui Nuur, Mongolia We cooperate with our local school district to provide individualized academics, and combine that with life skills and values training, parent involvement and individual and group therapy to form the key components of our HomeBase residential settings. Going to the prom! 2010-04-08T23:17:40+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/custom-designed/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/custom-designed/#When:23:13:10Z Explorations’ innovative Custom-Designed Outdoor Experiences are offered year-round and meet the needs of the family, student or young adult looking to establish new, positive direction in their lives. Extensive therapy and creative outdoor pursuits are integrated with personalized growth opportunities based on the individuals or familys interests, talents, goals, and abilities. These offerings are as unique as the individuals and families who come to us for adventure! We assess our participants goals, strengths and talents to custom-tailor an adventure that renews confidence and provides opportunities for personal growth. 2010-04-08T23:13:10+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/post-summer/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/post-summer/#When:22:58:36Z Our Post-Summer Session is available for students that need continued care after our summer programs conclude and before their school year starts. 2010-04-08T22:58:36+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/parent-trip/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/parent-trip/#When:22:53:38Z We invite parents to participate with their teen during a unique option offered during one week of the program.  We offer the annual Father & Son and Mother & Daughter Expeditions to help rebuild relationships.  Parents participate alongside their teen in rustic, outdoor environments. The expeditions are float trips on the Clark Fork River in northwestern Montana. It is not mandatory for a parent to attend, but it may be recommended by our therapists or other professional when clinically appropriate. These expeditions have been an Explorations tradition since 1992. Parents attest to this one-of-a-kind experience as being an invaluable asset that strengthens their relationship with their teen. Summer Adventures 2010-04-08T22:53:38+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/boys-adventure/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/boys-adventure/#When:22:48:40Z Big Sky Summer Adventures is one of our favorite offerings and features separate 52-day courses for boys and girls. We serve students ages 13-18, who are intelligent though have a history of conflict at home, declining academics and low self-esteem.Their friends may have changed and are no longer positive influences in their lives. Our students benefit from an exciting summer experience that will heighten their confidence and sense of self and help put their lives back on track. Younger Boys Course: June 21st - August 10th; Family conference August 11th; Parent Float Trip July 11th - 17th (11th & 17th being travel days Older Boys Course: June 23rd - August 12th; Family conference August 13th; Parent Float Trip July 17th - 23rd (17th & 23rd being travel days) Previous Boys 52-day Summer Adventure Course Itinerary (for 2009): Boys Group #1 6/24 – Pick up and Arrival HB 6/25 – HB Orientation 6/26-7/5 – 10 Day Backpacking 7/5 – Return to HB Afternoon 7/6 – HomeBase 7/7-11 – Rock Climb 7/11 – Return to HB Afternoon 7/12 – HomeBase 7/13-17 – Bike Excursion 7/17 – Return to HB Afternoon 7/18 – Parents arrive 7/19-23 – Parent/Student River Trip 7/23 – Return to HB Afternoon 7/24 – Parents Depart 7/25-8/2 – Service Trip 8/2 – Return to HB Afternoon 8/3 – HomeBase 8/4-8 – Peak Climb 8/8 – Return to HB Afternoon 8/9 – HomeBase 8/10 - River Day Trip HB 8/11-13 – 3-day Solo Experience 8/14-15 – Parent Conference Boys Group #2 6/23 – Pick up and Arrival HB 6/24 – HB Orientation 6/25-7/5 –… Summer Adventures 2010-04-08T22:48:40+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/girls-adventure/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/girls-adventure/#When:22:37:26Z Big Sky Summer Adventures is one of our favorite offerings and features separate courses for boys and girls. We serve students ages 13-18, who are intelligent though have a history of conflict at home, declining academics and low self-esteem.Their friends may have changed and are no longer positive influences in their lives. Our students benefit from an exciting summer experience that will heighten their confidence and sense of self and help put their lives back on track. The Girl’s Summer Adventure Course itinerary includes backpacking, canoeing, rafting, biking, community service, rock-climbing and more! We will send you a custom itinerary upon admission. Girls Course: June 25th - August 14th; Family conference August 15th; Parent Float Trip July 23rd - 29th (23rd & 29th being travel days Previous Girls 55-day Summer Adventure Course Itinerary (for 2009): 6/26 – Pick up and Arrival HB 6/27 – HB Orientation 6/28-7/9 – 11 Day Backpacking 7/9 – Return to HB Afternoon 7/10 – HomeBase 7/11-13 – Rock Climb 7/13-7/21 – Service Trip 7/21 – Return to HB Afternoon 7/22 – HomeBase 7/23-29 – Bike Excursion 7/29 – Return to HB Afternoon 7/30 – Parents arrive 7/31-8/4 – Parent/Student River Trip 8/4 – Return to HB Afternoon 8/5 – Parents Depart 8/6 – HomeBase 8/7-8 - Multi Activity Off Campus 8/9-14 – Peak Climb 8/14 – Return to HB Afternoon 8/15-17 – 3-day Solo Experience 8/18-19 – Parent Conference Schedules subject to change. Download 2009 schedule to print. (pdf) 2010-04-08T22:37:26+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/summer-startup/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/summer-startup/#When:22:35:17Z Our Our Early Enrollment Start-Up Program is another way for students to benefit from a jumpstart on the summer. All of our Summer Adventures can be preceded by having students attend the Explorations’ Summer Start-up. This gives students the opportunity to get started right after school gets out in the spring. And those who are not involved in meaningful academic pursuits at home can get a kick start on a Summer Adventure! 2010-04-08T22:35:17+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/personal-leadership/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/personal-leadership/#When:22:27:45Z Our 21 day Personal Leadership Course combines high adventure, leadership training and family reconnection. This course is perfect for boys who may have previously completed an outdoor program or would simply benefit from revitalizing self-esteem and family bonds. Summer Adventures 2010-04-08T22:27:45+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/womens-empowerment/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/womens-empowerment/#When:22:08:12Z Young women today are faced with ever-expanding choices, freedoms and opportunities to self-sabotage. The life transition between adolescence and adulthood has become muddied and complicated for young women, who need confidence and a sense of who they are in order to bridge it successfully. The media and its messages, peer pressure, sex vs. abstinence debates, body image questions, and the gender gap all impact girls in ways that are insidious and undermine their personal spirit and strength. We are launching this course for young women in response to the epidemic numbers of them searching for their personal power. We are committed to guide and mentor each of our participants so they can walk with confidence down a path that leads to personal power, positive self-esteem and pride in one’s innate, individual gifts. Outdoor expeditions—such as hiking, mountain-biking, rafting/canoeing, and peak climbs—encourage participants to challenge themselves physically and build esteem from adventurous exercise. Between expeditions, these youngsters share residence, meal preparation, meaningful work activities and join in the camaraderie, unique support and accountability of a wide group of women. With a fusion of activities: outdoor adventure; individual therapy; group counseling; mentoring, education; and service to other women immersed in crisis, our participants face self-imposed limitations in a variety of modalities. Students complete a strengths-based assessment and inventory their primary challenges they face as a young woman in today’s world. We use information gathered from our participants to guide educational seminars throughout the course that are taught by wise women. This course focuses on a series of different topics every few days. From an initial self assessment of "Who am I and why am I here?" the program moves on to help the teen understand basic self-care issues like health, nutrition, sleep and others. The… Summer Adventures 2010-04-08T22:08:12+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/about-us/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/about-us/#When:00:20:57Z Explorations is a dynamic small program for teens and their families. We provide meaningful and challenging life experiences through innovative outdoor, residential and travel adventures.  At Explorations, our 20 years of experience provides guidance and direction to families experiencing difficulties and teaches our students to navigate life without relying on unhealthy and destructive former behaviors. Students accepted into our summer offerings benefit from a summer filled with conquered challenges and opportunities to strengthen poor self-esteem and self-confidence.  They are young people who are floundering at home and in school, but often are not emergent in their behaviors. Our summer students may have issues with depression, adjustment problems, drug, alcohol or sexual experimentation, abuse, life transitions, relationship difficulties, or negative self-image.  They are intelligent, often highly manipulative, and generally are successful in creating turmoil at home.   Individual Psychotherapy Available: Yes     Accreditation, Licensure, Approval: Registered with PAARP, the Montana Board of Private Alternative Adolescent Residential or Outdoor Programs Professional Affiliations: NATSAP: Full Member AEE: the Association for Experiential Education NATWC, the National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camping 2010-04-08T00:20:57+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/slideshow/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/slideshow/#When:23:56:37Z AC_FL_RunContent( 'codebase','http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,28,0','width','550','height','485','title','Explorations Slideshow','allowFullScreen','true','src','/Slideshow/Explorations-slideshow','quality','high','pluginspage','http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash','base','.','movie','/Slideshow/Explorations-slideshow' ); //end AC code 2010-04-07T23:56:37+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/faq/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/faq/#When:23:48:59Z What’s the best way to fly to Explorations? What are your travel dates this summer? Can my child arrive late, or leave early? Do you celebrate students’ birthdays? What are your facilities like? When can I call Explorations? Can I call my child? What are your summer programs like? What kind of community service projects do the students do? How can our consultant or therapist become involved? What about medications? Can my teen come home to visit during the program? Can our teen receive mail? What kind of letters should I send my teen? Can we send our teen email? Can students bring their iPods or personal music collections? Can family members come and visit? When are parent visits scheduled? Can I take a trip with my teen? Can I send my teen a care package? Can I send my child some pocket money? How about privacy? I hear that if my child is disruptive, he may be sent on a wilderness intervention. What is that? Q. What’s the best way to fly to Explorations? We recommend flights be scheduled in and out of Spokane, Washington, a 260 mile round-trip. Any travel to or from Spokane outside of our normally scheduled arrival and departure dates and times is subject to additional transportation fees. We strongly request that you schedule departure and arrival times between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, Pacific. Q. What are your travel dates this summer? Check our Summer-at-a-Glance for current travel dates. 2010-04-07T23:48:59+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/map/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/map/#When:23:42:52Z Directions to HomeBase When arriving from Spokane, please remember that you will move from Pacific to Mountain time zone at the Montana/Idaho border. The area between Sandpoint, Idaho and Trout Creek is a heavily traveled game area as is the area between Thompson Falls and Trout Creek in Montana. Both routes are approximately 135 miles and you should allow 2 to 3 hours for travel. Coming from Spokane, WA: 1. Travel EAST on Interstate 90 to Coeur dAlene, ID, Take the US-95 N (exit 12) towards Sandpoint Idaho. (Approx. 50 miles) At the Exit light turn left onto 95 N and proceed approximately 44 miles 2. You will be going through the town of Sandpoint and you need to pay attention to the signs and follow the HWY 95 signs. (There are a couple of turns in the town that you will take). 3. After you pass through Sandpoint, a short distance down the road you will come to a junction in the road that is marked by a flashing light. GO STRAIGHT AT THE LIGHT DO NOT TURN LEFT Highway 95 blends into Highway 200 Idaho at the light. HWY 200 Idaho will then blend into HWY 200 MT at the Idaho MT boarder. a. You will see signs that you are headed for Clarkfork ID 4. Travel EAST on Highway 200 approximately 65 miles to Trout Creek, passing through Clark Fork, ID and passing by the turn-offs to Heron and Noxon, MT. 5. In Trout Creek, you will see the Wayside Bar on your right. Immediately after the Wayside Bar turn RIGHT onto Cedar Street. 6. Follow Cedar Street one block to Fir Street and turn LEFT. 7. Follow… 2010-04-07T23:42:52+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/downloads/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/downloads/#When:23:34:48Z Application: Full Application to print, fill out, and mail in (.doc | .pdf) Information: Summer at a Glance, 2010 (.doc | .pdf) Summer Clothing List (.doc | .pdf) Custom Student Loan Flyer (.pdf) Summer Contracts: Summer Adventure Contracts 2010 (.doc | .pdf) Post-Summer Contract 2010 (.doc | .pdf) Pre-Summer Contract 2010 (.doc | .pdf) Residential Information& Contract: Residential at-a-glance, 2010-2011 (.doc | .pdf) Residential Contract 2010-2011 (.doc | .pdf) Schedule of Individual Expenses 2010-2011 (.doc | .pdf) Documents and forms may be available as both a MS Word .doc and as an Adobe Acrobat pdf. You can get a free copy of the Acrobat Reader at Adobe’s web site. 2010-04-07T23:34:48+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/admissions/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/admissions/#When:22:52:03Z "Often our greatest challenge in life is facing our greatest fear. If we do not accept this challenge, then we risk having our fear become our reality." – Unknown Our Application Process is thorough and begins with a call to us!   Please call our office at 406-827-3863 to inquire about what Explorations has to offer your family! Enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. We take American Express, Visa, & MasterCard, for your convenience. We have a Custom Student Loan Flyer (.pdf) available if you need. Explorations utilizes BestNotes, a specialized online application service provider, to process applications and handle other services for Explorations. BestNotes is a HIPAA compliant Customer Relationship Management and Electronic Health Record software system designed specifically for the special needs of an adventure program like Explorations. Their application portal is secure and utilizes an SSL connection so that you can be assured of the privacy of your information. Here is our Admission Process: Explore our website to see how our programs can benefit your family and child. Call Explorations with any questions you may have. Go to Explorations’ Application Portal and Create an Account. You will need your email address to do this. You will receive an e-mail notification with your user ID (email address) and the portal URL. Login to your account at the URL you received, and fill out a New Application. You can return to the application and finish it at a later time if you desire. The information you enter will be saved, and a link to the application will appear on your portal page. You may fill in multiple applications for more than one student. When you are done with the application, just click on the… 2010-04-07T22:52:03+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/employment/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/employment/#When:22:36:33Z Explorations seeks a qualified and exceptional individual to serve as our full-time seasonal Summer Adventure Program Coordinator. We are looking for an individual with excellent communication and positive leadership skills to join the Explorations team. Upcoming Openings for 2010 Summer Coordinator Therapist Lead Instructors Instructors Apprentice Instructors Staff Forms and Info: How to Apply Employment Forms Staff information Program Information Explorations is a dynamic small program for teens and their families that offers unique summer adventure programs, family-based residential care and custom travel and family adventures. Our Summer Adventure offerings are 21-52 days in length, with separate groups for girls and boys, ages 13-18. Explorations' Summer Adventure Program offerings are diverse and serve girls and boys ages 13-18, in separate 52-day sessions in various locations throughout northwestern Montana. We also offer a 30-day Summer Adventure Course for boys and a 21-day Women's Empowerment Course for young women. Our field areas include the Cabinet Mountains, the Clark Fork River, and destinations in between. Explorations' Summer Adventure offerings teach self-reliance, responsibility and accountability through rigorous outdoor activities such as backpacking, biking, and canoeing and individual and group therapy. Each offering teaches a no-trace environmental ethic and students participate in service work. Parents are invited to participate in a week-long Parent Trip in the field with their child. Students are mentored by experienced, caring outdoor instructors and each small group is supported by a therapist. We prioritize students' emotional and physical safety and allow them to explore self-imposed limitations hands-on through adventure activities and individual and group therapy. Our adventure courses are appropriate for students who would benefit from the inherent challenges of an adventure curriculum yet do not need the… 2010-04-07T22:36:33+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/contact/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/contact/#When:21:03:47Z Please fill out this form, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can: 2010-03-29T21:03:47+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/welcome/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/welcome/#When:00:06:21Z Explorations is an imaginative outdoor, travel, and living experience that is a catalyst for changing the lives of teens experiencing trouble at home or in school. Our adventures are perfect for students who would benefit from a summer of conquered challenges, yet do not need the intensity of a typical therapeutic wilderness experience. Our innovative learning opportunities can motivate these troubled teens to view themselves as capable and successful. Our program has made a difference many young people’s lives. We believe in their innate strength, value, and potential just as strongly as we believe in the value of family in our society. Explorations is here to help young adults discover their inner worth and assist them in the search to find the spirit and energy that sparks from within. Over the years, we have witnessed hundreds of teens confront their innermost doubts, embark on journeys of self-exploration, and begin to imagine the things they once thought were beyond their grasp. At Explorations, we measure our success by the number of young people who courageously open the door to a future that makes those ideas a reality. 2010-03-12T00:06:21+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/woodbury-reports-interviews-penny-james/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/woodbury-reports-interviews-penny-james/#When:22:31:02Z Woodbury Reports, the preeminent educational consulting firm, interviewed Explorations founder and Director Penny James. Below is the intro to that story. Make sure to click through to read the whole interview! “An Interview with Penny James, an Industry Leader” By Judith E. Bessette EdD At the conclusion of the successful 2009 NATSAP Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas, a conference honoring the tenth anniversary of the organization, I had the opportunity to spend a few minutes talking with Penny James, the conference chair. Penny is also one of the founders and the current Director of Explorations, a family-based program in Montana that has been in operation for twenty years. I was interested in learning about how she got started in this business, her observations about how her program—and the industry as a whole—has changed, and about her involvement in NATSAP. Tell me how you got involved in this work… (read the rest of the story at The Woodbury Reports) 2009-06-08T22:31:02+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/explorations-hosts-residential-program-summit/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/explorations-hosts-residential-program-summit/#When:23:35:28Z Penny James, Explorations, hosted a Small Residential Program Summit in Whitefish, Montana on September 11th and 12th to review the NATSAP Principles of Good Practice. Their task was to determine the principles application to a small residential program, which generally fell into the home-based residential treatment category. They were chartered not only with determining their applicability, but to establish principles that would specifically apply to a small residential program. Read the whole story in the NATSAP News. 2006-09-11T23:35:28+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/montana-legislators-pass-house-bill-628/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/montana-legislators-pass-house-bill-628/#When:23:16:53Z On April 19, 2005, the Montana Legislators Pass House Bill 628 to setup a state board (Board of Private Alternative Adolescent Residential or Outdoor Programs) to implement a registration process for programs and will study current regulations, industry standards, and the quality of alternative adolescent residential and outdoor care in the state. Programs across the state of Montana recently united to pass ground-breaking legislation pertinent to therapeutic schools and programs statewide. In a nearly 6 month campaign, programs of different models, size, and perspective joined forces to educate Montana legislators about the components of House Bill 628. Program owners and employees, lobbyists, students and parents joined forces to teach Montana legislators about therapeutic programs and the life-changing impact such programs have on the students who attend, their families, the staff members that serve those families and the communities in which these facilities exist. Montana stood as one of the last spots in the nation where licensure, registration, and other regulatory components were not integrated into the state level government for all the different facilities statewide. (Read the whole story at NATSAP) 2005-05-01T23:16:53+00:00