http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/blog/ en webdev@artandimage.biz Copyright 2011 2011-06-23T21:42:33+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/leadership-adventure-now-focusing-on-service-learning/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/leadership-adventure-now-focusing-on-service-learning/#When:21:42:33Z The Leadership Adventure group has migrated east to the other side of the Rockies, and have spent the last few days getting to know the people of the Blackfeet Nation in order to find out how we can best serve their community.  This week our fundamental theme is “giving back”, and the rewards and lessons of helping others will be used as a touchstone for the individual growth of our students.  The first reports from the field instructors are positive.  This trip is taking our students out of their comfort zones in new and unpredictable ways.  There is talk of a possible Sun Dance, and already a hint that we may be invited to return later in the summer for a big traditional celebration.  2011-06-23T21:42:33+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/explorations-summer-leadership-adventure-lives-up-to-its-name/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/explorations-summer-leadership-adventure-lives-up-to-its-name/#When:21:38:25Z The first ever Explorations Summer Leadership Adventure is living up to its name.  Last week seven of our boys spent five days on the Blackfoot River—made famous in the book and movie A River Runs Through It—and became certified as Swift Water Rescuers and Raft Guides.  The training was provided by Montana River Guides, and the folks there had nothing but rave reports of the performance, maturity, and professionalism of the Explorations team.  We are so proud of our boys, who can now be employed as river guides! 2011-06-23T21:38:25+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/summer-leadership-adventure/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/summer-leadership-adventure/#When:01:21:06Z Looking for a structured, fun summer adventure for a student transitioning out of a therapeutic placement, transitioning home, or preparing for college?  Explorations is pleased to offer the Summer Leadership Adventure Course.  This unique program will incorporate high adventure activities and certification, service learning, leadership opportunities and vocational instruction with continued emotional growth and high school credit.  Students and families will also participate in the signature Explorations Parent Float Trip. Students will: Attend whitewater raft guide school Become First Aid Certified Participate in a meaningful service learning opportunity with academic credit Engage in practical vocational instruction with academic credit Work as river guides on the Big Sky Summer Parent Float Trips Enjoy a beautiful, fun Montana summer This program is designed to enhance and build upon the work that the students have done in previous programs and provide them with continued treatment and growth opportunities, and to provide a FUN summer adventure! To start the summer off, the students will all participate in a CPR/First Aid course, which will enable them to be prepared for their summer of adventure, as well as their involvement as mentors in the Big Sky Summer courses, and the Family River Trips.  This will be followed by a 7 day backpacking adventure.  During this time the students will enjoy some time in the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness or Scotchman Peak Wilderness.  This will be a time to reflect upon the school year, focus on new goals, and gear up for an exciting summer full of opportunity.  After a two day break back at HomeBase for parent calls, therapy sessions, and some showers, the students will depart for the 5-day Raft Guide School.  All students will be trained by professionals to become certified whitewater rafting instructors.  We are very excited about the… 2011-06-03T01:21:06+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/tentative-summer-2011-schedule-released/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/news/article/tentative-summer-2011-schedule-released/#When:19:03:28Z Explorations has released a tentative schedule for the upcoming Summer 2011 season: * Rolling Enrollment starts May 16th 2011 * Boys group 1 June 20th – August 10th * Boys group 2 June 22 – August 12th * Girls Group June 24th – August 14th * Post Summer August 10 – September 5th 2011-03-03T19:03:28+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/info/pages_template/explorations-staff-team/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/explorations-staff-team/#When:22:27:42Z 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 Director and Co-Founder Certified Parent Coach Penny James co-founded Explorations in 1989 as a small program that is committed to offering quality, individualized offerings. Penny holds a BS in Secondary Education from Nebraska Wesleyan University and has over 25 years experience working with young people and their families in non-traditional learning environments. Prior to establishing Explorations, Penny's 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 working as 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… 2010-04-23T22:27:42+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:23:19:11Z Since 1990, the Big Sky Summer Adventure Program has combined outdoor adventure, leadership opportunities, service learning, family involvement, emotional growth and individualized treatment into an action-packed summer.  Our program helps adolescents increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and sets students up for success at home and at school.  Skilled outdoor professionals and trained therapists guide students through the summer adventures in small, gender specific groups of no more than eight students.  Our program teaches students the high adventure skills of rafting, flat water canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking and backpacking.  By summer’s end, our students have typically developed a sense of leadership and accomplishment that has exceeded their own expectations, as well as those of their parents.  Explorations integrates individual counseling, group counseling and a strong emotional growth curriculum to help students understand the issues that have caused them to struggle.  Students learn appropriate communication skills, anger management skills, and problem solving skills.  Our students learn to be 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 appropriate communication and meaningful team work.  These skills provide a launching pad for successful future endeavors as students re-enter school , re-integrate into the family, or move toward life’s next challenge.  We teach a leave no trace environmental ethic and we participate in meaningful service work.  Service learning projects may include river restoration projects, trail rehabilitation, tree planting projects and contributions to organizations in the local community.  Students learn the value of giving back through community service, raising awareness about themselves and their choices through these adventures.  Between each expedition, students return to HomeBase where they prepare for their next expedition, enjoy home style meals, talk with parents via phone… Summer Adventures 2010-04-08T23:19:11+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/homebase/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/homebase/#When:23:17:03Z Through immersion in a healthy family atmosphere, our HomeBase program aims to arms its students with the tools to make healthy choices in their lives, long after they complete their stay.  Active participation in a supportive and healthy family environment and community gives students hands on experience dealing with the challenges of everyday life.  We cultivate a supportive family-like environment through creative and individualized opportunities for personal growth, authentic living and positive change.  For over 20 years, Explorations has provided students with hand- on experience dealing with the challenges, temptations, joys and every day struggles of life. Students live in our homes for an extended period of time, practicing healthy family living in an environment where they continuously receive feedback and support.  The longevity of our family-centered HomeBase Residential Program speaks for itself.  Since 1990, we have assisted hundreds of families in “launching” their children toward a happy, healthy and productive future.  When you walk into one of our homes, you will find yourself in the midst of a big eclectic family living, learning, and growing together.  Explorations is NOT a cookie-cutter program.  You won’t see dormitory rooms and uniforms; but instead a family home with nurturing, experienced parents and professionals—a truly supportive and unique environment designed to foster growth and development.  It is a safe place for students to stretch, grow and define a new self, away from the previous pressures causing them to struggle.  The values of honesty, trust and respect are modeled, taught and practiced at Explorations.  Students learn to identify their role within their family system and practice new skills and patterns of communication.  With practice and support, students learn to appreciate family involvement, positive peer involvement, and the value of making healthy choices. Students can expect a fair division… 2010-04-08T23:17:03+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:22:58:03Z Our Post-Summer Session is available for students that need continued care after our summer programs conclude and before their school year starts. 2010-04-08T22:58:03+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. Sample Boys 52-day Summer Adventure Course Itinerary (from 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 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:22:36:10Z 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. Sample Girls 55-day Summer Adventure Course Itinerary (from 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 2010-04-08T22:36:10+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/summer-startup/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/summer-startup/#When:22:35:15Z 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! 2010-04-08T22:35:15+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/personal-leadership/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/programs/personal-leadership/#When:22:27:55Z 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 2010-04-08T22:27:55+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:23:33:41Z 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) Origin Outdoors special Explorations Gear Packages Flyer (.pdf) Summer Contracts: Summer Adventure Contracts 2011 (.pdf) Post-Summer Contract 2011 (.pdf) Pre-Summer Contract 2011 (.pdf) Residential Information & Contract: Residential at-a-glance, 2011-2012 (.pdf) Residential Contract 2011-2012 (.doc | .pdf) Schedule of Individual Expenses 2011-2012 (.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. 2010-04-07T23:33:41+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/admissions/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/admissions/#When:22:52:49Z "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… 2010-04-07T22:52:49+00:00 http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/employment/ http://www.explorationsmt.com/explore/info/pages_template/employment/#When:22:35:07Z Job Offerings Residential Counselor: Full Time Pay rate DOE Please inquire Responsible for overseeing students in an effective and proper manner at all times. Supervises and interacts with individual or grouped students to improve caring, socialization, and other life skills. Monitors progress of students through regular interaction, intervention, meetings, and written case notes. Meets with staff to discuss students and their well being. Work experience requirements: Minimum of 2 years in Youth Corrections, Residential Treatment or other related environment. Demonstrates competency in crisis intervention Demonstrates best judgment regarding the immediate physical health, safety, and welfare of students Responsible for participating and scheduling recreational events for the house. Computer knowledge a must Flexible work schedule Able to coordinate own time to efficiently carry out assigned duties Education Requirements: High School diploma or GED required. College level courses in social sciences preferred. First Aid & CPR Please send resume and cover letter to: Penny@explorationsmt.com or contact Penny James at 406-827-3863 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. Our field areas include the… 2010-04-07T22:35:07+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:00:06:29Z Year-Round HomeBase Residential Program Students struggling at home or school benefit through immersion into a therapeutic home where healthy family dynamics and role-modeling are the focus. Active participation in a supportive and healthy family environment and becoming a contributing member of the local community enables students to receive hands-on experience and support in dealing with the challenges of everyday life. They complete the program having practiced and internalizing valuable tools for making healthy choices. Summer Offerings Is your teenager starting to push parental boundaries and making choices that are counter-productive to their future? If so, our outdoor adventure and leadership experiences are the solution. This summer, choose to send your son or daughter on one of our adventure programs and have your child return home better prepared to take on the challenges of adolescence. Our summer programs combine the exhilaration and challenge of outdoor activities such as rock climbing, whitewater rafting, canoeing, and mountain biking combined with emotional-growth, individualized treatment and service learning experiences. Family River Float Trips Our signature Family Float Trips provide families with a unique, direct opportunity to be a part of their child’s growth.  Custom-Designed Specialty Trips Custom-designed experiences for individuals, families and corporations are available upon request.  Give us a call to determine which program might be right for your family. Unique Outdoor Adventure and Residential Living for Adolescents since 1990   2010-03-12T00:06:29+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