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Aspen Ranch's Equine Therapy program is founded on the principle that, through working with horses, students can learn life skills that initiate change. Equine Therapy combines the power of the horse with effective teaching philosophies, experiential learning, therapy, and discussion groups, to be the ultimate horse program.
The ranch is home to approximately 35 horses and 5 steers who are all employed in providing therapy and experiential learning to our students. Besides these wonderful animals, Aspen Ranch also boasts our 225' x 110' indoor riding arena, enabling the horse therapy program to be fully functional regardless of weather.
If you are concerned about your teen's future call (866) 845-1391 today. We can help.
SUWS - Over 25 Years of Successfully Helping Families
Since 1981, SUWS has been giving children and their families hope for a positive and productive future. SUWS wilderness programs specialize in providing a safe and therapeutic environment that allows troubled and defiant teens to identify and work through emotional obstacles. Combing the wilderness environment with experiential learning helps students learn to value themselves, access their own abilities and build upon their strengths.
If you are concerned about your teen's future call (866) 845-1391 today. We can help.
Intriguing and Intelligent: Three Ways to Nurture the Introverted Teenager
By Catherine H. Knott, Ph.D.
Six girls sit around a table, talking and enjoying after-school snacks. One tells a story with great wit, and the others respond by laughing out loud until they have tears in their eyes. Their classmates at school would hardly recognize them. They consider these girls some of the quietest and most introverted students at the high school. Few know them well enough to strike up a conversation.
New brain research shows that the differences between introverted and extroverted temperaments are rooted deeply in the brain, and are strongly influenced by genetics. Marti Laney, Psy.D., in her book, The Hidden Gifts of the Introverted Child, states that "introversion and extroversion are among the most stable and heritable of the personality traits studied." In other words, it wouldn't work to try to change your introverted child into an extrovert. Yet, extroverts are about three times as common as introverts, and many parents feel their children would fit in better if they could become more extroverted. Laney's book shows the strengths of introverted children, and helps parents appreciate and nurture these children through the teenage years.
Identifying the Introverted Teen
Introverts typically draw their energy from within and frequently need quiet time to refuel, while extroverts draw energy from the outside world, larger social groups, and new experiences. Introverts tend to channel more of their attention to their rich inner lives and like to spend more time alone than extroverts, who prefer to expend their energy connecting with the world around them.
Introversion and extroversion are on a spectrum. Most people fall somewhere along the spectrum, with elements of both introversion and extroversion in their personalities. It can be difficult to identify introverted teens during the high school years since introverts may try to act more extroverted in an effort to fit in socially. Fortunately, by the teen years, you know your own child very well. The quick quiz below will help you decide whether your child is an introvert or an extrovert, if you don't already know.
Helping Your Teens Become Leaders: The Metaphor of Wilderness as a Model for Leadership
At a recent community meeting I attended, the volunteer leader let everyone know she was not comfortable continuing in the leadership role, and fostered a discussion about leadership. By the end of the meeting, there were only a few people stepping forward to act as volunteer leader for future meetings. I was struck by how uncomfortable many people felt imagining themselves in the leadership role, even for a simple once-a-week meeting.
While some argue leaders are born, not made, all people can learn to act as leaders in some areas. Even the born leaders learn additional skills from other people, experience, and study. As human beings, we look to leaders to provide safety as we try to reach new goals and meet challenges. Every mountaineering expedition is based on the understanding that quality leadership, and a mutual agreement to rely on that leadership, is essential for success. Business ventures, institutions, and nonprofit volunteer organizations all rely on the leadership of certain members to guide their activities.
Our teenagers need to become leaders to strengthen their own lives and to strengthen their contributions to others. But our teenagers rarely research leadership techniques for their own sake. Instead, they learn about leadership from role models, participating in organizations with leaders, and experimenting with these roles within their peer groups. As our society changes from traditional hierarchical leadership styles to a more cooperative, inclusive leadership model, confusion about how to be a leader is growing.
Wilderness camps and programs are a great place for teens to learn about leadership. The metaphor of the wilderness guide leading an expedition can help teens understand the role of the leader as well as different leadership styles. By using the metaphor to understand the responsibilities of the leader, teenagers can think through leadership roles for themselves and decide whether they are ready for a certain role. As a teacher, I often use this metaphor to explain my role as teacher to my students. The "wilderness guide" in my mind constantly reminds me of the tasks I have as a leader.
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