MORE SUN, MORE SPRING, MORE HAPPENINGS...

GIRLS' RAFTING TRIP

Though a little early for whitewater rafting, the eight girls and 3 staff

from Mount Bachelor Academy were up for the challenge.   The weather report

was for partly cloudy skies and a small chance of rain.   Unfortunately,

the weather is still not a predictable factor for many outdoor activities

and instead we had one and a half sunny days and a very rainy night and

day followed by snow the next night.   With water higher than usual, the

girls had more struggles getting their boats off the banks than going

through the rapids.   Despite the challenges, everyone had a great time and

everyone learned to row a raft down the river.   For some, it was a first

time experience doing anything outdoors, let alone whitewater rafting.

Everyone enjoys a campfire, and our group was no exception, roasting

marshmallows and having girl talk after a hardy meal of barbeque

chicken, baked beans, and Chinese cabbage salad prepared by two of the

girls.   Because of the extreme weather, we opted to row a day early to the

pull-out site.   None of the camps had any cover, Wendy decided that we

could stay at the Bed and Breakfast that was along the river. This helped

to end the river trip with everyone being warm and dry and enabled us to

spend a night together making bead necklaces and more girl talk.   These

kind of trips are a lot of work not just for the staff, but for the

students and everyone of them pulled their share of the load and without

complaint.   It was a privilege to be a part of this trip with them, even

if the journey itself was not as pleasant as we hoped it would be.

 

Happy River Trails,

Charyn McDonnell

PHASE ONE FUN

Being here for the first months is not easy. The weather, activities, your peers and your own state of mind can help...or not.. Here are few shots from Phase One this week.

 

THE BOYS' INTERVENTION

Always hard, always looking for it, always rewarding. Thanks to Dustin, Dave, Bill, Paul and the student support.

(if you are a parent of a

student involved in the Intervention please email Alex Bitz (alexb@crestviewcable.com) ask for the password and then go to Intervention pictures

I want my life to be clear, not cluttered.   I want people to see a man who knows what he wants to do with his life.   I want to let go of my unorganized ways, focus on one thing and go after it. A.M.

I began doubting the goodness in the world. With that grim outlook, there wasn't anything worth trying for.A.MA.

.   I walk around with a smile on my face, joking with everyone no matter what I think of them.   I try so hard to get validation form outside sources that I become an empty vessel.   No soul resides within me.C.R.

My head has cleared and I have had a few wake-up calls.   I understand that the life I was leading is not the life I want to lead.  M.D.

I would be a politician by age 30 with a beautiful, intelligent and emotionally strong wife and baby boy, George V.   I would have a moderate house near work and a ranch in Stephenville.   I would raise cattle and horses on the ranch and eventually pass it on to my son.   I would also have an apartment in Washington, useful when my work as State Representative takes me there. G.R.

... It wasn't long before

The petals darkened

And the towers

 Shook the ground....

  L.F.

The roots below are deep.

Yet the sky received my pain.R.CO.

.   I would be married with three children, two boys and a girl.   I would be well off, supporting my family comfortably.   I would be happy and open.   I would never quit.   I would work as a police officer or play football.   I would be handsome. M.B.

 

  We are all pretty much the same with many of the same skeletons in our closets.   I have seen first hand how I affect my Dad when I hurt myself in one way or another.   I have learned that the things that make me the happiest are the bare essentials; food, water, clothing and shelter M.P.

              There are about 20 people on this earth that now know my deepest, darkest secrets.   I am so proud of myself and the others out here with me. T.W.

 

 

 

Today was the fourth day of and also my birthday.   I woke up tired and stiff, but had a positive outlook for the day.   The PT and run went well for me today and I was stoked to charge one last hill for my birthday and Bill Hoffman's birthday.P.C.

I am smiling, meaning that I am happy.   I am holding a pencil signifying that I am a successful college student. I am standing with my Dad because I am a loyal son who spends time with his father.

S.L.

 

I want to work my hardest today.   It is my brother's birthday.   I am going to work hard for him out here.   I am looking forward to getting some emotional work done.   I was told that the emotional aspect of intervention is going to turned up.   I am ready to get going. R.S.

THE SPRING MUG SHOTS

Getting ready for the "Parents' Check In Website" Dave Miller took some nice "mug shots" of the kids.

     

FOREVER YOUNG

Desiree West, Kori Kuana and Alex Bitz lead Peer Group 35 in one of the most beautiful and intense experiences at MBA: Forever Young Lifestep.

  

 

SUPPORT GROUP

Sharon Bitz (Executive Director), Alex Bitz ( MBA Outreach Director) and Mina Steen (MBA Outreach Counselor) will visit the wonderful state of Texas. They will meet with Educational Consultants and visit other schools and programs.

Also they will hold a parents support group and facilitate a workshop on parenting.

 

click here for more pictures)