Program Helps Keep Kids Straight
From the 1994 editions of the New Castle Record
It’s been five years since Craig County welcomed Col. (Ret.) Eugene Nervo and his camping program, Wilderness Adventures at Eagle Landing.
On September 20, Nervo will add another aspect of his commitment to youth as the doors open in the Oak Lodge at Craig Healing Springs Retreat Center to admit the first students of the Wilderness Leadership Academy.
“We’ve been putting this together for the past three years,” Nervo said.
Five students, two teachers and two counselors are currently on board, but registration is open year-round, he explained. The eight-and-a-half-month program is tailored for a maximum of 20 students.
The Academy offers a dynamic and powerful residence program for young men age 13 through 17. It is dedicated to the highest standards and principles of academic excellence, physical well-being, social norms and moral courage.
What sounds like it might not be for everyone, is actually for those who need it most-teenagers identified as “at-risk.” This includes those with learning disabilities, social maladjustments, strained family relationships, neglect and abuse.
Not accepted are those with drug and alcohol dependency, fire-setting behaviors, serious physically aggressive/assaultive behaviors, psychotic diagnosis, moderate to serious physical or sensory handicaps requiring individualized care as well as those who are depressed/suicidal and currently in need of hospitalization or otherwise a threat to self or community.
However, the Academy is neither a correctional nor a detention facility and candidates may be referred by individuals, therapists, families, the Department of Social Services, school systems or court service units. A full school year’s tuition is $24,000. The toll-free number is 800-574-8155.
The program coordinator, Cheryl Austin, holds an MS in learning disabilities and has 13 years of experience in special and therapeutic education. Teachers are certified in special education and an education specialist and psychologist provide professional counseling for students.
The program is aimed at improving the resident’s academic, social, physical, emotional and moral well-being with the goal of preparing the student for a full and satisfying adult life. It combines a traditional classroom education setting with wilderness therapy to create a powerful experience that can change a young person’s life, Nervo said.
The unique educational process occurs on site in conformance with the Commonwealth of Virginia Public School Code.
The wilderness adventure therapy component is the nucleus of the residence program and the Academy is affiliated with Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing, a year-round outdoor adventure program that will provide instruction by skilled experts in rock climbing, rappelling, canoeing, kayaking, caving, mountain biking, Native American skills, adventure trail, high ropes, low ropes and climbing wall.
Two powerful motivational education components are the basis of the program: experiential education (based on experiencing the factual information in textbooks) and wilderness therapy.
Experiential learning is the foundation of the academic program.
Science is taught by seeing, touching and feeling.
History is taught by acting out historical events and visiting historical sites and museums.
Current events are taught by inciting and interest in what is happening in local, state and national news and becoming involved through CNN and the news media. In fact, the students are required daily to watch one hour of CNN news and turn in a written report.
The average school day is six hours of classroom and experiential instruction, five days per week. One day of wilderness experience or outdoor adventure is scheduled each week, including the adventure skills as well as farming skills and animal husbandry. A three-hour session featuring a visit from an area resident with a particular career or profession is scheduled each week and a mentor program will be developed from the professional visits program.
And there’s plenty of camping.
Once a month the students visit a place of interest such as a museum, theater or sporting event and in-house athletes can participate in organized sports such as soccer, tennis, wrestling and cross county running for scrimmages with nearby high schools.
Courtesy, respect for others and high moral students are strong components of the program. Religious observances are encouraged and supported.
“The Academy is committed to providing a quality program and to being a good neighbor to the host community,” Nervo said. Consequently, clients are carefully screened to ensure the integrity of the program, safety to the community and maximum development of others at the Academy.
The overall objective-to motivate participation and learning-is a noble cause for any educator these days.
But Nervo remains humble.
“It’s a confusing world out there and there are so many harmful options for teenagers. At the Academy, we want to provide them with a light, or even a spark, for setting their goals and success at achieving them.”
-Prepared By Lisa King
