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Post by lark on Jan 24, 2010 22:26:12 GMT -5
 Welcome to Deercreek! We are a small therapeutic facility in western Montana that caters to what many call "troubled" teenagers. We don't see it that way. Students are received with open arms and given the resources to make a change. In addition to the support of our easy going staff, students participate in a riding program. At Deercreek we believe in the healing power of these gentle creatures having seen it time and again. Whether it works or not is up to you. During your time at Deercreek, however, we ask that you follow a few rules.
1.) As we are a new program, we do not currently have our own school. Students attend the public county high school, Bucksnort County High School. Students must follow school rules and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher or face consequences.
2.) Any student found to have drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcohol, weapons, or any other item deemed detrimental to the Deercreek mission will have them confiscated and face punishment.
3.) Any student caught in a compromising position will face punishment. It is inappropriate and will not be tolerated.
4.) Modest dress is required. Indecency is not permissible at Deercreek. When in the barn, appropriate footwear must be worn and facial piercings taken out for your own safety.
5.) Any generally unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. This includes fighting, illegal activity, vandalism, etc.
6.) Excessive foul language is not allowed.
7.) All barn rules must be followed, including wearing a helmet while riding, asking staff before riding one of the horses, and treating the horses properly.
8.) All students in addition to their classes must participate in the riding program. If for some reason a student is unable to, other accommodations will be made, however outright refusal to participate will not be tolerated. Students must take at least one lesson per week.
9.) Respect must be shown toward staff.
10.) At Deercreek, we do not allow technology of any form, helping to clear students' heads and focus on real life. This includes iPods, computers, cell phones, and television. Scheduled movie nights will occur throughout the year, however. Further, any student needing to make a phone call can use a counselor's cell phone.
11.) Lastly, at Deercreek we believe in second chances, however we more or less have a one, two, three strikes you're out policy. All students will be dealt with on a case by case basis and while our goal is never to have to expel a student, if a student shows no results from our program, we hope another may be better suited to their needs.
When you arrive at Deercreek, you will meet with a staff member to get moved in. This staff member will assign you to a room, help you pick classes, and otherwise help you adjust to life at Deercreek. All students will be assigned a counselor who they report to on a day-to-day basis. Counselors are assigned on the basis of gender. All students will meet with their counselor once or more a week, as deemed by the counselor, for an hour-long session and once a month with either of the owners. Though this time is often used as a therapy session, the counselor may use the time for other activities deemed therapeutic. Counselors also schedule group meetings as they see fit, usually once a week, with all their assigned students.
Every weekday morning at Deercreek begins with a wake-up call at 6:45 when students wake and get ready for the day. Breakfast is offered from 7:00 until 7:40 when students will board the vans for school. Students return from class at 2:15 unless involved in an after-school activity. Many students have riding classes once back at Deercreek from 2:30-5:00, but those who do not have class may have counselor sessions during this time or be allowed free time. Studying is encouraged. Dinner begins at 5:00 and ends at 6:00. From 6:00 to 9:00 students play sports, spend time at the barn, socialize, and continue study time. Students must be in their rooms for check-in at 9:30; lights-out is at 10:00. On weekends, breaks, and summers, time is spent riding, going on outings into town, studying, and socializing with wake-up call at 8:30, check-in at 10:00, and lights-out at 11:00. Students also rotate helping with feeding, turn-ins, and mucking out stalls in a schedule that does not interfere with their school schedule.
We hope you enjoy your time here at Deercreek Ranch and leave different than you came!
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