Participation in Curriculum

One strategy that Phoenix uses to help identify and work on student issues is our therapeutic curriculum. This innovative and unique curriculum contains journaling exercises, experiential activities, topics for group discussions and exercises designed to help the student reflect. The curriculum is divided into 8 Sections, each centered on a core value that was chosen because of its relevance to struggles that teenagers face today.

Woven into the curriculum are activities designed to help students evaluate their substance use and the impact it has had on their family, friends, schoolwork, and themselves. The 12 Step program is introduced in the curriculum with emphasis placed on Steps 1 through 3 which asks the student to consider that substances have placed their lives in an unmanageable situation and they need help to make needed changes.

During their time at base camp and on wilderness treks, Field Instructors execute daily lesson plans that include a variety of activities such as journaling, group discussions, or experiential activities. Students have time to reflect about where they stand on relevant issues relating to one of these values then discuss those issues in their peer groups.

As an example, one set of lesson plans revolve around the subject of honesty. During the week, students examine the issue of the risk associated with being honest. Through role play and group discussions, students analyze the risk vs. rewards of being honest and the consequences associated with being dishonest or withholding information. The day ends with a journaling exercise where students write a letter to someone they have had a difficult time being honest with, explaining the risk they see associated with that honesty.

Engaging in these activities gives students the opportunity to identify areas for which they struggle. Additionally, Field Instructors who deliver these lesson plans gather valuable information about each student so that everyone on the treatment team becomes more aware of the student's issues.