Youth from Randolph Children’s Home grow emotionally through engaging, fun activities such as skiing.
Excursion to Adirondacks
promotes emotional growth
Chris, a teen at Randolph Children’s Home, didn’t even want to try skiing during a recent expedition to the Adirondacks, during which youth participate in recreational activities that promote emotional growth.
“I was scared at first,” said Chris, 15. “I told myself I wasn’t even going to do it because I knew I wasn’t going to be good at it.”
The first couple of times, he fell.
“After I fell, I thought, ‘No, I’m done,’” he said.
But the other youth on the trip encouraged him, and he tried a few more times. After the third or fourth attempt, he picked up speed.
“It felt good because I was going fast and dodging everything in my way,” he said. “I wanted to do more because it was so fun. I love skiing now. I would want to go often.”
The experience helped Chris believe he could accomplish goals “as long as I put my mind to it,” he said.
The excursion was part of Randolph Children’s Home Adventure Recreation program. The teens camped in a cabin and also hiked.
One of the best parts of the trip for Chris was getting to know other teens better through group discussions called Guided Group Interaction, or GGI. He found special support from another teen that lasted when they returned to Randolph Children’s Home.
“Every time he has an issue he comes to me,” Chris said, “and I go to him.”
Chris was interviewed just before being discharged from the program, and he said he planned to use what he had learned when he returned to his home.
“I’m going to use it out there,” he said.
March 2009