A Walk Through Nature

A Treatment Approach that is Inspiring and Empowering

Fundamental to realizing our school's mission, is the instruction of outdoor education or experiential learning.  Experiential learning through outdoor recreation is highly effective in assisting children, teens and adults to develop a greater sense of self; acquire leadership experience; enhance social development and teamwork skills; increase confidence and self worth; develop greater critical thinking and problem solving skills; and creating an affinity for health and wellness.  Youth who attend our therapeutic school consistently demonstrate a higher level of maturity that is not seen in most other teenagers. 

Turning Winds Academic Institute is located in perhaps one of the most pristine and serene environments that exist amongst therapeutic boarding schools.  We value the environment in which we reside in and are in awe at the vistas seen from mountain tops; the network of hiking trails; the multitude of alpine lakes, rivers and streams and the great variety of wildlife that we co-exist with. 

Common outdoor activities for our students include:  hiking, mountain biking, backpacking and various water activities.  A favorite hiking destination for our student's is Fish Lakes.  Yesterday a group of youth hiked into Fish Lakes which gently meander's along a mountain-side which includes scenery of old growth trees, thimbleberry bushes, rock slides, creek crossings, a series of beaver ponds and a beautiful waterfall.  The roundtrip hike is about 8 miles in duration and would be rated easy to moderate.

As we hiked along the trail, it was inspiring to listen to various conversations within the group detailing personal experiences of prior challenges and triumph which has resulted since arriving at TWAI.  One girl noted, "I am truly grateful for this privilege... most kids will never have this opportunity."  The same girl went on to describe the college ambitions she has for when she graduates from our school.  Others talked about the good times in their lives and a common ring heard from a number of girls was how they had grown to love and appreciate their families.  Girls were making bets on whose brother will call and talk with them first.  It was truly a blessing to experience such insight into the lives of the youth who were along for this hike. 

Once we arrived at Fish Lakes, we had dinner which consisted of hoagie sandwiches, all natural Capri Sun's, SunChips and fruit snacks.  We also attempted to catch some of the fish which were jumping in the lake all around us, but they would not bite on the spinners which we had.  Without any prompting, one of the girls volunteered to carry the group backpack all the way back to the trailhead.  It is truly amazing to witness so many acts of responsibility, maturity and service from students as they participate in our outdoor activities.  We arrived back at the trailhead before nightfall.  The student's expressed gratitude for the time which was taken to sponsor such a wonderful activity and we departed to the school with a group looking forward to a good night's rest. 

A Refreshing Experience

A Cool, Refreshing Break!

Turning Winds Academic Institute is a therapeutic school that provides many opportunities for students to engage in meaningful experiences.  One element used to measure the health of a therapeutic boarding school is the type and frequency of activities offered.  At TWAI we are able to provide a plethora of activities that consist of the following:  sports, fitness, indoor/outdoor recreation and therapeutic recreation.
















Staff from Turning Winds Academic Institute took a group of teenage boys to go swimming in the beautiful elements of Northwestern Montana.  We went to the upper falls of The West Fork Yaak River.  It sits in a small, canyon with the waterfall splitting off into two different directions; creating an amazing landscape.  There the boys enjoyed swimming into the deep pool of water; jumping off some of the nearby ridges and rock outcrops; and just relaxing in the sun!
















If you, or someone you know, could use our exceptional services, please contact us at:  800-845-1380.

A Blast From the Past

Lost in the 50's Vintage Car Parade

Students from Turning Winds Academic Institute had a great time attending the Lost in the 50's Car Parade in Sandpoint, Idaho.  There they were able to truly experience "a blast from the past," as they were able to watch with hundreds of other onlookers the classic cars stroll down main street in Sandpoint, Idaho.  The kids enjoyed looking at all of the "hot rod" type of cars and hear the engines roar as the vehicles rolled by.  Afterwards the kids stopped and had pizza along with ice cream. 

For more information on our school, please visit our website, Turning Winds Academic Institute or give us a call at:  800-845-1380.  We are a premier, therapeutic boarding school that continues to set the standard for treatment.
 

Student's Finish Strong at The Kootenai River Run

Start Last, Finish First

This year was another great race for participants from Turning Winds Academic Institute in the Kootenai River Run.  There were over 300 participants that came from BC Canada and across various areas throughout the Northwest to compete in the race.  This is the third year that TWAI has had students compete in the Kootenai River Run; four of our students along with a dedicated staff from TWAI made for another excellent finish.

According to Ian B., one of the student’s from TWAI, this is how the race went down, “Everyone gathered at the starting area, and before looking, we heard the pop of the starting gun and most of the crowd launched forward. We started off in the back of the park with the mentality of, “Start Last, Finish First." We quickly made it through most of the crowd and we were well on our way to running the 10K. The run took us from the park just behind the Kootenai River Brewery Company and across the bridge before we started
through the secluded neighborhoods of Bonners Ferry.  We kept a steady pace throughout the run apart from a few walking breaks. When we got back to the park and crossed the finish line, only about 50 minutes had passed, which round’s out to about 9 minutes miles. When the times were posted, we found that for 16-19 age categories, we placed 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th; we were all quite satisfied with those results.” 

We extend our congratulations to Ian, Trevor, Nick, Luke and Jan for a race ran well!  At Turning Winds Academic Institute we strive to create sustainable success through meaningful activities; therapeutic services and excellent, academic achievement.  For more information on how Turning Winds Academic Institute may be of service to your son or daughter, please call us at:  800-845-1380.

Having fun at Silverwood

Having Fun at Silverwood

Students from Turning Winds Academic Institute spent the day at Silverwood.  Silverwood is the largest theme park in the pacific northwest which includes over 65 attractions ranging from water slides to roller coasters that travel at speeds over 55 mph. 

The first part of the day was spent at the water park where the boys enjoyed racing down Velocity Peak water slides; taking a group raft down Ricochet Rapids; enjoying Boulder Beach Bay swimming in the wave pool; and just relaxing in the sun to work on those tans.

After eating lunch at Orlando's Mexican food, we ventured into the theme park with the rides.  The kids could not get enough of Tremors which is a roller coaster that dives under ground.  In addition to Tremors the students had some fun riding on additional roller coasters such as:  Timber Terror, Spin cycle, After Shock and Corkscrew.  The young men had a great day and seemed a little worn out from having too much fun!



It is essential that teenager's have a healthy outlets and that includes having fun!  At Turning Winds Academic Institute, we take the time to engage in meaningful experiences with teens.  There is something for every student to connect with.  For more information on how we may be of assistance in helping guide, inspire and empowering your child to change, please Contact Us or call at: 1-800-845-1380.

Turning Winds Academic Institute - A Time to Reflect

Turning Winds Academic Institute has utilized the power of creating meaningful, outdoor experiences since inception. Have you ever taken a family camping trip, picnic or gone on a hike to someplace that is absolutely serene - the views are spectacular; the creations/designs of the environment sparks wonder and amazement; the peace which one feels is enlightening; the fresh mountain air is invigorating; and the excitement of seeing wildlife is like being a kid all over again.

The experience in these unique environments can assist in providing new insight or perspective on life; hence, the reason why we at TWAI believe that this is an important aspect of our treatment approach. Every student enrolled in our therapeutic, boarding school will have the opportunity to embark on a six day journey in some of the most amazing places in this country. Some of these treasures are found in Places like Hell's Canyon, Seven Devil's Peaks, Ross Lake and the Selkirk Mountains.

 Safety, awareness and preparedness are critical themes that are taught throughout the preparation and training for these outdoor excursions. Some of the major areas of focus include the following: environmental hazards, leave no trace, hiking etiquette, how to properly treat water, proper gear and clothing, care and proper use of equipment and first-aid. The guides that lead these outdoor expeditions have decades of experience and are equipped with the latest technology to assist in location monitoring and rescue if needed.  We feel fortunate that in the almost twenty years of backpacking with teenagers, we have never had any major incidents with our students. 

A typical journey will result in viewing some amazing wildlife ranging from pesky mice, deer, wolves and we have even seen bears while out in the wilderness.  We strive to create a feeling of success in the teens that participate in these journeys as they are able to accomplish such a great feat.  This last Fall a group of ambitious boys decided to shorten their hiking days and instead of backpacking 20 miles in two days they did it in just one day.  What an amazing accomplishment!  Who do you know who could carry a back-pack weighing anywhere from 35-50lbs and hike 20 miles in one day?  The last day of our trip we usually spend having some extra fun, such as going to Scarywood near Coeur D'Alene, ID; going out to the movies or spending the day at an indoor water park while eating out at some great restaurants.  The kids are always impressed and glad they went regardless of the work that was required to successfully complete a meaningful backpacking trip.  And before you know it, time seems to have warped forward and we are on our way back to the school to share the great experiences which we had for those days while we were out trekking across the mountains. 

For more information about Turning Winds Academic Institute, please call us at:  800-845-1380 or Contact Us.

Snowshoeing at Turing Winds Academic Institute

Another wintery activity, for students in Montana at Turning Winds Academic Institute.  The leaders along with the teenage boys and girls geared up to prepare for a snowshoeing adventure.  As the students were strapping on the snowshoes, others were telling stories of how enchanted it was to hear the cry of wolves howling at night, as is common in Northwest Montana.  The powder was fresh with a base of about two feet of snow on the ground.



The only sounds that echoed through the trees were those from the boys and girls laughing and talking as they meandered through the forest on snowshoes.  The kids had fun throwing snow balls at each other along the way and telling stories of what they were planning on doing on their next visit home. One of the boys even jumped in the deep powder to make a snow-angel. Being with these youth to create fun and exciting experiences is such a blessing! Before too long, the sun had set and it was time to back track in order to arrive on-campus before it was too dark outside to navigate through the woods.  It always seems like there is never enough time when you’re having so much fun! After arriving back at the school, we quickly removed our gear and went inside to warm up by the crackling fire while sipping on some nice warm hot chocolate.