Passages Alaska is continuing with its winter group.  The students are still able to get out on the water and paddle, similar to the spring and summer program but there are a few differences that help to adjust to the weather, which is generally warmer than the mountain or northern areas in the contiguous US.  This is due to being situated in Southeast Alaska and sitting in the same Olympic Range as Seattle.

The students have several Forest Service Cabins that they can base out of when the weather is not conducive to paddling that day,  Students continue to camp outside in their hammocks with an extra sleeping and under bag to keep them cozy, due more to rain and winds than what is thought of as typical weather.  Even when the students aren’t moving from Island to island, they continue to get out in the canoes, do service projects of chopping wood, having their clinical meetings and groups, and still have the option of fishing from shore.

The students have the opportunity to experience Alaska at its fullest, watching the resident whale population that doesn’t migrate breach right in front of the cabin. the sea otters and the true wilderness that Alaska has to offer.  Getting to and from the operating area is the same as it always has been; the charter airline and the Island Ferry from Ketchikan to Prince of Wales Island run throughout the winter season.

Passages Alaska is a unique wilderness program in Southeast Alaska serving adolescent males and young adults aged 18-28 in gender specific groups. As participants come into the Alaskan Wilderness the coastal waters offer a fresh perspective and a new path. Hands-on therapeutic interventions include paddling, whale watching, fishing, primitive skill building and service to others. Extensive therapy and coaching is built in for those with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and failure to thrive.

Skookum House is an adventure high school with educational support designed to keep students engaged, active, and progressing toward graduation. Skookum House is for high school boys who have not been able to thrive at home or in a virtual school environment. Students may choose to use their home high school platform or another virtual platform. While living at SH, students will benefit from a more normalized social life, participate in outdoor Alaskan adventures while learning unique, confidence-building skills, and gain a respect for serving others.