Skookum House, an adventure high school, based in Southeast Alaska for boys 14- 17 years old who have not been able to thrive in their current situation, has their first student currently enrolled in Passages Alaska.  He will transition to Skookum at the completion of his wilderness experience.  The boys will have coach mentoring and therapy when needed. Skookum House is a small private school with educational support designed to keep students engaged, active and progressing toward graduation.

Alaska’s Southeast Island School District, based in Thorne Bay has agreed to allow Skookum House students to join their virtual homeschool program.  AK-Trails Correspondence/ Homeschool Program is designed to be flexible and adaptable to student needs with electives that include Kayaking, Fishing, Kayak Repair, Ceramics and Music.  The program itself allows for Academic Freedom with self-paced lessons and Special Education Support with extra teacher support is available when needed.  It also allows for the boys to participate in Basketball, Volleyball, Wrestling, Cross Country, Archery and many more extracurricular activities associated with the high school experience.

“It’s amazing that the school district has developed a program that fits so well with the way we like to do things. It really provides an opportunity for young men to develop to their full potential,” says Passages Alaska Executive Director, Sean Tomkinson. “We feel very fortunate to be able to offer AK Trails to our students.”

The weather for the school year will be similar to that of Seattle – a bit wet with temperatures around 35 degrees with seven hours of daylight during the shortest day of the year.  The students will benefit from being able to participate in outdoor Alaskan adventures as wells as service projects, learning unique, confidence-building skills, and gain a respect for giving back. 

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-Ak Trails – https://www.sisd.org/o/aktrails