Seven Stars, a residential treatment and assessment center for teens with neurodevelopmental challenges, recently took some of their students on a camping trip near Zion National Park. This camping trip is one example of the numerous adventure outings students take during their time at the program. 

“Adventure outings and activities like the camping trip we went on last weekend help students try new things and break out of their comfort zones,” says Alexander Kelly, Recreation Lead at Seven Stars. “During this most recent trip, some of our students were learning how to set up a campsite for the first time. While students were setting up camp, they were learning to set tents up themselves and asked for help if they needed it. Students who were experienced campers were offering to help other students who needed help. It was a great skill-building and social experience for the students.”

After the first night of camping, students went hiking at Belly of the Dragon, a quarter-mile-long man-made tunnel. After that hike, students hiked through the surrounding sites and hills. “The hike we did near Belly of the Dragon helped students practice and be exposed to being in an environment that they may not have ever experienced before,” says Alexander. “Not many have seen a real desert, let alone camped in one. Everyone got along super well and helped each other through a sometimes difficult hike.”

During the second night of camping, students took part in an Iron Chef-style cooking competition. “It was a fun and silly game and students cooked their own food,” comments Alexander. “It was really empowering for them. Some learned how to do things like use a can opener for the first time. We also played a game where there were 2 teams, with one leader for each team.  Only the leaders were allowed to talk the entire time to give instruction and feedback.  This was great practice and implementation of newly learned skills like listening, following instruction, and managing temporary stress in order to complete a challenging task.  It was a wonderful learning experience for them.”

These adventure trips are not only learning experiences for students, they are also used as a  motivator to help students progress and grow. 

“Overnight camping and adventure trips like these help provide a relaxing and refreshing environment for students off-campus,” says Alexander. “On the way back from this trip, one of the students told me ‘I wish every camping trip could be as great as this one’. Students really enjoy these trips and they are an important part of our adventure programming.” 

For more information about adventure programming, please visit https://discoversevenstars.com

About Seven Stars

Seven Stars is a leading assessment program and residential treatment center for teens ages 13-17 who struggle with neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD.  For more information about programming at Seven Stars, please visit  https://discoversevenstars.com or call 844-601-1167.