From the drive up the mountain to drive down into the safe community enclave, Stone Mountain is protective of the population it works with best: Young teen boys with needs in creating the right school and living environment for themselves to excel. it is likely that you’ll find a young man like I did, inquisitive and wanting to talk. ” Are you here to apply for job?”, he asked with wide opened eyes. “It’s a great place to work!” “How long is your stay so far?”, I asked. “6 mos, but it’s gone really fast, and I’m doing really well.” The staff community is close, the buildings sport new paint and clean through and through. The pond looks healthy after an expensive re-irrigation, and the grounds are well kept with new plantings. Plus, now the library is full of books, a good sign that learning is occurring! Obviously, Stone Mountain is for those families that believe that both the outdoors and structure are two essential ingredients for boys. I was pleased with what I saw at SMS, and happy to speak more to parents about it.

Dr Burdick’s World Education Consulting successfully made the inaugural trek to Wales from start to finish. The young adults and older adults found soulful ground to sharing direction of life in the South of Wales from Chepstow to Knighton on Offa’s Dyke trail. A highlight was Hey-on-Wye and opportunity “to chill” after 17 mile days…and the cultural aspects of the trek in finding friendly people in route who genuinely cared for our welfare, as we intruded upon their villages seeking shelter and food. Hopefully you can make the next one with us.

The 3rd Annual Conference on Emotional Well Being was held in Rome, and I was an invited speaker at the conference. I am pleased to say that it was well attended by teachers, parents, and mental health practitioners from Rome. St Stephens school was the location, and a number of student ambassadors were on hand to make sure the event flow evenly, without a hitch. My presentation dealt with self esteem in adolescence and the teaming that goes into making sure self confidence happens in the growing years. Audience participation was welcomed and many stayed afterwards to get more information on the topic of promoting self esteem. I was happy to provide information on both wilderness treatment, as well as Legacy Trek the new non-profit that I co-founded to help promote self esteem and narrative therapy. Thanks to all, and see you in Rome for the 4th Annual Conference!