How do I find out if my child is a good fit for Open Sky?

What is the typical profile of an Open Sky student?
Open Sky works with male and female teens, ages 13-17, and male and female young adults, ages 18-28. Prospective students must be medically and clinically approved to be an appropriate match for the Open Sky program. Typical student issues at Open Sky include low self-esteem, oppositional defiance, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, depression, ADD/Attention-Deficit Disorder, ADHD/Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, grief and loss, promiscuity, attachment issues, manipulation, entitlement, adjustment issues, anxiety, anger management, learning differences, social skills deficits, family problems, school problems, self-destructive behavior, and identity issues.

What are exclusionary student issues for Open Sky?
Issues that are not well served by the Open Sky program and are exclusionary for admissions include: psychosis, pattern of violent behavior, sexual perpetration, pattern of severe suicidal behavior, serious eating disorder, uncontrolled diabetes, severe conduct disorder/antisocial behavior, severe borderline personality traits, IQ below 90, other medical conditions deemed unsafe in a wilderness setting.

What are issues that are assessed on a case by case basis?
Issues that the Open Sky team assesses on a case by case basis include mild to moderate self destructive behavior, borderline personality traits, thought disorder symptoms, eating disorder symptoms and body image issues, a history of suicidal thoughts/gestures, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, and medical detoxification issues.

What information do I need to provide for Open Sky to consider my student for admission?
Open Sky will need to know about the specific issues that led you to consider a wilderness therapy intervention. We will ask for detailed information about your student’s social, emotional, and behavioral history as well as treatment history, medical history, and family history. If your student has ever had any psychological testing or other assessments, we ask also to review those documents. The more information the better…all of this will help us to make the most informed decisions in the best interest of your student.

When can my student be admitted to Open Sky?
Open Sky operates year-round and enrollment may take place at any time. Students may enroll on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. In emergency situations, Open Sky can enroll a student on Saturday or Sunday for an additional fee. If possible, families are encouraged to involve their student in the admissions process. However, this is often not possible. In these cases, Open Sky Admissions Counselors can provide families with referral information for escort and interventionist services.

When will I know if my student is accepted to Open Sky?
The Open Sky team understands that there is often urgency surrounding the placement of a student into our program. Once we receive your completed application, we will provide you with an answer in most cases within 24 hours or sooner. Your Open Sky admissions counselor will contact you with this information.

Once my student is accepted, what next?
Once your student has been accepted into the program, Open Sky admissions staff will contact you to review the details surrounding the intake process including selecting an enrollment date, reviewing the logistics of bringing your student to Open Sky, reviewing our billing and administrative procedures, and any other questions you may have about the enrollment process.

What clothing and equipment will my student need for Open Sky?
Open Sky provides all clothing, gear and equipment your student will need while in the program, including a backpack, hiking boots, and a complete range of clothing. We ask that your student brings the clothes they are wearing as well as the following: 1) Eyeglasses (no contact lenses due to wind, sand, and risk of loss); 2) a 2-month supply of all current prescription medications; 3) retainer (if applicable).

What will enrollment day look like for my student?
Student flights will be met by Open Sky personnel at the Durango-La Plata County Airport, in Durango, Colorado. We ask that you schedule flights to arrive at the airport as early in the day as possible. Open Sky staff will greet your student and take him or her to the medical office to receive a physical exam. Then your student will go to the Open Sky Field Office where he or she will be outfitted with gear and clothing. Following this intake process your student will be driven to the campsite location of his or her group and meet with the welcoming field guides who will provide program orientation. Also on enrollment day, Open Sky staff will contact you to inform you that your student has arrived safely into our care.

What is the role of parents and family members at Open Sky?
Open Sky is a family-centered treatment program and we have a strong expectation that family members participate in program activities, including family workshops, weekly phone calls, letter writing, therapy assignments, and weekly sessions with a home family therapist. Within a day of your student’s enrollment we will send you a parent packet of information and the family workbook outlining your role in the Open Sky treatment process.