Academics at Open Sky
Students at Open Sky have the opportunity to earn 3.5 high school credits in six academic areas. In the following article, Education Director Dr. Melia Snyder describes the philosophy of Open Sky’s academic program, the ways it intertwines with the organization’s clinical approach, and the types of credits available. Melia has a Ph.D. in counseling […]
Full Circle: A Conversation with Sam Verutti, Clinical Therapist for Adolescent Boys
Meet Sam Verutti, MSW, clinical therapist for adolescent boys at Open Sky Wilderness Therapy. Sam’s clinical approach is enriched by his childhood immersed in the outdoors, his experience as a wilderness therapy student, and over three years working as an Open Sky field guide. His journey has come full circle since earning his Master’s of […]
Treating Emerging Cluster B Personality Disorders in Wilderness Therapy
People with personality disorders historically have been misunderstood and pathologized as having character faults. In reality, it’s not that one has a “broken” personality, as the name might suggest. Rather, this diagnosis typically results from childhood coping strategies that eventually become entrenched behavioral and emotional patterns if not otherwise interrupted. Individuals who don’t believe their […]
Jason’s Day Virtual 5K – Sign Up Today!
October is Therapeutic Wilderness Awareness Month! In recognition of this, we invite you to join The Jason William Hunt Foundation (JWHF) and wilderness programs across the country in the Jason’s Day Virtual 5K Charity Event! The JWHF exists to raise and provide financial aid for teens at-risk to attend to Therapeutic Wilderness Expedition Treatment Programs […]
Virtual Wellness Weekend: An Opportunity for Personal Growth and Connection
Wellness Weekend has been a foundational component of family programming at Open Sky since our inception in 2006. It is one of the hallmarks of Open Sky’s family-centered approach. Guided by a team of Open Sky professionals, families participate in rejuvenating and healing activities that our students participate in each day, including yoga, meditation, and […]