About TREC (Turning Winds Recreational Educational Connection)
TREC is a key component in the Turning Winds experience and is accomplished under the guidance of the Venture Program (link). More than a summer camp for troubled teens, Turning Winds consists of a structured outdoor journey to remote yet accessible wilderness, the individual is challenged to learn about the self as well as the environment. TREC is a powerful experience that all able youth of Turning Winds are able to experience. This experience usually occurs in the late orientation phase or early transition phase. With more than a decade of outdoor trips to their credit, Turning Winds employees accompany the resident in order to provide optimum support during this educational process. TREC consists of a 5-8 day backpacking trip which is utilized to symbolize the rigors and achievements involved in the process of changing undesirable behaviors into those which will lead to a healthy future.
Therapeutic TREC
Every day is designed to facilitate development in the 10 character virtues which Turning Winds has identified to be essential to living a healthy, happy life. This is accomplished through a variety of therapeutic and educational assignments, both physical and intellectual. Individual therapeutic assignments are developed by the students therapist to help promote the extensive emotional growth that takes place. This event is meant to allow individuals to reflect on the new direction they have begun to take in life and to gain an appreciation of their success through hard work at the Turning Winds home for troubled teens.
- This trip is designed to promote leadership skills, teamwork, and self-respect and is symbolic of going to and leaving undesired behaviors behind. Students challenge themselves physically, mentally and emotionally. This portion of the program is designed to engage students in an appreciation and respect for wilderness, wildlife, and nature.
- All backpacking gear and appropriate attire will be provided by Turning Winds.
- Each night, students will engage in physical and emotional activities such as group sessions, writing assignments and other activities such as compass reading, astronomy and tree & plant identification. They will learn how to apply what they learn in the wilderness to the life they lived and will live in the future.