Sklyline Journey License REVOKED

[Anonymous]

R you sure that it isn't skyline chili that got its license revoked? Their food tastes like ass.

[Deborah]

The Spokesman Review is giving the public an opportunity to voice their opinion on this issue. You'll have to register, but it's quick and painless.


http://www.spokesmanreview.com/news-sto ... D=s1430322

What are your thoughts on Wilderness program loses license over teen's death  

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[Deborah]

http://www.sltrib.com/2003/Oct/10292003/utah/106464.asp

Skyline program says it has sent its teens away

    A wilderness therapy business recently ordered to close over the death of a camper last summer said Tuesday it has sent all its teen enrollees home or to other programs.
    The state Office of Licensing will verify where the teens were sent and monitor to ensure that Skyline Journey is no longer operating, said Ken Stettler, the office's director.
    "At this point, we're going to visit with land-use agencies, like the [Bureau of Land Management], and verify they aren't using their permits."
    Skyline Journey operated on BLM land in western Millard and Juab counties.
    Lee Wardle, a part owner of the Nephi-based program, declined to comment.
    An administrative law judge last week stripped Skyline Journey of its operating license for failing to provide a description of the program to a Texas doctor who cleared 14-year-old Ian August to participate.
August, a 5-foot 3-inch and 198-pound teen, died of hyperthermia -- or heat exhaustion -- after hiking for more than three hours in the Sawtooth Mountain area on July 13, 2002, a day that set temperature records.
    It is unknown whether the program will appeal the ruling.
    -- Jacob Santini

[Anonymous]

This is sad.  Close down one version of Miss Minchin's Select Seminary and Korean POW camp and the poor kids just get sent to another one.

And the only thing that will stop it is a good set of national laws, vigorously enforced.

They couldn't stop kids working in coal mines and sweatshops without laws, they couldn't protect kids whose parents were beating them to death without laws, and as skeptical as I usually am of government and more government----why can't the kid's other relatives just drive up to these nightmare places and take the kid out?  Because of the law.  The law is a big part of causing the current problem.  The only way to fix it is to change the laws.

[Anonymous]

The state pulled the program's license shortly after Ian died but the program appealed, allowing it to stay open until administrative hearings were completed. See the Teen Advocates USA website for more info.

http://www.teenadvocatesusa.homestead.c ... a2003.html

 :wave:

[Antigen]

I know it's frustrating. It's a long, drawn out process of elimination. For as long as this industry has been evolving, there have always been attempts to create a kinder, gentler behavior modification program. The final conclusion is always the same. If they take out the psyche abuse, then they're left with a bunch of kids in a warehouse or remote camp in the care of laymen with serious control issues.

Without the manipulation, there is no program. I think it's just a matter of more people coming to understand that.

Always try to do things in chronological order; it's less confusing that way.
--Unknown

[Anonymous]

On 2003-11-02 14:47:00, Antigen wrote:

"I know it's frustrating. It's a long, drawn out process of elimination. For as long as this industry has been evolving, there have always been attempts to create a kinder, gentler behavior modification program. The final conclusion is always the same. If they take out the psyche abuse, then they're left with a bunch of kids in a warehouse or remote camp in the care of laymen with serious control issues.



Without the manipulation, there is no program. I think it's just a matter of more people coming to understand that.

Always try to do things in chronological order; it's less confusing that way.
--Unknown

"

So true, but programs are not the only ones guilty of manipulation.  In fact, without the manipulative sales and marketing techniques of outside referral agents, many of these programs would be half-empty instead of so full of kids, they actually have a waiting list.

 :smokin:

[Antigen]

On 2003-11-02 15:16:00, Anonymous wrote:

"

On 2003-11-02 14:47:00, Antigen wrote:



Without the manipulation, there is no program. I think it's just a matter of more people coming to understand that.

So true, but programs are not the only ones guilty of manipulation.  In fact, without the manipulative sales and marketing techniques of outside referral agents, many of these programs would be half-empty instead of so full of kids, they actually have a waiting list.



 :smokin: "

Who are the outside agents? I always assumed it followed about the same structure as in the old days w/ the Seed and Straight. The recruiters were usually program parents. I found out awhile ago that my mom bad been recruiting for some SBC home for pregnant girls out in Mississippi or something. That was not long after I'd gotten out. But before that, she'd always been recruiting for The Seed and Straight. It was like an evangelical thing. Don't know if or how much she might have been paid for it.

Isn't that essentially how the ECs become ECs these days? Or is it different?

Life may have no meaning.  Or even worse, it may have a meaning of which I disapprove.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0912800909/circlofmiamithem' target='_new'>Ashleigh Brilliant

[Deborah]

Oh dear lord, look at the spin Skyline put on their "Goodbye" statement to Struggling Teens. It's not surprising, but deceptive and repulsive- par for the industry.

November 7, 2003

After a long drawn out physical, mental, and expensive struggle Skyline Journey succumbed to the over powering office of licensing and was ordered to close the program on October 24, 2003.

All charges against Skyline Journey related to the death of a student on July 13, 2002 had been dismissed by the Courts but the office of licensing felt that to prove they were doing their jobs as a regulatory department issued an order of revocation.

Skyline Journey appealed and a year later, an administrative judge for the Department of Human Services for the State of Utah found that Skyline Journey had missed one item on the state regulations.

The rules state that the programs medical exam forms must have a statement explaining that the program is strenuous and conducted in an area with varying temperament and elevations. Skyline Journey had missed this on their forms. The State of Utah Licensing Department people had inspected Skyline Journey at least five times and they did not find the omission. [They actually "found" 4 of the 20+ violations I compiled, AFTER the DA filed charges. Stettler's office originally overlooked the obvious violations, and that's the way it would've went if the DA hadn't gotten involved.]

However, the regulations provided that the State of Utah Licensing Department can close a program with just one violation. We had one violation so consequently we are closed. [Nope, the judge chose to charge them with one of the four, "the worst" violation in her estimation.]

This does not bode well for other programs in Utah. One strike and you are out if the Utah Stat Licensing people so choose.

We want to express our appreciation, to you our dear friends, in trusting us and continued referring wonderful children to Skyline Journey and the encouraging kind words via; email, fax, mail and telephone calls. Thank You!!

This is a good-bye from Skyline Journey, but a new beginning for the Wardle Family.


http://www.strugglingteens.com/news/skylinebye.html

[Anonymous]

Is this the "new beginning"???
http://www.wardlehome.com/

[Anonymous]

On 2003-11-13 21:07:00, Anonymous wrote:

"Is this the "new beginning"???

http://www.wardlehome.com/"

Am I seeing things or is the creator of the Wardles webpage really Woodbury Reports (as in Lon Woodbury's Struggling Teens)?  Click on the link and scroll down to the bottom.  

 :scared:

[Deborah]

Yes, that would be Lon of Struggling Teens/ Woodbury Reports

The Wardles have 4 children who apparently worked for Skyline. The only name mentioned is Mark. Don't know about this Patrick.

It appears that Theresa was approved for private practice/clinical by the Idaho State Board of Social Work Examiners in April of this year.

Their new beginning could be the program they started in May,  ?Distant Drums? for 18-28 yr olds.

Looks like Jeff Johnson moved on in June to a program in New York. The new Adm Director is Heather Roeder. Her office is in Williston, Vermont.


http://www.strugglingteens.com/archives ... /np02.html
The Owens and Wardle Family own and manage Skyline Journey. Owners Austin Lee and Alberta have been married for forty-nine years, with four children and seventeen grandchildren. All off their children are involved in Skyline Journey with them. Other staff members include his son who has had eleven years in outdoor programs, an athletic director and certified teacher at a Utah high school, a medical doctor, a registered nurse experienced with therapeutic youth programs, and other family members.

http://www.sltrib.com/2003/Jul/07132003/Utah/Utah.asp
Skyline Journey, based in Nephi, is a family venture started 2 1/2 years ago by Austin Lee and Alberta Wardle and their four children. Son Mark spent 14 1/2 years working for other outdoor therapy programs.

http://www2.state.id.us/ibol/SWO/04-01-02%20minutes.htm
April 2003- Theresa approved for private practice/clinical by the Idaho State Board of Social Work Examiners

http://www.strugglingteens.com/archives ... heard.html
(May, 2003) Lee Wardle, announced they have started a companion program to Skyline Journey, called ?Distant Drums.? It is designed for young adults 18 to 28 years old who need to ?breathe fresh air, bask in the sun, hear the lonely cry of a coyote or watch wild horses, antelope, and the many species of raptors in their natural habitat.? They will participate in their ?very successful emotional growth program, therapy, positive peer culture philosophy, and a curriculum that includes life-skills. Distant Drums is operational with one group in the field at the present time.?

http://www.strugglingteens.com/archives ... heard.html
(Sept. 12, 2003) Lee Wardle, announced their emotional growth companion program, Distant Drums, for young adults ages 18 to 28, is continuing to be successful. They are also pleased to announce that Heather Roeder has agreed to be Admissions Director for both programs. She will work out her Williston, Vermont office and can be reached at 866-822-8336 or 802-878-2201. They also have contracted with Mountain View Counseling Center to provide for both programs therapy needs, and will be working with Gary Anderson, a State of Utah Certified Professional Counselor Intern (CPCI) and licensed Social Service Worker (SSW), with a Masters degree is in psychology. Anderson will be replacing Kevin Knutson, who has been their counselor since the program opened its doors three years ago.

http://www.strugglingteens.com/archives ... heard.html
(June 04, 2003) Jim Glaeser, of Adirondack Leadership Expeditions, Saranac Lake, New York, 877-252-0869, is pleased to announce that Jeff Johnson, has joined the staff as the Director of Admissions. This newest outdoor program of the Aspen Education Group is in the northern part of the Adirondacks in upstate New York. Most of you know Jeff from his 7+ years with Aspen programs and the last 15 years of helping families through the admission process. He is happy to be working with Mark Oerther who is an admission counselor in that office. This new program is currently enrolling students.

[Deborah]

Lee pleads for referals to Distant Drums and expresses hope to have another adolescent program in the future.
Still deceiving the public (parents at ST)- "We had one violation so consequently we are closed."

Ahem, that should read: We were only charged with one violation.


http://www.strugglingteens.com/news/dis ... sopen.html
November 16, 2003

Dear Friends,

It was a pleasure for all of us from Distant Drums to talk to many of you at the great Scottsdale IECA Convention.

First, We want to thank each of you for your continuing support and appreciate your kind encouraging words.

After a long drawn out physical, mental, and expensive struggle Skyline Journey succumbed to the over powering off of licensing and was ordered to close the program on October 24, 2003. All charges against Skyline Journey related to the death of a student on July 13, 2002 had been dismissed by the courts, but the office of licensing felt that to prove they were doing their jobs as a regulatory department issued and order of revocation. Skyline Journey appealed and a year later, an administrative judge for the Department of Human Services for the State of Utah found that Skyline Journey had missed one item on the state regulations.

The rules state that the programs medical exam forms must have a statement explaining that the program is strenuous and conducted in an area with varying temperatures and elevations. Skyline Journey had missed this on their forms. The State of Utah Licensing Department had inspected Skyline Journey several times and they did not find the omission. However, the regulations provide that the State of Utah Licensing Department can close a program with just one violation. We had one violation so consequently we are closed. This does not bode will for other programs in Utah. One strike and you are out if the Utah Stat of Licensing people so choose.

We are still considering our options regarding adolescents and hope in the future to resume an emotional grown/therapeutic program.

Distant Drums was not affected by the State of Utah?s Licensing decision. Distant Drums an Outdoor Personal Growth Program designed to guide adults through the process of self-discovery. Distant Drums is being restructured to better serve a wider population. The young adults 18 through 28 population is underserved. We believe that Distant Drums has and will continue to help young adults.

Please keep Distant Drums in mind for your clients that are 18 through 28 years old. Native American Theme! Camping Experience! Life Skills Taught! Therapist! Open Enrollment! An Environment That Has No Need For Locks or Alarms! A Challenging Curriculum! 24/7 Satellite Telephone Contact! A Global Posting System Is Used In Tracking Each Group! Respect and Protect Mother Nature!

Distant drums Is Unique We have a Philosophy Of Abundance! Not a Deprivation Program!

Admissions Office for Distant Drums, please contact Heather at 866-822-8336.

For Distant Drums Business Office please call 435-623-0548

Sincerely,

Lee

[Deborah]

Anyone seen the latest comment at the Spokesman Review?
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/replies. ... d=r1430322

It reads (advertises):
This is why parents need to hire an independent educational consultant to recommend a wilderness or any other therapeutic program. This program was negligent. No responsibile wilderness program would take a student who weighed 200 lbs. and 5'3".
http://www.sltrib.com/2003/Jul/07132003/Utah/Utah.asp

[Anonymous]

Check this out!! Another new program besides Distant Drums?

http://www.strugglingteens.com/archives ... omenp.html