Author Topic: Darckenu Israel - new wilderness program abroad  (Read 15890 times)

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Offline Yael Eshet Khever

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Re: Darckenu Israel - new wilderness program abroad
« Reply #15 on: November 09, 2010, 05:17:08 AM »
Quote from: "Oscar"
It seems that some part of their population want to maintain a certain rather old-fashioned model of parent - child interaction. I happened to see one episode of The world strictest parents where two British teenagers were sent to Israel to live with a local family according to their standards. Their guidelines for covering the girls up was not so far away from the standards in Iran.

Especially the British girl crumpled due to the harsh culture down there and it was only for a week.

That family belongs to an extreme orthodox sect. This type of people are a relatively small minority here-- and thank god for that!
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Offline try another castle

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Re: Darckenu Israel - new wilderness program abroad
« Reply #16 on: November 09, 2010, 10:56:54 PM »
Quote from: "Yael Eshet Khever"
Interesting. I've noticed there's no Hebrew version of the site-- probably sticking to recruiting foreigners. I wonder where this thing is located (there are plenty of places that can be described as "desert", and you can't expect a foreigner to know when he's in the actual desert or not).
As for the instructors being ex-military people-- everybody here is ex-military. And the military culture is different from the US military. Knowing what units these guys/girls come from can tell a lot about who you're dealing with. Btw-- the law here requires armed escorts during school trips.

I don't think this thing's going to last long.

I agree with you. I would imagine that Israeli parents would opt for something more sensible, such as a kibbutz, for any teen that is being a royal pain. This really does read as something for foreigners.
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Offline Ursus

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Irit and Shaul Abir workshops - Couplehood: Risk vs. Possibi
« Reply #17 on: November 10, 2010, 02:06:55 PM »
Here are a few sample pages from the workshops section of Irit and Shaul Ibir's website: one from the 'Singles' section, one from the 'For Organizations' section, and one from the 'Drug and Alcohol Abuse' section.

Although it's a bit difficult (for me) to assess something like this right off the bat, I would just like to point out that some of their workshops for adults seem to take on a rather "LGAT-like" format, and it does appear that they use NLP and/or teach some tricks from that tool basket.

Here's the page under the heading of WORKSHOPS -> SINGLES -> Couplehood: Risk vs. Possibility:


    COUPLEHOOD: THE INTRA-COUPLE RELATIONSHIP - RISK vs. POSSIBILITY[/size]

    A DYNAMIC WORKSHOP FOR SINGLES

    OBJECTIVE OF THE WORKSHOP

    "Why am I still single?" - Gains and losses in the state of being "alone" and the state of being "together" - a brave journey into ourselves.

    WHO IS THE WORKSHOP INTENDED FOR?
    Singles of both sexes, age 30-plus.

    FRAMEWORK OF THE WORKSHOP
    The workshop will be held at a hotel, on full-board basis.
    It starts on Thursday at 6pm and continues into the night and all day Friday and Saturday, ending at 6pm on Saturday.
    (*)The hotel stay is part of the program, and no one may attend on an "external" basis.

    Three months later, a "What's Happening Now?" meeting, lasting 5 hours, will be held.

    WHAT DOES THE WORKSHOP DEAL WITH?
    The hands-on, experiential-dynamic workshop combines diverse theoretical background with simulations, games, exercises and experiences relating to the "psychology of the single." We'll address a variety of topics, among them:
    •What is couple relationship for me
    •What attracts me and what turns me off
    •My back room - what holds me back
    •My show window - what represents me
    •My ideal partner
    •Why haven't I found someone yet? The process of taking responsibility.
    •Interpersonal communication
    •Body language
    •Touching and enjoying (or not) - sex, and not just occasional?

    MEETING WITH THE WORKSHOP TRAINERS
    In order to tailor the workshop to the participants, to the greatest possible extent, we will meet with each participant individually, in order to jointly access the workshop's suitability to the participant, from the aspect of the content and the group. Each participant will define his or her personal goals.[/list]
    « Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
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    Offline Ursus

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    Irit and Shaul Abir workshops - Youth Leaders' Support Group
    « Reply #18 on: November 10, 2010, 02:11:35 PM »
    And... here is the page under the heading of WORKSHOPS -> FOR ORGANIZATIONS -> Youth Leaders' Support Group:


      SUPPORT GROUP FOR YOUTH LEADERS

      OBJECTIVE:
      To provide youth leaders with practical tools for performing the various tasks required of them.

      WHO ARE THE SUPPORT GROUPS INTENDED FOR?
      Youth leaders in municipal / local / regional frameworks, community centers, kibbutzim, clubs and sports teams.

      FRAMEWORK OF THE SUPPORT GROUPS
      The workshops will be tailored to the needs of the participants, both as to content and to the number and duration of sessions.

      CONTENTS:
      These hands-on, experiential support groups combine diverse theoretical background with simulations, games and exercises.
      Following are some of the topics that will be addressed during group activities:
      •Interpersonal communication - leader-youth, leader-parents, leader-various entities within the system
      •Channels of communication, according to the NLP model - tools for understanding our modes of communication and how we adapt them to the needs of others in order to achieve goals
      •Limits and borders - among the youth group members; between the leader and the group members, their parents, and others; the importance of limits; which limits we can waive; how to set the limits with cooperation from the group members
      •Nargilas (hookahs), alcohol, cigarettes, drugs - information, what's legal and what isn't, how to deal with the problem
      •Responsibility taking processes; how to assign responsibility to the young people
      •Personal conversation, group discussion, informal talks[/list]
      « Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
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      Offline Ursus

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      Irit and Shaul Abir workshops - Preventing Drug & Alcohol Ab
      « Reply #19 on: November 10, 2010, 02:38:07 PM »
      And finally, here is the page under the heading of WORKSHOPS -> DRUG & ALCOHOL ABUSE -> For Youth and Educators:


        DON'T TAKE CHANCES ON YOUR LIFE!

        WORKSHOPS AIMED AT PREVENTING DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE AND INCREASING AWARENESS OF ITS DANGERS

        OBJECTIVE OF THE WORKSHOPS
        To provide information and tools to help prevent drug and alcohol abuse and to deal successfully with the pressures, the curiosity and the obstacles encountered during adolescence.

        WHO ARE THE WORKSHOPS INTENDED FOR?
        Youth, youth leaders, and educational, healthcare, welfare and police staff.

        FRAMEWORK OF THE WORKSHOPS
        The workshops will be tailored to the needs of the participants, both as to content and to the number and duration of sessions.
        •The youth workshops can be held both within the school framework and as part of the informal education system, i.e., at community centers, youth clubs, etc.

        WHAT DOES THE WORKSHOP DEAL WITH?
        These hands-on, experiential combine diverse theoretical background and up-to-date information with simulations, exercises and experiences.
        We'll address a variety of relevant topics, among them:
        •Characteristics of adolescence; pressures and adolescents' ways of coping with them
        •Peer pressure, pressure from authority, and reinforcing the adolescents' ability to say "NO!" to violence, drugs and alcohol
        •Hashish, marijuana, ecstasy and other drugs - the harm and the dangers
        •Alcohol - "harmless" yet dangerous
        •Everything we should know about nargilas (hookahs)
        •Methods of drug distribution and sale - how not to fall into a trap
        •Addiction processes
        •Being a good friend as opposed to informing on a friend
        •Responsibility taking process
        •Supporting factors[/list]
        « Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
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        Offline Yael Eshet Khever

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        Re: Darckenu Israel - new wilderness program abroad
        « Reply #20 on: November 12, 2010, 11:08:40 AM »
        The Hebrew version of the site says the same as the English one. Looks like they're trying to cover all bases in order to squeeze as much money from the "coaching" trend. Their other website presents them as focusing on divorce mediation. Irit is a psychology lecturer at a local (low-ranking) college, as well as a member of the kibbutz's admission committee.

        They're based up north, in the least desert-like part of the country, which makes me wonder if they're going to go all the way down south for the "Darkcenu" thing, or keep it closer to home, which could be problematic, considering the nearest desert location (southeast of Jerusalem, within the "territories") and the fact that the kids are foreigners (schools and organizations planning trips in these areas are expected to stay within a certain sector, obtain permits and inform the military and the police of their plans for their trip-- I'm sure the procedures are different, possibly more complex, for foreigners).

        Personally, I see them as a minor threat-- and, again, I don't expect the Darckenu thing to last long (if it even gets off the ground). Too many problems.
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        Offline Ursus

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        Re: Darckenu Israel - new wilderness program abroad
        « Reply #21 on: November 12, 2010, 02:06:16 PM »
        Quote from: "Yael Eshet Khever"
        Looks like they're trying to cover all bases in order to squeeze as much money from the "coaching" trend.
        Yep. That'd be my bet also. They would also appear to be, however, super-focused on anti-drug hysteria. I'm not sure if that's simply the way the current social climate is in Israel these days, and whether the Abirs are merely capitalizing on it, or whether they are themselves ideologically suffused as well.

        Quote from: "Yael Eshet Khever"
        Their other website presents them as focusing on divorce mediation.
        Link?
        « Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
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        Offline Yael Eshet Khever

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        Re: Darckenu Israel - new wilderness program abroad
        « Reply #22 on: November 12, 2010, 03:42:27 PM »
        Quote from: "Ursus"
        Quote from: "Yael Eshet Khever"
        Looks like they're trying to cover all bases in order to squeeze as much money from the "coaching" trend.
        Yep. That'd be my bet also. They would also appear to be, however, super-focused on anti-drug hysteria. I'm not sure if that's simply the way the current social climate is in Israel these days, and whether the Abirs are merely capitalizing on it, or whether they are themselves ideologically suffused as well.

        To me, it just looks as if they're going for the standard "teen issues" thing. As far as I can tell, the current "devil" is the net and social networks. I find it strange that they're targeting nargilot in their "drugs and alcohol" workshop... nargilot can be used for smoking hashish, which is why it's illegal to sell them to minors, but people smoke them on the beach, in pubs, etc. They're generally acceptable.

        Quote from: "Yael Eshet Khever"
        Their other website presents them as focusing on divorce mediation.
        Link?[/quote]

        http://www.site.tiktech.net/websites/gishor/1768.asp (in Hebrew). When you google them (in Hebrew, at least), almost all results connect them to divorce mediation.


        I wonder what inspired them to venture into the "brat camp" industry, though... they look like the type who are on the look out for a new market. It's strange for them to invest money and time in opening such a camp-- the main market, the US, is still in difficult times financially, and even without the financial problems, most Americans are convinced this entire country's a war zone and would not be too keen on sending their kids here. Targeting Israeli kids as clients would get the welfare services to snoop around the place sooner or later. So, why here, and why now?
        « Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

        Offline Gonzotherapy

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        Re: Darckenu Israel - new wilderness program abroad
        « Reply #23 on: November 12, 2010, 06:18:44 PM »
        So why not? Israel sounds like the perfect place for a bratty American teenager. I mean any parent who is considering sending their kid to a program is already fringing on complete stupidity. Maybe that's what they are banking on. Do they take any camping trips on the Afghan/Pakistani border? How about RPG training?

        I am always one for conspiracy theories, how about this one. They are going to use the tried and true TTI methods of brainwashing to install terrorist sleepers in the United States. And, they are going to have dumbass American yuppies pay for it all. How fantastically ironic would that be?
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        Offline Pile of Dead Kids

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        Re: Darckenu Israel - new wilderness program abroad
        « Reply #24 on: November 12, 2010, 08:43:17 PM »
        Does anyone have Hamas's phone number? I'm sure they'd love to know about this place.
        « Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
        ...Sergey Blashchishen, James Shirey, Faith Finley, Katherine Rice, Ashlie Bunch, Brendan Blum, Caleb Jensen, Alex Cullinane, Rocco Magliozzi, Elisa Santry, Dillon Peak, Natalynndria Slim, Lenny Ortega, Angellika Arndt, Joey Aletriz, Martin Anderson, James White, Christening Garcia, Kasey Warner, Shirley Arciszewski, Linda Harris, Travis Parker, Omega Leach, Denis Maltez, Kevin Christie, Karlye Newman, Richard DeMaar, Alexis Richie, Shanice Nibbs, Levi Snyder, Natasha Newman, Gracie James, Michael Owens, Carlton Thomas, Taylor Mangham, Carnez Boone, Benjamin Lolley, Jessica Bradford's unnamed baby, Anthony Parker, Dysheka Streeter, Corey Foster, Joseph Winters, Bruce Staeger, Kenneth Barkley, Khalil Todd, Alec Lansing, Cristian Cuellar-Gonzales, Janaia Barnhart, a DRA victim who never even showed up in the news, and yet another unnamed girl at Summit School...

        Offline Shadyacres

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        Re: Darckenu Israel - new wilderness program abroad
        « Reply #25 on: November 12, 2010, 09:13:28 PM »
        Quote from: "Gonzotherapy"
        So why not? Israel sounds like the perfect place for a bratty American teenager. I mean any parent who is considering sending their kid to a program is already fringing on complete stupidity. Maybe that's what they are banking on. Do they take any camping trips on the Afghan/Pakistani border? How about RPG training?

        I am always one for conspiracy theories, how about this one. They are going to use the tried and true TTI methods of brainwashing to install terrorist sleepers in the United States. And, they are going to have dumbass American yuppies pay for it all. How fantastically ironic would that be?

        Part of their one state solution, maybe?  It is significant, I think, that the differences that cause parents to put their kids into these places in the U.S. are often political in nature.  Marijuana legalization, Teen rights, Gay rights, interracial relationships, whatever.  Another major point of conflict in these families is religious beliefs.  Israel has both of these issues in abundance.  These places are scary enough in the States, their presence in a place like Israel is, if possible, even more disturbing.
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        Offline Oz girl

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        Re: Darckenu Israel - new wilderness program abroad
        « Reply #26 on: November 13, 2010, 12:21:48 AM »
        It looks like it is designed for American Expats as it talks about getting away from the environment. It is pretty worrying that it is run by ex isralei army guys.
        I agree with shady acres that political or philosophical disagreement is a big factor. particularly it seems with religious programs that view god as the only answer. Given that there only seem to be christian schools for the religious market maybe these guys are targeting the orthodox or fundamentalist Jewish crowd?
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        n case you\'re worried about what\'s going to become of the younger generation, it\'s going to grow up and start worrying about the younger generation.-Roger Allen

        Offline Yael Eshet Khever

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        Re: Darckenu Israel - new wilderness program abroad
        « Reply #27 on: November 14, 2010, 06:21:22 AM »
        Quote from: "Shadyacres"
        Quote from: "Gonzotherapy"
        So why not? Israel sounds like the perfect place for a bratty American teenager. I mean any parent who is considering sending their kid to a program is already fringing on complete stupidity. Maybe that's what they are banking on. Do they take any camping trips on the Afghan/Pakistani border? How about RPG training?

        I am always one for conspiracy theories, how about this one. They are going to use the tried and true TTI methods of brainwashing to install terrorist sleepers in the United States. And, they are going to have dumbass American yuppies pay for it all. How fantastically ironic would that be?

        Part of their one state solution, maybe?  It is significant, I think, that the differences that cause parents to put their kids into these places in the U.S. are often political in nature.  Marijuana legalization, Teen rights, Gay rights, interracial relationships, whatever.  Another major point of conflict in these families is religious beliefs.  Israel has both of these issues in abundance.  These places are scary enough in the States, their presence in a place like Israel is, if possible, even more disturbing.

        I'm sorry, I don't understand what you're saying... you mean that there might be an involvement of religious organizations in this camp? From what I've read on their site, it seems unlikely. They do not address any issue that might apply to religious client/parents-- nothing about kashrut, separation between boys and girls, modesty, etc., which means they're not aiming at that market at all.
        « Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

        Offline Yael Eshet Khever

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        Re: Darckenu Israel - new wilderness program abroad
        « Reply #28 on: November 14, 2010, 06:31:56 AM »
        Quote from: "Oz girl"
        It looks like it is designed for American Expats as it talks about getting away from the environment. It is pretty worrying that it is run by ex isralei army guys.

        That's the one thing that doesn't concern me. Our military culture does not include the whole screaming, abusive drill instructor shit-- there are authority figures, but things are different because the culture is different. Joining the military here is like going to college in the US-- going to a local trade school, or your local State U, or Yale, says something about your background, intelligence, etc. Same w/ military units. Back in grades 11-12, everybody's talking about what units are you going for, what tests have been invited for, how to get into X or Y, etc. You can make some assumptions about who you're dealing with based on the units they come from. People from top combat units are, normally, high quality, smart, motivated, hardworking people who usually come from strong socioeconomic background. People who end up in the top computer units are some of the most talents computer types in the country (which is why hi-tech companies here jump all over these guys the moment they're out). People who end up in ordinance are usually not too smart, and it can be safely assumed they're not too motivated either. Etc.

        High quality people from the top combat units are usually very socially aware, which is why you can find many opf them volunteering in various project, whether it is w/ disabled people, children in need, or refugees. That's the type of people we're dealing w/ here-- it's just that they mistakenly assume that that's what they're getting into, since they're not aware about "brat camps".

        Quote
        I agree with shady acres that political or philosophical disagreement is a big factor. particularly it seems with religious programs that view god as the only answer. Given that there only seem to be christian schools for the religious market maybe these guys are targeting the orthodox or fundamentalist Jewish crowd?

        I haven't seen any evidence of that in their website. Not a single reference to religion, mitzvot, modesty or kashrut. Looks to me like they're going for the average American yuppie.
        « Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »

        Offline Ursus

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        Re: Darckenu Israel - new wilderness program abroad
        « Reply #29 on: November 15, 2010, 10:27:51 AM »
        Fwiw, the thing that stands out most for me re. the general tenor of the Abir's website is a focus on psych methods to alter folks' perceptions of themselves and/or others and/or their behavior. That is, what would ordinarily come under the rubric of "life coaching" with some concentration on youth-at-risk and the adults who deal with them on a professional or informal basis. Whether or not the Abirs dedicate themselves to this with any ideological fervor is unclear.

        The language on the Darckenu website is a little different, although it still seems to have been written by the same person. I have to wonder whether this troubled teen wilderness focus might come from Einat Tzuk, the third person noted as heading this program.

        Incidentally, there's a fair amount of overlap between the troubled teen industry, LGATs, and the "life coaching" or "motivational speaking" binnises. All of these fields utilize psych tricks and experiential methods brought into public consciousness by the human potential movement, often utilizing the group format as part of the experience. Note that, save for the divorce mediation endeavors, the Abirs choose to present their material in workshops or seminars for the benefit of multiple participants.

        Of course, this type of program/event should not be confused with actual genuine therapy which is individualized as per the client's needs. Unfortunately, the reasons folks seek out these kinds of operations are often the same reasons they might have opted for therapy instead.
        « Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Guest »
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