Fornits

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An open discussion about the troubled parent industry

When searching for a program for my child, I contacted PURE.  What I found out was that yes, the service is free.  
The catch~~  They ONLY refer to programs that pay them $$ for each kid that admits.  I found out anywhere from $400 to $2000 per kid.  
How can they make impartial suggestions, with the child and family in mind, if they only send them to a paying program.  Seems warped to me.
After checking into the programs they told me about, only 1 seemed even remotely close to helping my son.  I did NOT choose any of their programs.
There has got to be someplace (Ed Con. or referral service) where the fee is inexpensive, service is good and the suggestions impartial.  
Since my neighbors and friends know that my son went to a wilderness program, I keep getting calls from folks that want help.  I don't have anywhere to send them too.  Any suggestions? :question:  :question:

That day there were 6 students and 3 staff.  One stayed behind with Ian making that 1:1 and the other group had 2 staff and 5 students.  The regulation in Utah is 1 staff to every 4 students.  I'd say that they were adequately staffed.  What I have gathered, talking with other parents that are watching this closely, is that the rest of the group only were a couple of hundred yards away.  
Only one counselor was charged with anything besides Mark Wardle.  All charges were dropped on her if she testified for the prosecution.  I guess she told the truth and it wasn't what the prosecution had hoped for.  
I looked it up on strugglingteens and see that Skyline journey does indeed have a shower available for the kids.  My sons program certainly didn't have anything like that for his group. No popcicles either.  Beans, rice, lentils and powdered stuff was the fair of the day. I also checked out Skyline's web site and they show what kids eat everyday.  I think that is a good idea.  I wish I could have seen what was going on with my son's group.
Just FYI.

Hi all.  Very interesting comments.  First I am NOT Leigh Hale or Mark Wardle.  Second, No one can seem to get the facts straight.  Was Ian 5'2", 5'3" or 5'4"?  I have heard all sizes? Second what was the temperature?  115, 110, 95, 88? or what was the altitude?  6,400, 7,000 or 8,000 ft?  The altitude would certainly make a difference in the temperature.  

Yes, I have heard of students refusing to drink or eat.  I have also heard of students "Faking" an injury or illness.  

I already stated that I looked into Skyline Journey to send my own son.  The information I received ( I had to dig up my notes, it took some doing but I found them) was as follows, the packs were only 25 - 30 lbs, (my 13 year old daughters book bag is heavier then that), the longest walks (or hikes) were 5 - 7 miles with no time restraint and the students were required to drink at least 6 quarts of water a day.  

I don't know what went wrong on that day back in July.  Ian's death is horrible and I certainly feel for the family.  Any parent that sends their child to any program is risking death.  I know that this sounds like a pat answer, but for us, I was afraid that our son would end up dead out on the street.  We weighed the alternatives and took the chance.  Thank God we did.  

Frankly I am amazed at the name calling.  It reminded me of 3rd grade. And wouldn't it be weird if one of the owners or Mark Wardle himself ended up dead?

Thank you all for the go round.  I can plainly see that we will never agree, which is fine.  I respect your points of view and would only like the same in return.

[ This Message was edited by: Leah on 2003-01-23 06:15 ]

With all due respect Deb ~ who the hell are you to judge what was and wasn't done for Ian on that day in July.  Were you there?  NO!  Who are you to judge those in authority of licensing in Utah?  Could you do better?  I'm sure you could NOT.  
What is your axe to grind with wilderness programs? What are your credentials that gives you the right to pass judgment?  Have you ever owned or operated a program?  Have you had a child enrolled at a program?  What gives???

Sunhawk is owned by Aspen Education Group.  Totally unrelated to WWASP. :smile: