| New
Perspectives
- Dec, 1991 Issue |
Buckeye Boys Ranch
(614) 875-2371
Grove City, Ohio
Executive Director: Leslie A. Bostic, Ph.D.
Mr. Bostic tells me they are
currently changing their marketing to obtain referrals nationally. Although
most of their current population of children are funded by state agencies,
the Ranch does have a few children funded by insurance, and want to
expand the numbers funded privately. The new Director of Admissions,
Sally Pedon, is ready to help parents find ways to fund their child's
enrollment.
On the spectrum of intervention,
Mr. Bostic places the Ranch as a Residential Treatment Center working
with children with more serious emotional problems, and feels the Ranch
would be a good alternative for children who do not respond well to
the structure of a typical Special Purpose school.
The following is a description
of one of the methods they have integrated into their system. Their
experience might be informative for those schools using experiential
learning.
The "Ranch utilizes an innovative,
experientially-based therapeutic program called Kinetic Learning Methods
(KLM). This adjunctive therapy was developed by Auxiliary Services Director,
Doug Kuhn, Ph.D. KLM is a process learning model which integrates recreational
experiences with group counseling and problem-solving.
During weekly KLM sessions,
residents participate in action-oriented group games, challenges such
as high ropes and low ropes courses, centering and balancing exercises
and relaxation techniques. These movement/kinetic experiences are then
integrated with self-expression and problem-solving sessions.
Through KLM experiences, youth
learn how to identify and manage feelings, improve impulse control,
handle stress, communicate more effectively and accept failure as well
as success. Opportunity is provided for individual goal work within
the context of KLM sessions.
Particular values in the KLM
approach are: it is an enjoyable means of learning, involves the whole
person, affords an opportunity for practice and trying various alternatives,
provides immediate feedback and involves physical movement which serves
to dissipate tension and reinforce learning."
Copyright
© 1991, Woodbury Reports, Inc. (This article may be reproduced without
prior approval if the copyright notice and proper publication and author
attribution accompanies the copy.) |
