| New
Perspectives
- Dec, 1993 (#25) |
ELK MOUNTAIN ACADEMY
Clark Fork, Idaho
Carl Olding, Head Master
800-355-3823
Elk Mountain Academy is brand
new on 80 acres at the base of the Cabinet Mountains in North
Idaho. The property is bordered by National Forest on three
sides giving it a good sense of isolation in the full grandeur
of the Rocky Mountains.
Carl has a Masters degree in
Clinical Psychology and 14 years of experience working with
young people at risk, along with his 15 years of sobriety.
He and his wife, Loretta, are licensed by the State of Idaho
Department of Health and Welfare to house boys ages 12 to
18. At the present time, the students will share the top floor
of their home, but plans are being developed to add buildings
on the property to facilitate the students' activities. Several
experienced professionals in the area are available to Carl
to call on as needed and as the program grows.
Academics are on campus at first,
with a goal of helping students attend the local public school
"as soon as they are academically and socially prepared to
do so." When a student is attending the local public school,
Carl and the staff "will give support by tutoring and conferring
with the teachers in the school to facilitate the success
of each student."
Outdoor activities will be a
large part of each student's day. These include regular chores
with a staff member working alongside the student, and physical
fitness utilizing the multitude of available outdoor activities
such as water or snow skiing, backpacking, horseback riding,
etc. "There seems to be something about living in nature that
fundamentally changes old ideas and attitudes. Many people
seem to grow more spiritual when in a natural setting. This
of course is strongly encouraged at Elk Mountain."
Their belief statement includes
the following: "We believe that the kids we teach are fundamentally
good people. We draw clear lines between bad behavior and
bad people. We believe that kids are exposed to much danger
in school and on the street and that it's not likely that
they will always make the choice that is best for them. We
believe that to 'unplug' from the system for a while is more
than helpful, it is necessary."
From a recent lunch Linda &
I had there, we can attest that the property is beautiful,
has a good sense of isolation, and Loretta is a good chef.
Copyright
© 1993, Woodbury Reports, Inc. (This article may be reproduced
without prior approval if the copyright notice and proper
publication and author attribution accompanies the copy.)
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