New Perspectives, 10/1997 - Tranquility Bay

Tranquility Bay is a relatively new program for boys and girls ages 12 to 17 started by Bob Lichfield and Teen Help, headquartered in St. George, Utah. They claim its location on a remote beach along the south coast of a large island just a few hundred miles from the US has several advantages. This includes offering the benefits of exposing the students to a foreign culture while still providing easy access for any needed US services or technology.

“First, the students are put into an entirely new environment, far away from the negative friends and influences that have adversely affected their lives. Second, the teens discover that they are in an unfamiliar culture. As a result, the teens tend to be much more teachable and open to change and direction. Third, a foreign experience helps broaden the teen’s insight, awareness and perspective. Fourth, a foreign setting is much more impacting and instills a greater appreciation for home and family. Fifth, not only do the teens get the help they need, but a valuable overseas experience that they will likely remember and appreciate the rest of their lives. Additionally, due to the greater value of the U.S. dollar in Jamaica, the Program can provide its services at a significant reduction of cost to families.”

The program model is based on the one developed for Cross Creek Manor in Utah, and is similar to the model discussed in the description of Spring Creek Lodge elsewhere in this newsletter. The students at Tranquility Bay also go through all same seminars as the students at Cross Creek Manor, Spring Creek Lodge and Paradise Cove, as do their parents. The students also are under tight supervision, have academics based on subject mastery rather than time spent in class, and participate in the same elements of emotional growth and personal development.

In a mission statement, the school says, “This daily structure provides the catalyst for students to develop positive habits. Positive habits not only create success, but also allow teens to feel better about themselves. Once an appropriate self- esteem is established, the teens become INTERNALLY MOTIVATED: This means they will want to do the right thing for the right reasons; not because the parents or the Program desires them to, but because they want to, having experienced the positive benefits for themselves. Once this is accomplished, the war is over. The family structure can be restored.”