“T
oday’s teens are stressed by the same problems previous
generations faced,” although there is a difference, confirms Joe
Klein, a licensed professional counselor in Floyd, who specializes
in treating addiction, trauma and the grieving process.
Teen Retreat
“Intensive school coursework, con-
cerns about sexuality and the tempta-
Healthy Living Skills
tions of drugs and alcohol are quanda-
ries faced in an entirely new context of
Put Problems in Perspective
constant contact and exposure through
cell phones, instant messaging and
social networking sites,” he explains.
by Tracy Garland
Teaching teens how to cope with
these stressors is the focus of the Teen on the learning curve,” says Klein. “The a profoundly moving and life-changing
Retreat Program at Earthsong Organic California programs consistently have experience,” he says, smiling.
Farm & Retreat Center (EOFRC), in full bookings for all their retreats and “We also inform the group that it is
Stuart, Virginia. EOFRC was founded by we anticipate a similar reception.” not the adult staff’s role to ‘instruct’ them;
Maury Cooke in 2003 from the Gregory The program’s non-secular format instead, we offer techniques that will
Lin Cooke Memorial Fund, in honor of encourages consistently honest dialog in help each guest to discover and tap into
his son, who died at age 19. an emotionally safe setting. The first day, their own inner wisdom.” Teens are en-
According to Klein, the program teens get to know their peers through couraged to continue their commitment
leader, teens can learn to lessen their community-building exercises. That eve- to these life-changing precepts in their
stress with practical techniques like ning, teens and counselors hold a group everyday lives after they leave the retreat.
mindful breathing, silent reflection and discussion that defines the precepts, or Throughout the week, teens par-
meaningful communication. “Teens are rules of conduct, for the week. ticipate in alternating periods of silent
not born knowing how to do the stress- “Defining the social contract at the sitting and walking meditation with the
releasing techniques that we teach. beginning helps to quickly establish a group. “There’s something about sitting
With practice, they learn how to regain safe emotional environment for these among dozens of other teens in reverent
a calm composure and ways to better kids,” says Klein. “A phenomenal level silence that bolsters everyone’s participa-
focus their thoughts, regardless of any of trust develops almost immediately tion and intention,” reports Klein. The re-
external drama.” among the group.” treat intends to create a community and
Klein points out that working with The camp’s code of conduct in- support system for the teens’ continued
teens is encouraging, because un- cludes everyone’s commitment to pro- growth and development.
like adults, they are more malleable tect all life, to only take what is offered, During scheduled small discussion
and open to positive changes. Adults’ to remain celibate during the week, to groups, held twice daily, teens share
thought patterns and modes of behavior speak truthfully and kindly, and to not their thoughts with the group and hear
have been reinforced for decades, he harm one’s self or others through the
notes, whereas teens are quicker to rec- use of drugs or alcohol.
ognize the benefits of making positive Klein acknowledges that such pre-
lifestyle choices and understand that cepts reinforce safety, which supports
they are capable of doing so. participants’ ability to be vulnerable.
The retreat, hosted in a camp-like “When these teens are received with
atmosphere in the Blue Ridge Moun- kind, compassionate and non-judgmen-
tains, is modeled after a successful pro- tal reaction from their peers, it can be
gram in the San Francisco Bay area of
California. “Using a proven model that’s
been well-tested has given us a leg up
Another happy, healthy group
10 Southwestern Virginia
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