1.Q: What training is required to successfully implement The Journey?
1.a Shelters
To gain a full understanding of the theory and implementation of The Journey Milieu Treatment Program, staff will need no less than two days of training. It is imperative for all staff to be fully trained to ensure continuity and consistency. This is especially important for Shelters, as there are several shift, and staff with rotating days off. The Journey Manual, The Journey Story and the student workbooks are the materials needed to have a successful program.

1.b Schools
Teachers and paraprofessionals, will need at least two full days of training. This training will include not only an understanding of the theory and implementation of The Journey program, but will also include practical help in individualizing the program for a particular classroom. The Journey manual, Then Journey Story and the student workbook will be necessary to implement the program.

1.c Home
Parents or foster parents could be trained in an extensive one-day training. This training would include the basic principles of The Journey program, effective parent-child interaction, strategies, and practical interventions for parents and care-givers. The Journey Manual and The Journey Story will be necessary to implement the program in a home or cottage environment.

2.Q: How much time will it take each day to implant The Journey in
2.a Shelters
Once the program is in place, with staff assignments for Adventure responsibilities, it should take no more than each day for the staff to complete her assignments. The Journey Groups last 45 minutes to 1 hour per group. Due to the nature of Shelters, with fluctuating populations, the time required may change slightly.

2.b Schools
When teachers and their aides have decided on individual responsibilities, each should not need to spend more than approximately 1 hour each day. The main tasks will be recording steps and tokens, and reading the Journey Story and completing The Journey curriculum. The Journey groups will take 45 minutes to 1 hour per group.

2.c Home
The time each parent and/or care giver has to spend with the child(ren) will vary according to the family’s needs. However, the most effective methods would include a time set aside each day to review a child’s progress on The Journey, read The Journey Story, and discuss the life skill-goals of each adventure. This could be a casual approach at dinner of bedtime, or a more structured “Journey” time. Thirty minutes should be sufficient to cover the material.
3.Q: Are there separate manuals/trainings for implementing The Journey in 1) shelters, 2) schools, and 3) homes (parenting)?
3.a Shelters and Schools
The Journey Packet including The Journey Manual, The Journey Story, and the student workbook, along with either a set of posters of individual artwork to post on the walls are needed to successfully implement the program. Posters are available for purchase.

3.b Homes
The Journey Manual and The Journey Story are necessary materials for the home. Some form of artwork to have posted is also an integral part of the program. Posters are available for purchase.
4.Q Please describe the contents of The Journey Groups. What are the
skills children learn as they play The Journey?
4.a The Journey program is designed to provide a group for each of the nine Adventures. Prior to receiving the reward for that adventure, each child is required to attend the group. Here they are–

- Read the Chapter
- Discuss the goals of that Adventure
- Learn how to integrate the life skills/goals info their personal life

4.b The life skills for the Adventures are presented in a sequential manner from basic life skills such as:

- Self-respect
- Get into action
- Cooperation/Ahisma (Do no harm)
- Relationship skills
- Self-discipline

To intermediate life skills (identity formation and character building) such as:

- Brotherhood/Teamwork
- Leadership
- Altruism – Acts of Human Kindness
- Being of Service
- Positive Role Model
- Physical Skill development
- Relaxation training
- Appreciation of differences

and then on to the more advanced life skills (personal growth and self-dicovers) such as:

- Intuition
- Avoiding revenge
- Dreaming
- Facing your past
- Thankfulness
- Hero Script
- Mindfulness
- Spiritual Awareness / The Illusion of Separateness
5.Q: Please list the values that children discuss as they read The Journey
Story and play The Journey game.
5.a Because “values” are as individual as every family, The Journey’s goal is to teach life skills, which are more universal to all human beings. These skills are essential not only for personal development, but also the development of a more compassionate world. It is hoped that a positive change can begin here.
6. How much time would it takes each day to implement The Journey in a classroom setting?
a Shelter
The m
7.Q What does it cost to set up The Journey program in a school classroom. What would it cost to set up The Journey in a shelter or residential program?
7.a Shelter
The minimum cost would include the two day training and the purchase of The Journey Packet which includes: The Journey Milieu Treatment Manual, The Journey Story (10 books), The Journey student workbook (10 books) and a set of 9 posters.

The size of the Shelter, number of buildings, etc., would determine the amount of materials needed. Administrators, staff, social workers, and Counselors need a Manual. The Journey Manual can be used by many staff members. Residents can “check out” a copy of The Journey Story.

We at Laura Dester have chosen to give every child a copy of the book when they leave the shelter. The workbooks can be purchased for each individual child. Other costs would include Adventure rewards. We have been successful in obtaining donations from the community and community grants.

7.b Schools
Minimum costs would include a two day training, a Journey Manual, The Journey Story (10 books), the student workbook. The Posters can be purchased as well. A classroom could run smoothly with one munual, but an additional manual would be helpful for the school counselor. Each child would benefit from having their own book and workbook.

Additional expenses would include rewards for the Adventures. These can be non-monetary rewards, such as computer time, free homework pass, etc. Additionally, some parent-teacher organizations are helpful in providing funds, as well as having a fund-raiser and seeking community donations.

8.Q: I am concerned about the use of wizards in The Journey Story. Please provide a description of Merlin and wizards in general.
8.a Merlin is a fictional character based on myth. For centuries, storytelling has been an effective means of passing information and teaching from one generation to another. In The Journey Merlin and wizards are used in the same manner. Merlin is an older “wise man”, who offers insight and guidance to those who come across his path.
9.Q: Does The Journey advocate a religious belief system? What about
separation of church and state?
9.a The Journey does not advocate an religion, or belief system. It is a story that uses myth and legend to entertain and teach.

10.Q: When a child has earned an adventure reward, how do you obtain funding to purchase rewards?
10.a As mentioned earlier, funding can be obtained from donations, community grants, parent-teacher organizations, fund-raisers, local school funding, eic. Many rewards can be non-monetary – such as computer time, free homework pass, lunch with the teacher, or individual time with a parent.