SHELTER PROGRAM

"You become what you think about all day long."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"The Piercing Eye"
As children play The Journey, they are taught that problems are merely challenges in disguise.

Unfortunately, Emerson's prophecy was becoming true for both the children and the staff at the abused children's shelter in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The children at the shelter struggled with feelings of loss, anger, and fear. The children were caught in a web of their own negative thoughts.

Another concern was the poor morale of the shelter staff. Exposed to a bombardment of negative emotions and children in pain, the staffs thoughts had also grown more cynical, more negative.

Emerson's words haunted me. If the children and the staff were trapped in a web of their negative thoughts; could they not also be liberated by thoughts of hope, courage, and vision.

The challenge was to create a positive environment which taught that problems are merely challenges in disguise, that shelter staff are guides for children who have embarked upon a grand adventure, and that kindness is strength.

If Emerson was right, then the children and the staff could regain hope and inspiration from a milieu that encouraged children to choose a path with heart and to be of service to others. This belief in courage, compassion, and service led to the inception of The Journey.

Emerson's prophecy could work both ways.

THE GUIDE'S MISSION

* Provide a Story of Vision, Hope, and Courage

* Provide Supervision, Nurturing, and Teaching Experiences

* Provide Trainings, Coaching, and Encouragement necessary to develop Life Skills

* Provide Recognition For Success Achievement and Goal Attainment



"Camelot"
The Journey addresses spiritual awareness in the form of Being of Service to others and in the sense of exploring our connection to others... designed for children of any faith and for children who do not have a faith or religious belief.
Camelot
Children need a safe, predictable and non-threatening environment in order to learn. Prolonged exposure to a peaceful, teaching environment encourages children to relax and to focus upon learning. The Journey hopes to create a safe environment through an effective discipline program, and a belief system, in which "Kindness is Strength" and "Acts of Human Kindness" are rewarded.

The Journey endeavors to create a milieu in which the guides and children discuss vision, determination, and success all day long.

Behavioral Therapy
At its simplest level, The Journey motivates achievement through the use of behavioral therapy. The Journey utilizes short-term goals and long-term goals to motivate a child toward mastery experiences.

As children progress on The Journey the rewards change from an initial emphasis on external rewards such as: earning privileges, earning desired items, and earning money; to an emphasis upon intrinsic rewards such as: recognition for achievement, positions of leadership, personal status, and increased freedom. However, the ultimate reward of The Journey is altruism, or the reward of Being of Service to others.