Recreation Department

Recreation:
The Recreation Department currently consists of four people: one Director and three Assistants. The department facilitates recreational activities for Desert Hills clients throughout the week and works in conjunction with our on-site charter school, L.A.D.E. Recreational periods are also provided for our residential clients in the evening and on the weekend. The department uses a stress/challenge approach in their ROPES Course activities, hoping to catch clients outside of their normal comfort zone. The stress/challenge activities consist of high/low ROPES Course elements and problem-solving or initiative games.

ROPES Course:
The ROPES Course is located next to the East building. Only ROPES-certified recreation staff is permitted to conduct groups on the course. Certification consists of a 40-hour training conducted by the builders of the course. Horseplay, running, and unsafe activity are NOT ALLOWED on the ROPES Course. Clients are supervised at all times. SAFETY IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE. The high elements on the course are approximately 25-30 feet above ground level. This course is used as a tool to build self-esteem, learn about facing strong emotions, learn about trust, learn about taking a risk, build cooperation, and get our clients to try something that they may not be able to do.

Adventure Therapy Outings:
The Recreation Department takes pride in the stress/challenge activities offered to all clients away from Desert Hills. The outings provide something for clients to work toward. Like the ROPES Course, the outings provide tools to help adolescents with their treatment. Outings become a metaphor for treatment and thus offer encouragement for adolescents to make changes in their lives. The recreation staff supervises the outing with an eye on safety and the group experience.