Q. What will the living arrangements be like? Will I have my
own room? Q. What are the program expectations of me? What can I do so
that I'm not bored? Q. How long will I stay in the program? Q. The physical activities sound challenging. What if I can't
keep up? Q. Is there a dress code? Can
I bring my own clothes? Q. My spiritual life is important to me. Will I be able to attend
church and practice my religion while participating in the program? Q. What happens if I've signed up for a certain period and realize
after sometime that things won't work out for me in the program? Q. What if I have other questions I can't think of right now?
A. The living arrangements will be a positive and supportive
home-stay atmosphere with the supervision and guidance of the live-in
Host Parents. There may be one other youth living in
the
home with you. You will have your own
room to personalize, as you'd like, (nothing of an offensive nature).
It will be your home away from home.
A. Your counsellors and teachers
assist you in accomplishing your goals. This will likely focus on looking at what has been going on at home or in school lately. You'll be supported in building new skills
that will help you in leading a healthy lifestyle and getting along better with your parents.
There are other activities that will also keep you busy such
as schoolwork or recreational outings.
A. Ultimately, this decision is between you and your parents
but the Venture Academy Clinical Team will be making recomendations as you progress in the program. Venture
Academy recommends youth participate in the program until most,
or all of the originally identified goals have been completed and
our program materials have been covered. Depending on your willingness
and motivation, usually this means a stay of about six months.
Sometimes, completing these goals may take longer. Staff are in regular contact
with you and your parents to discuss your individual situation.
Q. My parents want to know that I'm going to be safe and feel
comfortable while away from home. How can they be assured of this?
A. Without a doubt, your safety is of the utmost importance to Venture
Academy. Staff (who are subject to criminal record checks and
trained in non-violent crisis intervention) are chosen because of
their compassion and proven experience in successfully working with
youth. Whether it's a one on one discussion, or
engaging in challenging outdoor activities, the Venture Academy
team make it their priority to ensure all participants feel emotionally
safe and are physically protected.
Q. When can I go home to visit my family?
A. Venture Academy staff recognizes that this may be the
first time the participants have been away for school
for an extended period. Keeping in mind the programs objectives
and your goals, youth and parents are encouraged to pre-plan home
visits with the team in order to make them as successful as possible!
Q. Can family come and visit me?
A. Yes. Visits can be accommodated at agreed upon times. Venture Academy staff
will take time to talk with your parents about the program, your
goals, objectives and your participation.
A. Don't worry. Venture Academy's trained and experienced staff
are sensitive to the needs and capabilities of all clients in our
care. Yes you will be challenged, but the staff will always be aware
of your individual comfort level and will support you in pushing
your own limits at your own pace.
Q. What if I want to pursue an activity I recently experienced
while in the program?
A. No problem. With your parent's approval, Venture Academy will
help you develop a more
intensive schedule that will get you connected with the activity
of your choice. After all, our common goal is for you to develop
a more healthy lifestyle!
Q. How will I know I'm taking the right school courses to get
into the university or college of my choice?
A. Venture Academy staff and teachers assist youth and parents
in identifying post secondary entry-level subject material. Youth
in our programs have every opportunity to, and are supported in
achieving their academic goals even while addressing substance abuse
and other issues.
A. Yes there is a dress code. Clothes must be reasonably appropriate and suitable for
the activity in which you are participating. No clothes that display a negative message or are decorated
with alcohol or drug logos or offensive portrayals. You are asked
to bring your own clothes but Venture Academy will gladly assist
you in purchasing clothes from local outlets which will be suitable
for your stay. There are Venture Academy shirts for during school time and we have a no hat policy like a lot of other schools.
A. Yes, Venture Academy is sensitive to the spiritual beliefs of
youth and their families. If desired,
you will be supported in accessing
an identified place of worship and will be given the respect and
freedom to practice your religion.
Q. What happens if I get sick? Will I be able to have access
to a doctor and a pharmacy?
A. Your health is very important. Any illness will be attended to
immediately. You will have access
to the public system of emergency medical care or a
doctor.
A. Venture Academy staff will attempt to support you in working
through any difficulties you may
be experiencing. If the time does
come that you must leave the program, you may do so at any
time.
A. Upon admission, we'll go through an orientation with you and your parents. This process will provide you with more information but you are welcome to ask questions at any time.