RADical Attachment Camp – Canada

Radical Attachment Camp:

Many programs are set up for only the child, but Radical Attachment Camp understands that the family unit is affected by the difficult child. The attachment techniques taught at the camp help the whole family come together as a unit, in addition to providing the parents with the unique tools needed to help these children down their healing journey. The camp has the privilege of having Nancy Thomas at its helm. Ms. Thomas has over thirty years of working with some of America’s most violent children. She boasts over 85% success rate with this population; these numbers are unheard of in the industry. This is the only camp in Canada that is privileged to have Ms. Thomas’ savvy techniques in how to deal with difficult behavior on a daily basis, in addition to helping these precious children fully heal.

 Radical Attachment Camp also has a separate program for the siblings of the difficult child. This program addresses the struggles and frustrations of living with a difficult child. The siblings work through experiential exercises with the horses of Long Faces and Happy Hearts Equestrian Centre. This week long program is set up as a fun cowboy/cowgirl camp, but has a therapeutic purpose. The work follows the empirically proven program and is the only empirically (quantitative research) proven program running in all of Canada and one of a handful in the United States. The quantitative research that has proven the usefulness of horses (Russell-Martin, 2006; Schultz, Remick-Barlow, & Robbins, 2007; Trotter, Chandler, Goodwin-Bond, & Casey, 2008) is so limited and recent that many programs have not had a chance to update their curriculum. At Radical Attachment Camp, we have closely monitored the research and bring you the latest and best proven methods.

 The difficult children also benefit from the presence of the horses by taking part in the Equine Facilitated/Experiential Bonding program with their parents. This program is unique to the difficulties that are particular to displaced children and their families. EF/EB uses the theories of Dr. Bruce Perry (among others) by targeting different parts of the brain in order to help the brain heal itself. Ms. Sherwood is also a PhD candidate that continues to do research into the best practices to heal families with difficult children.

I am an Equine Facilitated/Experiential Trainer and as such we will have this type of therapy also available. It really helps in getting the kids to open up rather quickly. The attachment therapy can, therefore, be done more effectively. We will also run a horsemanship course based on CHA programming for the non-challenging children aged 7 to 12 years old. The non-challenging children end up having a very relaxing time. For the 13 and up crowd we have a waterfront program available.

  The Basic Registration cost is $800 per person; this includes everything at the camp, there are no hidden costs. If you have children that are non-challenging you are welcome to bring them also, as we have an equine program set up for them. Payment can be made through cheque or money order and must be in Canadian funds. American participants must send money orders as cheques take too long to clear between countries.

Refunds:

 1. Full refunds minus 10% up until 15 May 2012

2. Partial refunds (50%) up until 1 June 2012

3.  No refund after 1 June 2012 unless we can replace your family with a waiting family (minus 10%).

As long as your place has been replaced by another family. All refunds will be processed after camp.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call Marie Sherwood at 306-728-2900.