Coyote Phase
Coyotes, nature's premier survivalists, adapt to almost any environment and find nourishment for themselves and their pack even under the most severe conditions. As a powerful metaphor for students entering the second step of the program, the coyote symbolizes the student's attempts to develop character and adapt positively when faced with adversity. The coyote metaphor also teaches the value of working for the good of the community and accepting help from others when facing a common condition.
Students learn the meaning and value of becoming a coyote through assistance from peer mentors and program staff. During this phase the student identifies the strengths he or she brings to the group as a coyote, protects the safety of the group, completes chores and activities as assigned, and participates in group activities with little or no problems. He or she recognizes that negative behavior impacts the entire group. The function of this stage is to teach the student cooperative behaviors and skills similar to those expected in a family system.
Objectives
- To encourage group participation and personal involvement in the therapeutic process
- To encourage continued change
- To associate behavior with consequences
Duration
- Approximately 14 days
Phase Requirements
- Complete a bow drill fire on five separate days.
- Cooks meals for oneself.
- Takes appropriate care for gear, clothes, and other possessions.
- Demonstrates good personal hygiene.
- Practices safe behavior.
- Follows directions appropriately.
- Uses time wisely to complete daily tasks
- Demonstrates basic communication skills.
- Learning how to respect self and others.
- Reads impact letter from parents in group.
- Complete all required curriculum activities in a timely manner.
- Participates and demonstrates competency in daily reviews of yesterday's activities.
- Begins to identify issues that brought you to Aspen.
- Participates in group therapy.
- Participates in individual therapy.
- Completes assignments given by therapist in a timely manner.
- Write two letters home to your parents, including sharing experiences you are having at Aspen.
- Create three goals to work toward while at Aspen.