Mouse Phase
New students to Aspen enter with the designation of "Mouse." In an effort to integrate into their group, new students are taught program requirements, and expectations for growth, as they set personal goals. A major focus of the mouse phase is for students to address anger at placement in the program and acceptance that they were placed because they are cared for. Through interaction with group members who have been in the program longer, mice learn about the importance of expressing their feelings and become motivated to improve their behavior and move up to the next phase, Coyote.
Objectives
- To motivate the students to take responsibility and to want to change using challenging activities and communications.
- Excise toxins out of the student's body.
- Structure the student's time to motivate them to complete required tasks in order to move to the next phase.
- Teach students need for compliance to program rules and expectations.
Duration
- 48 intensive hours (may vary by individual)
Program Elements
- Learn to construct and carry a survival pack.
- Rigorous daily physical activity.
- Follow safety guidelines.
Phase Requirements
- Choose a staff person who you feel can help guide you to Coyote.
- Write a paper concerning why you are at Aspen and then share with group.
- Write a paper concerning what you have to learn/change/develop about yourself and one thing you can offer the group.
- Read "Jumping Mouse" story and process with a staff person - complete process questions.
- Shows a desire to grow by making a request to move to Coyote.