Equestrian Program -- 2018 Schedule
The staff at Youth Services are happy to announce the start of a new experiential program being offered to youth in our counseling services and teen centers. This program will be facilitated by Katy Padula, LCSW and Youth Services staff. The goal of the Experiential Therapy Program is to provide a safe fun environment to promote skills needed to foster individual coping, problem-solving, and personal leadership, through unique interactive activities. Because horses are large, powerful animals, they can be particularly useful in representing big, life challenges and for helping people build confidence or overcome fears. Youth will engage in mounted activity on horseback and grooming, while learning to better communicate, problem-solve and accomplish goals. Youth will also learn relaxation and mindfulness skills by participating in Yoga and each day will end with processing their day.
This activity will take place and be facilitated by the staff at Equestrian Connection in Lake Forest, with the assistance and participation of Youth Services clinical staff. Warren Township staff will transport and drop off at Youth and Family Services, 100 S. Greenleaf St., Gurnee, IL 60031.
Two Session, with Two Focuses:
Freedom Riders Group, Feb 20 - April 17 (skipping week of 3/27/18): During this 8 week program participants will learn about themselves and other through horses. By engaging in mounted and non-mounted activities with the horse and discussing feelings, behaviors, and patterns. This program is ideal for individuals who wish to better assert themselves, build confidence, learn to work cooperatively with peers and expand their social skills. This activity is limited to only 10 youth. Grades: 6-9 (school year 2017-18) Day: Tuesdays Time: 5:15 pm -- 8:15 pm Registration Due: 2/5/18
Call Katy Padula for information and reigstration at 847-244-1101 ext. *410. Katy will provide a brief screening to help determine if the program is the correct fit for the child's needs. Parents will be provided an intake form only after first speaking to Katy.
Horses for Healing Group, May 1- June 26 : This program is largely focused on children who have experienced trauma or loss. During this 8 week program participants will learn about themselves and other through horses. By engaging in mounted and non-mounted activities with the horse and discussing feelings, behaviors, and patterns. Participants will learn to overcome fear and build confidence. Horses can teach self-awareness, honest communication, trust, healthy boundaries, leadership, patience, assertiveness, play, affection, nurturance and more. They have the ability to mirror human body language and provide us with metapohors and lessons about ourselves to help facilitate change. This program is ideal for individuals experiencing grief/loss, parental divorce, and T/trauma.
Grades: 8-12 (school year 2017-18) Day: Tuesdays Time: 5:15 pm -- 8:15 pm Registration Due: 4/16/18
Call Katy Padula for information and reigstration at 847-244-1101 ext. *410. Katy will provide a brief screening to help determine if the program is the correct fit for the child's needs. Parents will be provided an intake form only after first speaking to Katy.
Registration and Activity Information
All registrations will be reviewed and assessed to determine if appropriate for the program. Based on therapists discretion, priority is given based on clinical needs.
Fee: $145.00 (Scholarships may be available to Township residents based on financial need)/ Non Resident $180.00
Time: Leave from Youth and Family Services at 5:15 pm and return by 8:15 pm (return time may vary depending traffic and other variables)
Where: Participants will start and end day at Youth and Family Services. Youth Services will take care of all transportation to and from the activities. Youth who attend the Gurnee Teen Center are eligible to ride on the bus from the Teen Center to Youth Services to pick-up the other participants.
Snacks: Participants are encouraged to bring snacks and something to drink.
Required Clothing: Participants must wear long pants and closed toe shoes. Please bring bug spray and sun screen if needed.
Questions: Katy Padula at 847-244-1101 ext. *410