Family Involvement

Family Support

At Gator Wilderness Camp School we see ourselves as partners with parents to work through problems. The family is the place where a boy gets his support, values, and emotional foundation. Camp partners with parents to instill positive Christian values such as being honest, working hard and enjoy working, to be loyal to family, and learn the difference between a friend and a person that will get them into trouble. We stay in contact with the families. There are scheduled evaluations every three to four months with the boy, the family, and the camp team. The goal is to have everyone involved get a clearer understanding of what the boys behavior and attitudes are at home and at camp.
As our relationship grows with the family and they see changes in the boy’s life, they often are more comfortable identifying and solving problems in the home. At camp we look at problems as stepping stones to growth.

HOME VISITS

Every six weeks the campers go on a home visit to practice what they have learned at camp. The boys go home on a Friday and return on Tuesday. This visit is far more than a social call. It is a time for the boy to show his parents the changes in his life. It keeps the relationship at home open, and it keeps the goal of returning home in the mind of both the boy and his family. It also reveals more changes that need to happen for the return home to be successful. This visit is a measurement of the progress the boy has made. It is an encouragement to all. The parents see change and are encouraged. With this renewed hope, the boy is encouraged as he sees he can please his parents. This does not mean the boy returns the first few times with all his behavior in order, but that progress is happening.