The "EDGE" Wilderness Program is a concept of sharing, education, communication and problem solving. Its foundation is based on Native American principles of humility and respect for all things. When these concepts are fully understood all things fall into place. The Elders say, "The lesson is getting back to basics." Our children must be brought back within the Circle in order to reestablish unity of Family, Education and Spirituality as a single thought process. These things cannot be separated for doing so brings confusion and chaos within the family and all involved. From Native American traditions we return to nature to establish a spiritual connection with Creator/God. Along with individualized studies, the students experience time in the wilderness, purification ceremonies, vision quests and other activities. They come to know and understand the environment and the concept that all things are connected.

       The Edge is a residential twelve month program for boys and girls, 12-17 years of age (occasionally as young as 10) who demonstrate an inability to get along at home, in school, or for whatever reason don't fit in. The kids that come to us are average to above average intelligence, often diagnosed with LD and/or ADD/ADHD. Often there has been substance use/abuse and frequent scrapes with the law, parents, school and authority figures. Our students come from different cultures and backgrounds, yet all hold many of the same problems and characteristics. All areas of the student's life are examined. One of the first issues addressed is diet. By changing to a whole food diet, eliminating refined sugar, white flour products and processed foods, many emotional and mental problems improve. If needed certain vitamin and mineral supplements are added with medical supervision and approval. Usually positive changes are noticed within the first two weeks. In many cases some medications can be eliminated or decreased by the attending physician due to the positive results from the change of diet. This enables us to move on to other issues.

      Many of the kids come with little or no regard or respect for self what - so - ever. As a team, we work at helping the children understand the internal issues and by doing so we start the healing process. Learning to face issues instead of running from them can be very difficult for many of these children. Native American Tradition speaks of our
"Seven Generations." These children are a major part of our hope and healing for the future so our goal is to help them reach a point of emotional, physical and spiritual balance.

     In the majority of the children worked with, one thing continues to arise, a disbelief in Creator/God or any type of Higher Power. Many have had negative experiences that caused this disbelief and lack of faith in any form of prayer or meditation. We work with old tradition here to help them find a personal way to reestablish that belief and faith. A this time our lodges (sweats/purification ceremonies led by traditionals who have earned the right) are offered to the children as a way of healing and reestablishing a connection long lost.

     School has not been a positive experience for many students. They have been disruptive in class, always in trouble for misbehaving and many times failing. One of our goals is to turn this around and awaken within each a desire to learn. The individual educational plan starts each student at their level of achievement and works to bring them to grade level. This allows them to succeed and become more confident in their skills and abilities.

       The educational plan works hand in hand with the treatment program to change old behaviors and replace them with new habits and skills. The two overlap in many instances. The educational classes do not always take place in the classroom; often they are in the woods or other locations. Many different modalities are used including arts, crafts and drama. Every student is different and we strive to identify each one's strong points and build on them. There are times when the student is the teacher, practicing what has been learned and developing leadership skills.

       We believe that is important for students to be involved in all areas of life at the Edge. They help with the garden, cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. We feel that we are in many ways an extended family. As in any family everyone must carry their share of the load or the family becomes unbalanced.

      Parents are required to attend three workshops during their child's residence in order to understand the process of healing that we have introduced to the child. There is no magic wand to make things perfect at home so parents also have work and preparation to do. The family is often forgotten thus causing a repeat situation. By unifying parents and child there is a higher possibility of a healthier and happier outcome.

       The EDGE Wilderness Program is a division of Gables Academy of Stone Mountain, Georgia. The Program is accredited and staffed by certified experienced professionals.