I am a parent. My child was struggling with Aspergers - can't read social cues, frustration with…read morethe way the world is, a desire to be accepted but an inability to gain acceptance, obsessive use of computers and online games, anxiety, poor ability to plan ahead (executive function), etc. We sent him to the Aspiro program for kids like him (Vantage Point program). There are other programs there, but each group is kept generally separate.
Vantage Point included about 7 kids depending on the week, between the ages of 14 and 17. All of the kids who were there with our son were high-functioning.
The program includes very intensive oversight and therapy. The "guides" are all very knowledgeable about counseling and wilderness camping, and were all very caring. The kids basically are out on the trail 4 or 5 nights a week, and in "base camp" 2 or 3 nights. The participants do one activity per week: rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, "skills camp," and more. No swimming or boating, apparently due to an insurance issue. The kids develop really good outdoor skills, including in those areas (especially rock climbing), camping skills, cooking for themselves, planning their use of water and food, not leaving anything behind, etc.
The campers are kept very active - the physical aspect is a bit draining, but nothing dangerous or even close to any participant's limits. The nights on the trail include counseling, group activities (maybe closer to group therapy), and of course setting up the camp for the night. Kids have the opportunity to form friendships, talk with others who understand the stresses of their lives and their unique situations, and learn a lot about themselves.
While out on the activities for the week, participants do not have cabins, tents (at least not in the summer), bathrooms, showers, or laundry facilities. All gear - everything the kids have with them - is issued by Aspiro to ensure safety and the integrity of the program (to prevent anyone bringing in drugs, snacks, or other contraband). At base camp each week, the kids get to shower and launder etc.
It is a strenuous time emotionally as well., with intensive counseling, including during the 2 days at base camp with the licensed therapists. Jamie, our son's counselor, was phenomenal with him. At base camp, the kids turn in at least one letter each week, and get letters from home. They read, play frisbee, "aggressively wade" in the river, and unwind before the next week begins. Most participants in Vantage Point stay from 8 to 12 weeks before continuing on to a residential program in Utah (one place is associated with Aspiro - it's called Gateway Academy) or Montana.
Our son benefited a lot from the Vantage Point program. He was very apprehensive prior to going, but he was very encouraged by the two Aspiro guides who came to the airport to meet us. Some kids need to be picked up at home (typically without warning them in advance), bundled up, and taken to the camp by special staff, but most come with one or both parents to SLC airport to get picked up there. The parents do not come with the participant to the base camp. Campers for Vantage Point typically arrive on a Wednesday or Thursday, and leave on a Wednesday some weeks later.
About a month into the program, the families come to Sundance Resort to meet for a family seminar that includes two days of family counseling with your child. There is a rock climbing session, in which the kids really excel and forms a bonding experience for the family. There are also several meals together including one out at a restaurant, which is a big hit with kids who have been eating a very limited diet for several weeks before and after.
I wrote this review primarily for other parents, so you would know what to expect of Vantage Point. It is a great program for our son. We worked with an educational consultant (Bodin Group) to make this decision, and they also suggested one other program. We might have been happy with that one, but Aspiro Vantage Point worked for us. Definitely go to the family seminar - try to time your kid's arrival at Aspiro to be about a month before the family seminar, because at that point they will have made some good progress. Be sure to do your "gratitude letter" in advance (and print it out), because that is an essential part of the program. If you are anything like our family, your life will be much better after Aspiro Vantage Point.
If any kids read this who are going to Aspiro - it's OK to feel apprehensive, but everyone there is friendly and helpful. The physical activity will be hard, but no more than you can bear (although you might argue with me after the hike up Tabby mountain). All the other kids there face the same challenges you face every day, and the counselors and kids really know how to help you. Your life will be much better after Aspiro Vantage Point.