 What is Sycamore Canyon Academy?Sycamore Canyon Academy is a six-month academic and therapeutic program for adolescent boys who are struggling in their homes and in their schools. The program gives these young men the opportunities and services to change the direction of their lives. What type of youth does Sycamore help? Sycamore helps boys 12 - 18 who are underperforming in their personal and academic life and who may lack focus and direction. How is SCA run? SCA operates year round and is an evidenced based program and a cognitive academy model that uses a strength based, positive peer culture behavior system to help each student identify and change negative behaviors. Each student is assessed and an individual treatment plan is developed to help as the student participates in guided group meetings, individual therapeutic sessions as well as academic and physical education training. Each staff is trained to help our students think before they react, ask for help when needed and help others either individually or through community service projects. What is the campus like ? SCA is a safe, open 20 acre campus designed to facilitate learning and growth. The quiet of the surrounding National Forest, the clear air, night sky and abundant wildlife all contribute to the peace that our students begin to feel being at SCA. The campus features updated dormitories, administrative offices, therapist office, nurse's office, school rooms, computer room, meeting space, dining hall, outdoor amphitheatre and weight room. What about Counseling and Treatment ? Each student receives a minimum of two individual sessions with the therapist per month. If appropriate more sessions can be added. Therapy groups are held twice a week and are facilitated by the therapist and case manager. The Pathways course is used for drug and alcohol education while Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) helps students learn the importance of thinking about the consequences of their actions before reacting to a situation. What is cognitive behavioral therapy? Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a research-based best practice that helps students positively change their behavior by changing their thoughts. In an on-going effort to enhance the learning environment and growth opportunities for students, Sycamore Canyon Academy has adopted "Thinking for a Change" to serve as the foundation for cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, has evolved over the last 30 years and based on extensive research, has become a best practice in treating a variety of emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, and aggression. CBT is based on the scientific evidence that our feelings are determined by our thoughts and perceptions, rather than by external influences such as people, situations, and events. Subsequently, through finding ways to take greater charge of our thoughts, we can positively impact our feelings in ways that improve our reactions to situations and events. What type of education is provided at SCA ? Our education department is a combination of traditional classes and Blueprint online course work. We are accredited through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Students will be assessed at enrollment and will experience a challenging curriculum delivered by credentialed teachers and have the opportunity to gain 8th grade proficiency as well as high school credits/units. Their registration with Blueprint remains current after graduation and students are able to continue to use the online courses to build high school credits. What behavioral skills do the students learn ? Students learn a variety of skills while in attending SCA including: respect, anger management, self-discipline, motivation, goal setting, positive alternatives to their current choices, accountability and responsibility. Each student is encouraged to learn from their mistakes, take accountability for their choices and learn to make better choices in thoughts, actions, attitudes and behaviors. How is Sycamore Canyon Academy licensed ? We are licensed by the State of Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). The licensing agencies conduct on-site reviews each year and we practice an open-door policy for licensing representatives, case workers and parents. Together, we ensure our program meets or exceeds every licensing standard and that the health, safety and welfare of each and every student are met. How long is the program ? Our program is achievement-based with students progressing through the program by completing requirements in treatment and self-development, academics, recreation and community service. The length of each young man's stay generally depends on his progress and will typically be six months. Do I get to talk or visit with my son ? Each student has a weekly telephone call with parent(s) and are given time to write letters to family members on a regular basis to help strengthen their relationship. Visits are scheduled thru the case manager. A home visit will be possible after a student has reached an upper level of behavioral change. What is the dress requirement at SCA ? All students at SCA are required to wear a uniform. The uniform changes as the student progresses through the program, ranging from t-shirts and work out shorts to khaki pants with a dress shirt and tie. In addition students are expected to maintain proper hygiene habits while in placement such as: remaining clean shaven, keeping their hair cut short, and no piercings. How much staff supervision is there ? The students receive supervision 24/7. Each department on site has regular interaction with students including: group living, teachers, therapist, case manager, program director, maintenance, night staff and kitchen staff. The focus at SCA is group interaction and accountability however, staff are available to the students for one on one support and guidance. We do have night staff awake in each dorm every night. How do the students interact with each other ? The students interact on a daily basis through developing a positive peer culture. This culture encourages students to hold each other accountable, set a positive example and work together to provide support and guidance. Upon entering the program each new student is assigned a Ram (upper phase student) advisor who will help acclimate them to the norms and rules of the program while providing leadership, advice and assistance. When my son is admitted, what should I bring ? The admissions staff will help you arrange all admission paperwork. The cost of the program includes everything your son needs to start his program. Sycamore Canyon provides his uniform, toiletries, bedding etc. You will need to provide, academic transcripts, 30 day supply of medication (if applicable), copy of insurance card, immunization records and physical. Who should I contact for more information? Please call Admissions at Sycamore Canyon Academy (phone 520.896.9391 ext 103) or 800.390.7425 or EMAIL us. |
