Dear Parents:

We understand how difficult it is to place your child in another person's care. This letter will explain what you and your child will experience while enrolled in Three Rivers Montana.

Admission Dates
Three Rivers Montana accepts admissions on most days of the week.  The Director of Admissions will work with you to schedule your child's admission day.

Transportation of Your Child from Your Home to Three Rivers Montana
Many parents prefer to bring their child to Three Rivers Montana. We are near Bozeman, Montana, which is located in southwestern Montana on Interstate 90 and is served by several major airlines. Some families know they will be unable to safely transport their child to Three Rivers Montana, and the admissions counselor can recommend safe escort services to those families.

Medical
Your child will begin the program at the Base Camp. While at the Base Camp, we will assess your child's readiness to enter the wilderness portion of the program. A physician will complete a medical examination, including a urinalysis to check for recent alcohol or drug use, before your child enters the wilderness to ensure he or she is physically capable of hiking and backpacking at altitudes ranging from 4000 to 9000 feet. It is very important that you answer all questions on the medical report so we will be aware of any possible health impairments that might affect your child's participation while on the trail. Due to the nature of an outdoor program, scratches and cuts are commonplace, so a tetanus toxoid booster within the past 5 years is required. We want to ensure that Three Rivers Montana can safely meet your child's needs.  Therefore, teens who have serious medical conditions or life-threatening allergies require review by our medical staff before acceptance.  The program will be individualized to meet special needs.

Equipment
Your child will be issued all equipment and clothing that he or she will need while at Three Rivers Montana. At this time he/she is given an opportunity to leave behind anything that would harm them, others, or nature. Though we will store and return all items your child has with him or her upon arrival, we would prefer that you do not send anything of great monetary or sentimental value with your child.

Base Camp
Students begin their stay at the Base Camp which is located near our campus and the field operational area. The purpose of the Base Camp stay is to assess and prepare your child for the wilderness experience.  Our experienced and caring staff will introduce your child to the Three Rivers Montana wilderness curriculum that will invite him or her to make internal and behavioral changes. 

Wilderness Experience/Communication
Your child will enter the wilderness portion of the program a minimum of two to three days after admission to the Base Camp. The therapists visit each student in the field weekly and call you to discuss your child's progress. You and your child may communicate through letters during the program. We encourage you to write to your son or daughter often, at least weekly. Please send or fax letters so they arrive by Sunday. Your child will receive and send mail each Tuesday. The mail will be reviewed by the therapist as an additional way to assess progress in reconciling your child's relationship with you and others.  Mail is restricted to family members unless you and the therapist agree that there are others who could assist in your child's progress. All letters your child writes to anyone other than parents will be sent to parents for distribution.

Parental Involvement
Because Three Rivers Montana helps the parents and child strengthen their relationship, working with the child is only a portion of the Three Rivers Montana program. The other part is helping the parents prepare to receive their child back into the family. Parents are encouraged to attend a parenting seminar as soon after admission as possible.

When your child has completed the program, you will have the opportunity to share in a field experience with your teen. You will be transported to the Base Camp from the Three Rivers Montana campus to be reunited with your child. Heated structures are available for use during wet or cold weather. You'll have the opportunity to spend time with your child reconciling your past and preparing for your future together. You will find that your child will take good care of you.

All students are accepted on the condition that they will complete the entire program. Tuition covers all costs of the program except for transportation to and from the program, the entrance physical and other medical needs, full psychological and learning evaluation (these are completed upon parent request - all students receive less intense psychological assessments), and replacement of lost or damaged personal equipment or items.

An admission date for your child, along with any necessary travel information, will be arranged by phone when we receive the completed application forms and payment arrangements are confirmed.

Please contact Mark Parlett at (877) 221-1115 for further information, including evenings and weekends.

Sincerely,

Marylis Filipovich, LCSW
Executive Director