Family Support | Events | Adventures
— Guidance-at-a-Glance —
“The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.”
– Richard Bach
CCBS FAMILY CENTER
At Cherokee Creek, our mission is to “challenge boys and their families to discover what is real and true about themselves and the world around them.”
We believe (and studies show) that a critical factor for the long-term, sustained success of a student is FAMILY INVOLVEMENT! The CCBS Family Center is not a physical place, but a robust component of our program that engages and connects the entire family in a variety of ways.
Our events offer support, parent education, adventures and experiences for the entire family (students, siblings, parents and extended family). The character-development curriculum is integrated into all family programming, thus helping to create additional connection to each student’s experience. A powerful and favorite outcome of our Family Center is meeting other families, making new friends and offering support to one another.
The CCBS Family Center also distributes a weekly newsletter, maintains a family portal for student photographs, and plans other exciting events like our annual Thanksgiving feast! Here is an overview of the different events and experiences that are a part of the CCBS Family Center.
Our CCBS Family Center Programs below are designed to provide parents with opportunities for learning and the tools for rebuilding their families.
Family Seminar | New Family Orientation
– C.S. Lewis
Family Seminars
Four times a year, families gather near campus for two days of parent education, family therapy and time with the CCBS community. Family Seminars include interactive discussions about our character-development curriculum, called the Medicine Wheel, which helps families create a parallel experience and common language with their children. Other workshop topics include parent education around boundaries, problem-solving, technology use and adolescent development.
CCBS hosts expert speakers on a variety of subjects. Past guests have included:
- Best-selling author, Michael Gurian, who shares information about the brain differences between boys and girls; and
- Search Institute’s, Jim Conway, discussing the 40 Developmental Assets and “Sparks” … those activities and interests that truly engage kids to be their best; and
- Consultant, Susie Pecuch, helping us learn about our individual approaches to communication problem-solving and family teamwork; and
- Author / storyteller, Rick Stone, teaching us about the Healing Art of Storytelling.
Family Adventures
Challenging Boys and Their Families
Family Adventures are fun and healing!
CCBS offers a variety of multi-day family outings … Treks … that combine adventure, fun, and healing time in nature. These adventures take you far away from the daily distractions of life and offer a wonderful opportunity for families to rebuild relationships and gain new perspectives.
Some treks are designed for the child and parent, and some adventures are for the entire family (siblings included!). Trips offer a range of accommodations from primitive camping to more comfortable ‘glamping’.
Treks feature a variety of activities including:
- Whitewater Rafting
- Canoeing and Kayaking
- Ropes Courses
- Hiking and Rock Climbing
- Camping and Geo-Caching
- Crafts, Campfires and Cookouts in the Evening
Treks may take place near campus or in other areas around the country.
Family Treks | Parent-Son Treks | Rafting Trips
“I took a walk in the woods, and came out taller than the trees.”
– Henry David Thoreau
Trips within the U.S. and abroad
“We must take adventures to know where we truly belong.”
– Unknown
Family Experiences
Discovering What Is Real and True About Ourselves and the World Around Us
These experiences are great opportunities to build and strengthen relationships within the family, make new friends in the CCBS community and practice new skills while having the full support of the Cherokee Creek team available.
Family Experiences may include:
- Trips / adventures to places like Washington DC, Chile, Italy
- Campus Events: Annual Thanksgiving Celebration, Parent / Student / Staff – Soccer game
- Community Adventures such as the Local Community Trail Run
Parent Support
We offer support for parents / families in many ways throughout the Cherokee Creek experience, including:
- Mama Bear Retreats >
- Father Retreats
- Family Therapy Sessions (virtual and in person)
- Virtual Family Education and Connection
- Family Equine Therapy / Horsemanship
- Transition Services After Graduation
Mama Bear Retreats > | Retreats for Dads
Family Therapy | Virtual Support
“The Women’s Rest [Mama Bear Retreat] was the first time I met other women who really understood the pain I was in. It was a place where I could share my story, without blame or judgment. The security and acceptance of this group provided me the foundation to heal and deal with the new path ahead.”
– CCBS Mom, Ann | Dallas
Passages | Full-Circle Transition
Cherokee Creek’s full-circle transitional Passages Program supports families during their sons’ time on campus and after their transition back home.
To Talk to Us and Find Out More
Contact Christy Swafford, Admissions Director
(770) 654-1241 | Click to Call or email Christy HERE.
