Blog

Recently students in the Pacific Quest wilderness therapy program went snorkeling at Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, also known as “Two Step” named for the natural lava steps that lead into the ocean. This popular snorkel spot was once the canoe landing for the Hawaiian chief and his attendants; it was also known as a place of …

By Yvette Slagle, Outreach Assistant This weekend, several people from the Pacific Quest team volunteered at the 4th Annual Keiki Fishing Tournament at Punalu’u Beach Park, which is a famous black sand beach approximately 11 miles from our camp. The event was hosted by ‘O Ka’u Kakou, and Pacific Quest wilderness therapy program was one …

By Denise Westman, Outreach Director Imagine: You’re feeling so depressed that you visit your doctor and request a prescription for a mood elevator. Instead of writing you a prescription for Prozac or a similar antidepressant, she advises you to get dirty. While you consider changing doctors, she describes how getting dirty changes your brain chemistry. …

By Dr. Jason Adams, Therapist I think a good many of us know what Ohana means from the movie “Lilo & Stitch.” Essentially, Ohana means family. Though I am Hawaiian and I often used the word ohana growing up, the words of Lilo from that movie have always stuck with me. “Ohana means family, family …

By Roxy Cafaro, Field Supervisor Due to the varied cultures and religions of our staff and students at Pacific Quest wilderness therapy program, we held our winter holiday celebration in honor of the solstice. Our celebration included creative games and activities and of course a holiday meal. A highlight of the celebration was the “imu,” …

To understand the great benefits wilderness therapy programs can offer struggling teens and at-risk young adults, it may be helpful to review the “Stages of Change.” The Stages of Change is a model created to track behavioral refinements in people. Known in its clinical form as the Transtheoretical Model, there are six stages to track. …

By Hilary Moses, Therapeutic Program Director Our focus on maintaining a high quality of care is always in motion and is invigorated every Monday morning in a meeting with the field supervisors, the therapeutic program director and the staff supervisor; it also includes a drop in visit from Al, PQ’s RN. During this meeting, the …

By Alicia Goldman Aloha! I am Alicia Goldman, and I am the new Director of Alumni and Family Services at Pacific Quest wilderness therapy program. My role is two-fold…one role being a resource to assist families and bridge the transition from PQ back into the home environment. For many families this can be a fragile …

Last week, Pacific Quest wilderness therapy program hosted a preschool field trip, and the gardens were full of laughter and learning for all ages.  Children and their caregivers visited our camp and gardens to learn about growing food and healthy eating, and in the process our program was enriched with a reminder of the many …

By Mike Sullivan, Therapist Have you heard? The McRib is back at McDonalds!!!! Well if you hadn’t heard it yet, you have now. Fast food chains are extremely effective in marketing to the populous, especially youth. In fact, I didn’t learn of the re-emergence of the McRib from television or radio, I learned of it …