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Daily and weekly routine. Five days a week you were forced to hike nearly all day carrying a backpack that was so heavy it was literally agony carrying it. If you complained about the weight you were punished by having rocks added to it to make it even more heavy for the rest of the day. If you complained further the rocks were left in through the next day. You soon learned not to complain. The two non hiking days were for group and individual therapy.
Food and water. The food was mostly dried and packaged rubbish that you would refuse to eat if any alternative was available but it was literally that or nothing. Most of the time you had to depend on natural sources for water. The staff purified the water they drank but we had to drink it unpurified. I often drank dirty water because it was that or die of thirst.
The staff. The staff were cruel and brutal. Most were just callously indifferent to us but some were actively sadistic. (There was actually one man who was reasonably decent and treated us well but he was limited in what he could do to help us. The other staff disliked him and he openly said he was only staying till he found something else). The staff worked a week on and a week off but both teams were equally horrible.
The other kids. The other kids were great and I made some friends among them who I’ve kept in touch with.
My next blog will describe specific memories and incidents. This one was only for the purpose of giving the overall picture of life in wilderness program.
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TRASHER VICOUS
Im sorry I havent been reading these, but this is insane to have a 'program' and not provide basic needs. thats literally prison
pessi ૮꒰˶ - ˕ -꒱ა
i hope you find the space to heal
Clara of Spacehaze
One word. Unbelievable.
It beggars belief that no one in authority can ban this outrageous practice - especially as you have knee problems because of their ongoing cruelty.
Also, your poor Mum (o) :D
The turmoil and stress she must have been going through whilst you were in there.
And your dad paid these people to have you go through that... Wow :(
Thanks. I’ll have to be brief because I’m at school and doing this during dinner recess. The trouble is that alot of the programs are owned by people with powerful connections. Also,America is not very good on the rights of minors. Children, and even young adults, are treated by alot of people as though they are somehow inferior just for being young.
My mom actually tried to get me released from the program but they refused to release me without my dad’s consent. (I do actually have a blog about that but you need to scroll back a long way to find it).
My dad payed alot to have me put through these horrors. I don’t know exactly how much he payed but I’ve heard that the cost of putting a kid through a wilderness program can be between 70,000 and 100,thousand dollars which I think is something like between 30,000 and 60,000 pounds. (Not sure how exact that is because I don’t know the exact rate of exchange).
btw. I’m going to try to get part five done within the next few days.
by feral boy Jamara; ; Report
As I said before, I commend you on your ability to forgive. I'm not so forgiving unfortunately. I do hold grudges which I know isn't healthy.
That is a lot of money your dad paid that organisation. Good god!
by Clara of Spacehaze; ; Report