Silverado Boys Ranch - Core Principles

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Core Principles

Silverado Boys Ranch offers a unique curriculum that balances emotional growth with purposeful work projects and physical challenges. The program addresses the student’s presenting problem behaviors as well as the underlying causes of these behaviors. Self-confidence and self-esteem increase in the caring and highly structured environment. Boys learn to take responsibility for their behavior; they gain new insight, improve their communication skills, and begin to contribute positively to their families and to society. Silverado Boys Ranch, through its innovative program, setting, and staff, gives young men a chance they might not otherwise have to succeed in school, at home, and in the community. It begins with the core principles of our program. These three principles, outlined below, are the cornerstones and the design of Dr. Kreg Gillman, Executive Director and Owner of Silverado Boys Ranch. In Kreg’s words:

Working on the Ranch

Work: As human beings, we have an innate need to make a contribution, to be productive, to build something, and to leave our "mark" on the world. Unlike their parents, today's teenagers have little opportunity to be proud of the day's work. As a child, I experienced first-hand a feeling of satisfaction for a full barn after a week of bailing, hauling, and stacking hay. I experienced pleasure in helping my grandfather, on a daily basis, to feed and water the livestock. Although often involved in challenging projects, there was great pride and contentment as we finished planting a garden, building a fence, or chopping enough wood for the winter.

In the various treatment programs I have both operated and visited, I have seen the great value of work. I have witnessed young men and women boast to their parents (during visits) of having climbed Mount Timpanogos (12,000 feet), of having remodeled a home, of having built a fence or a beautiful gazebo. I have seen the sense of self-esteem that comes from having done something with one's own hands, and the pride and contentment that comes from having contributed to the "greater good".

At Silverado, school is integral to "work". Students are expected to do their schoolwork, do it well, and do it on time. School is a privilege, and boys are expected to complete all school assignments in order to qualify for level bonuses, rewards, and advancement.

Teacher with Students
Love: Love, at the ranch, is defined as how we build and nurture relationships. Research comparing various therapeutic models has shown that regardless of the underlying model, the most healing aspect of therapy is the therapist-client relationship. I have stated many times, both privately and publicly, that "theories, books, and assessments do not heal; relationships heal". It is the relationship the child has with his staff that ultimately makes the difference. At Silverado Ranch, we focus on building positive relationships with others; on improving relationships with parents and siblings; on modeling healthy relationships among staff and with students; on being honest and on showing integrity with others; and on improving and practicing effective communication.

Recreation
Play: In today's world, both youngsters and adults seem to have forgotten how to "play". At the Ranch, play is defined as how we nurture ourselves. In order for us to have healthy and positive relationships and effectively love others, we must first know how to take care of ourselves. We cannot be running on an emotionally empty gas tank and then expect to effectively help and serve others. Play constitutes our opportunity to "refuel". Regrettably, many adolescents seek out self-destructive methods of play through drug and alcohol abuse and other high risk behaviors. These attempts at self-nurture are merely temporary and lead to additional guilt, self-destruction, and low self-esteem. At Siverado Ranch, we believe in extensive activity and in the development of each boy’s hobbies, talents, and activity skills. Healthy recreational activities form the foundation of the Ranch's daily routine.

Above all, the staff at Silverado are committed to providing a positive environment and teaching boys to effectively work, love, and play. We believe through that process boys will become respectful, responsible, and resilient young men.

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Information

Jeff W.

"Silverado is a place where our son could learn about himself and explore his challenges with the support of an entire community, including his counselors, teachers, supervisors, and peers. The staff members show genuine concern for the well-being of every boy and make sincere, constructive efforts to build a family environment. Silverado’s philosophy of work, love, and play as well as its emphasis on connecting students with nature within very special settings were all factors of our placement decision for our son."

Natalie S.

"The natural beauty and outdoor activities coupled with the fine academics and warm and caring staff made Silverado a natural and healthy choice for our son and for us."

Randy S.

"We did know where to turn for help… Silverado saved his life and gave us back our “real” son."

Trish

"The tremendous passion, commitment, and love the SBR staff demonstrate to our boys is evidenced daily through their core principles of work, love, and play. I now see they are setting the stage for our son to become a man, and are helping us become the parents we need to be for our son."

Lee D.

"The balance of academics and therapy in a family atmosphere has had a great impact on our son and our family"

Sally & Dave W

"We sent our son of to wilderness an angry young boy, and he returned from Silverado a calm young man. What a difference the right environment makes. Thanks Silverado!"

Fay & Howard

" We can sleep at night knowing that at every level of care--from the therapists and teachers to the administration and support staff--Silverado provides a safe, nurturing haven for our son. In a short amount of time, our son's performance and attitude toward school, his relationships, and everyday functioning have greatly improved. The standards are high here, and the T.R.U.S.T. level system works!"

WGB

"The Staff at SBR is a very loving and supportive group of people, NOT only to my Son, but also to our whole family."

Randy B.

"The caring and sensitivity of the staff impressed us enormously. It was clear to us that staff had made the effort to engage our Son, and that they Knew him. This made us feel more comfortable knowing our son was living in a warm personal environment."

Julie K.

"The loving nurturing environment at SBR has been helping my son to mature and heal."

Dave S.

"Therapy at Silverado occurs in real-time, with any of the staff at any time. Even more, it occurs as part of a natural, healthy relationship. We're excited to see the progress our son has made in only a few short months in this environment."

Patrick S.

"The Staff at SBR has exceeded our expectations in both their professionalism and knowledge while working with our son."

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