Frequently Asked Questions
We are always asked many questions by parents and practitioners about our expeditions and what a family can expect. If there are questions that you may please feel free to contact us at admissions@truenorthexpeditions.com.au.
Below we aim to answer questions about what happens during an expedition, what if your child is unwilling to attend and what you can expect from the entire process.
What is the Referral/Admission process for enrolling a young person?
The first step in preparing for an expedition is to contact our admissions team. We will need to conduct an initial assessment for determining if our programs are appropriate for your son or daughter. This can be done either in person or over the phone. If your child is appropriate, we will send through information regarding payments, forms and follow-up services for you to complete securing his or her position on the program.
What type of students is your program prepared to serve?
We specialise in working with students aged 13-18 who are experiencing family conflict, depression and many self-defeating challenges. We also provide programs for 10-12 year olds struggling with similar circumstances. Our program’s provide early-intervention services for those who are at-risk of going down a self-destructive or negative path.
How do I know if an expedition is right for my child?
During an initial assessment provided by one of our program leaders, we will be able to outline how appropriate our programs are for your specific circumstances. Some students are not well served by adventure therapy programs. We are unable to work with young people struggling with severe violent behaviour, patterns of severe suicidal behaviour, uncontrolled medical conditions, severe conduct disorder/antisocial behaviour, severe borderline personality traits, psychosis and students struggling with severe illiteracy. If you are concerned about your child struggling with some of these issues, please contact us and we can refer you on to an appropriate professional.
How much will the program cost?
Our two-week expedition costs $2,495. This service includes daily counselling sessions with a qualified professional, daily group sessions and facilitation of our program’s Expedition Curriculum while providing an outdoor adventure experience.
Who will lead my child’s expedition?
True North Expeditions provides an exceptional staff to student ratio of 1:2. Your expedition will be led by a head guide who holds a qualifying degree as a Social Worker, Psychologist or Counsellor. All support staff have completed at least a bachelor degree level work in Youth Work, Outdoor Education, Social Work and Psychology. A Program Manager in Adelaide and Station Managers on the property will monitor the expedition each day and ensure the group’s safety while they travel through the bush.
Should I be worried about my child missing two weeks of school?
We have found most schools to be very supportive of students attending our programs as they promote their emotional awareness and wellbeing. Students will work with our staff to complete our Expedition Curriculum, a workbook specifically designed to teach outdoor bush skills and facilitate some of our emotional learning. For those living in South Australia, this workbook can be turned into your school’s SACE Coordinator to apply for up to 20 Self-Directed Learning Points or for recognition of a Bronze Level Duke of Ed. Students who become Mentors with True North Expeditions will also have an opportunity to apply for Community Involvement SACE Points.
How are parents involved in the program?
Family involvement is essential to our programs success. While we are in the field we ask you to write two letters to your child. We will provide information about these letters in the Family Resources Packet provided when your child is enrolled in the program. Our program leaders will let you know how the trip is progressing and what you can expect upon your child’s return. They will also offer some insight into how they have connected with your child.
What happens after the program?
As stated above, family involvement is essential and so is effective follow-up. True North is the only adventure therapy program providing comprehensive follow-up with the program leaders that led your child's expedition. We recommend that family’s plan for at least two months of follow-up.
Can you describe a typical day in the field?
7:00am – Wake Up, Pack Up, Breakfast
8:30am – Begin hike for the day
10:00am – Break for Morning Tea
11:00am – Journal Break
12:00am – Lunch
1:30pm – Work through sections of the Expedition Curriculum
3:00pm – Arrive to Camp, Set Up Shelters, Complete Daily Check Off
5:00pm – Dinner
6:30pm – Nightly Group Session
8:00pm - Bed
What will my child eat while in the field?
The first night we will stay in a cabin on the property and be provided with an excellent full service meal. While in the bush, a diet of whole foods and organic meals are provided for each night’s dinner. We value a healthy diet and no student feels hungry or unsatisfied by his or her food rations. Our Food Menu stands out as one of the best in the outdoor industry. We will return to the cabin on Day 5 and Day 11 for full serviced meals that are cooked in the Camp Kitchen.
Should I be worried if my child is in a group with negative influences?
We are responsible for putting together the best possible group for each individual’s success. We are also accountable for each student’s individual progress. In the field, we monitor each child’s safety from moment to moment, both physical and emotional. If the group is being put at risk by another participant’s behaviour or actions we will ensure that each student is properly cared for and provided with the experience they deserve.
I’m not sure my child is willing to attend, what should I do?
We have a few options in regards to this question. Firstly, if we have the opportunity to talk or meet your child prior to the expedition we can usually get them onboard. When we can show your child that we are different from their school and their parents, we can begin our services from a place of trust. This is our recommended method, however, there are cases when your child is still unwilling to attend. If this is the case we are happy to discuss a few options regarding the transport of your child to the expedition.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us at anytime. We are happy to answer any of your questions.
Contact Information
Phone: 0477161768
Email: admissions@truenorthexpeditions.com.au
Website: www.truenorthexpeditions.com.au
Twitter: @TrueNorthExpAT
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrueNorthExpeditions
Program Director: Will Dobud – will@truenorthexpeditions.com.au
Below we aim to answer questions about what happens during an expedition, what if your child is unwilling to attend and what you can expect from the entire process.
What is the Referral/Admission process for enrolling a young person?
The first step in preparing for an expedition is to contact our admissions team. We will need to conduct an initial assessment for determining if our programs are appropriate for your son or daughter. This can be done either in person or over the phone. If your child is appropriate, we will send through information regarding payments, forms and follow-up services for you to complete securing his or her position on the program.
What type of students is your program prepared to serve?
We specialise in working with students aged 13-18 who are experiencing family conflict, depression and many self-defeating challenges. We also provide programs for 10-12 year olds struggling with similar circumstances. Our program’s provide early-intervention services for those who are at-risk of going down a self-destructive or negative path.
How do I know if an expedition is right for my child?
During an initial assessment provided by one of our program leaders, we will be able to outline how appropriate our programs are for your specific circumstances. Some students are not well served by adventure therapy programs. We are unable to work with young people struggling with severe violent behaviour, patterns of severe suicidal behaviour, uncontrolled medical conditions, severe conduct disorder/antisocial behaviour, severe borderline personality traits, psychosis and students struggling with severe illiteracy. If you are concerned about your child struggling with some of these issues, please contact us and we can refer you on to an appropriate professional.
How much will the program cost?
Our two-week expedition costs $2,495. This service includes daily counselling sessions with a qualified professional, daily group sessions and facilitation of our program’s Expedition Curriculum while providing an outdoor adventure experience.
Who will lead my child’s expedition?
True North Expeditions provides an exceptional staff to student ratio of 1:2. Your expedition will be led by a head guide who holds a qualifying degree as a Social Worker, Psychologist or Counsellor. All support staff have completed at least a bachelor degree level work in Youth Work, Outdoor Education, Social Work and Psychology. A Program Manager in Adelaide and Station Managers on the property will monitor the expedition each day and ensure the group’s safety while they travel through the bush.
Should I be worried about my child missing two weeks of school?
We have found most schools to be very supportive of students attending our programs as they promote their emotional awareness and wellbeing. Students will work with our staff to complete our Expedition Curriculum, a workbook specifically designed to teach outdoor bush skills and facilitate some of our emotional learning. For those living in South Australia, this workbook can be turned into your school’s SACE Coordinator to apply for up to 20 Self-Directed Learning Points or for recognition of a Bronze Level Duke of Ed. Students who become Mentors with True North Expeditions will also have an opportunity to apply for Community Involvement SACE Points.
How are parents involved in the program?
Family involvement is essential to our programs success. While we are in the field we ask you to write two letters to your child. We will provide information about these letters in the Family Resources Packet provided when your child is enrolled in the program. Our program leaders will let you know how the trip is progressing and what you can expect upon your child’s return. They will also offer some insight into how they have connected with your child.
What happens after the program?
As stated above, family involvement is essential and so is effective follow-up. True North is the only adventure therapy program providing comprehensive follow-up with the program leaders that led your child's expedition. We recommend that family’s plan for at least two months of follow-up.
Can you describe a typical day in the field?
7:00am – Wake Up, Pack Up, Breakfast
8:30am – Begin hike for the day
10:00am – Break for Morning Tea
11:00am – Journal Break
12:00am – Lunch
1:30pm – Work through sections of the Expedition Curriculum
3:00pm – Arrive to Camp, Set Up Shelters, Complete Daily Check Off
5:00pm – Dinner
6:30pm – Nightly Group Session
8:00pm - Bed
What will my child eat while in the field?
The first night we will stay in a cabin on the property and be provided with an excellent full service meal. While in the bush, a diet of whole foods and organic meals are provided for each night’s dinner. We value a healthy diet and no student feels hungry or unsatisfied by his or her food rations. Our Food Menu stands out as one of the best in the outdoor industry. We will return to the cabin on Day 5 and Day 11 for full serviced meals that are cooked in the Camp Kitchen.
Should I be worried if my child is in a group with negative influences?
We are responsible for putting together the best possible group for each individual’s success. We are also accountable for each student’s individual progress. In the field, we monitor each child’s safety from moment to moment, both physical and emotional. If the group is being put at risk by another participant’s behaviour or actions we will ensure that each student is properly cared for and provided with the experience they deserve.
I’m not sure my child is willing to attend, what should I do?
We have a few options in regards to this question. Firstly, if we have the opportunity to talk or meet your child prior to the expedition we can usually get them onboard. When we can show your child that we are different from their school and their parents, we can begin our services from a place of trust. This is our recommended method, however, there are cases when your child is still unwilling to attend. If this is the case we are happy to discuss a few options regarding the transport of your child to the expedition.
If you have any further questions please feel free to contact us at anytime. We are happy to answer any of your questions.
Contact Information
Phone: 0477161768
Email: admissions@truenorthexpeditions.com.au
Website: www.truenorthexpeditions.com.au
Twitter: @TrueNorthExpAT
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrueNorthExpeditions
Program Director: Will Dobud – will@truenorthexpeditions.com.au