There are those challenging times as a parent where you feel like you are out of choices and do not know where to turn. We saw such potential in Garrett, yet he did not see it himself. We encouraged him to step outside of his box and signed him up for a 28 day Outward Bound “adventure.” At the end of July, I drove Garrett to the Asheville airport where he met with four counselors and a lead guide. I am not going to lie, I was frustrated with behavioral and respect issues and I was secretively excited to have 28 days of peace in the house. We had NO idea where he would be, we knew little about the guides other than that they were well trained, young and very eager to provide a life changing experience for 10 teenage boys. At the end of the course, Chris and I took a three day parenting class to help provide us some feedback on positive communication, ways to handle conflict and some valuable tools to help provide our son with gaining confidence and independence in his life.
We had a lot of time to spend with him before heading back to Florida and learning about his wilderness experience. The most compelling conversation we had with him was when he told us about his 72 hour isolation. All of the boys are given an area big enough to walk around, pitch their tarp and a small amount of food they had to ration over the course of the three days. Garrett talks non stop so I knew this was going to be a struggle. They use it as a time to reflect. Garrett felt this was the hardest part of his experience.
The gist of the program is to teach these boys how to use assertive communication, work with others and resolve conflict effectively. As they developed these skills they gained more independence and when they struggled with their communication or self control, they lost the ability to make their own decisions.
I won’t even go into detail about how badly the gear smelled when we picked him up… but the smiles on all of their faces and empowerment they all felt by finishing the course was the biggest reward of all.
When Garrett left for Outward Bound, he knew that he would be starting off his high school year at Camden Military Academy. The program really provided him with a great foundation for this transition.
Ayden’s first day of 7th Grade!
West Glades Middle School
Garrett had a few extra days home before starting 9th grade. Chris and Garrett spent an afternoon doing “a first”.
Alligator Hunting
A few short weeks later we are back up in SC visiting my sister and taking Garrett to school.
Cousins reunited!
You could say that dropping Garrett off at school provided us with a lot of out of our box experiences. We spent the day getting fitted for his uniforms.
Garrett’s favorites were the fatigues. But he sure does look handsome in the formal wear!
As intimidating as the process was, I sensed a level of proudness in Garrett when putting on the uniform.
I wasn’t sure how comfortable the uniforms would be, but I do know it will cut down on time in the morning limiting his choices … stay tuned to find out.
When I took this picture, the look on his face tells it all. He looks so young!
We are now off to the barracks to get unpacked. Garrett is in Alpha Company and we had a lot of well mannered cadets helping us with the process.
This has got to be one of the hardest photos I took. Making a decision to send your 14 year old son away to school 3 states away does not come easily. But it sure feels right. I was not allowed to make up his bed nor was I to unpack his trunk. Shortly after saying good bye, I got a phone call from Garrett telling me that his bedroom met inspection and that he was handing his phone in for the next two weeks and that he will call me when he can.
I am so incredibly proud of his growth!
I am eager to see where his wings take him.
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