by Christy Swafford, CCBS Assistant Admissions Director

Family Seminar is a time that is cherished at Cherokee Creek Boys School by staff, parents, grandparents, siblings, and the boys. It is a time to reconnect and gain tools to put into practice now and continue when a family leaves CCBS. It is a time for families to connect with one another about their experiences, what has worked for them, and what hasn’t worked with them. There is always a lot of laughter to be shared and tears to be shed. It is truly a healing time for all.

This past Family Seminar focused upon the attribute of the “Warrior” on the Medicine Wheel. A “Warrior” is defined as someone that “chooses to be show up and be present”. It is easy to show-up, but it can be difficult to be present in mind, body, and soul. We have wonderful families that were truly authentic and able to be present at Family Seminar. Through the studying about the Warrior attribute, our boys are learning how to be leaders, how to be courageous, and how to be responsible.

We had the privilege of Tim Thayne, founder of Homeward Bound, speak to us at one of our sessions. He discussed the importance of building your Family Counsel at home. We also had sessions discussing natural and logical consequences. It is really easy to be reactive, but it is much harder to take a step back and see every opportunity as a teaching opportunity. For parents to be successful a this, they must utilize every aspect of the Warrior attribute.

During the Family Seminar, we also received insightful tips from our student panel about what it means to them with being a leader, being courageous, and being responsible. By volunteering to be on the student panel, these boys are practicing being a leader, being courageous, and being responsible.

There are so many other great sessions and tools to be learned at each Family Seminar. Our next Family Seminar will take place in a few months, on May 18 – 20.

by Christy Swafford, Assistant Admissions Director at Cherokee Creek Therapeutic Boys School

Cherokee Creek now has a new hydroponics lab!

If you do not know what a hydroponics lab is, follow us on this journey to find out. The boys and staff couldn’t be more excited to start this fun process.

One of our students, Reid R wrote this blog about it.

“In class recently, we have been learning about hydroponics, or food grown without soil. Collectively the classes are going to take care of 15 different plants. The seeds we are planting are Wild Bergamot, Lemon Verbena, Strawberries, Lemon Balm, Lemon Basil, English Lavender, and Chocolate Mint. I am excited for this because Ben (the Environmental Science Teacher) said we could make tea out of the plants when we are done. Also, I have only seen hydroponics on NOVA and stuff like that. We also recently got our seed starters, so we are ready to begin.”

It is really rewarding to see the passion from the boys about the process involved with a hydroponics lab. They are interested in every detail and really want to make sure they do it correctly. All of us are on pins and needles with excitement to see what happens next.

In the pictures you can see the seed pods. The boys put the tiny seeds in the hole in the middle. Once the roots grow 1-2 inches, they will be placed in water inside clay pots. This will allow the roots to expand. Stay tuned to see what happens next!

I’m really proud of all the hard work the students are putting into this project. The boys have done all the research with how it works. Next time you visit our campus, remember to stop over and see how our plants are faring.

I personally can’t wait to sample the goodies when the time comes!