Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ridge Creek  licensed or accredited? 

Ridge Creek is licensed with the State of Georgia Department of Human Resources as an outdoor therapeutic camp.  Ridge Creek is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) as a residential child/adolescent mental health service provider.

How is Ridge Creek different from other Wilderness programs? 

Our staff consists of mature, professional, qualified individuals.  Therapeutic staff possess a minimum of a master’s degree in a counseling-related field.  A formal risk management system is used to help prevent injury during the course. Students are challenged physically through mountaineering, field skills, orienteering and challenged mentally by the student realizing how his thoughts and actions affect himself and others.  We do not use food or sleep deprivation!  Other wilderness/outdoor programs focus mainly on behavior modification, skill development or emotional growth.  Ridge Creek asserts that technical skills are necessary for competency in the wilderness.  It also recognizes that the development of personal character and leadership qualities are equally important.  Ridge Creek also integrates a series of Spiritual Reflections.  We believe that it is important to nurture the whole person, spiritually as well as physically and emotionally.  Upon successful completion of Ridge Creek, each student receives 2 high school credits.

What happens if my child gets sick or injured at Ridge Creek? 

We understand wilderness activities involve an inherent degree of risk. Safety is of paramount importance.  All instructors are trained to identify and assess risks involved with Ridge Creek activities and to take action to mitigate risks. We employ highly trained and experienced staff who can react appropriately in any situation.  There is also a Registered Nurse on call 24 hours a day.  In the event of injury, our staff will respond with first aid and other appropriate measures.  If the injury or sickness requires aid beyond what our staff can provide, our nurse will be called and other emergency measures will be taken.  There is a regional hospital with a 24-hour emergency room within 12 miles of Ridge Creek.

My student is currently on a psychotropic medication, will he/she be allowed to continue taking medication? 

Ridge Creek accommodates students who are currently on prescribed medication(s).  The staff nurse is responsible for monitoring the medications administration according to the prescription.  All staff have received formal training on psychotropic medication administration.

How will my child’s progress be monitored and tracked? 

Every waking moment, your child's progress at Ridge Creek will be continuously monitored by a highly experienced and professional staff.   Wilderness staff will supervise and evaluate your child's progress in the tasks that we teach at Ridge Creek.  These tasks include:  leadership, orienteering, physical fitness, climbing, field skills and negotiating confidence-building obstacles.  The evaluation consists of both written and hands-on testing.   Professional, master's-level counselors evaluate your child's progress throughout the course through more than 20 hours of therapeutic counseling and observation.  The counselors provide written feedback and evaluation weekly to the parents and/or educational consultant.  In addition, the therapist makes recommendations on post-Ridge Creek therapy or placement for graduating students.

What should I send with my student? 

Your child needs to bring nothing other than the clothes they are wearing while traveling to Ridge Creek.  Everything they come with, to include the clothing they are wearing, will be taken away and stored for the duration of the program.  Every student is strip-searched for the safety of the program (body cavity searches are not conducted).  They will be outfitted with all clothing and gear necessary to ensure their safety and comfort while training in an outdoor environment.  This includes proven and field-tested clothing, foot-gear and adverse weather clothing and equipment.

How often will I have the opportunity to talk to my child?

There will be written communication between you and your child. There will also be family phone calls with your therapist. Your child’s therapist will set these up with you to fit your families schedule.

What will my child eat? 

Ridge Creek does not believe in depriving students of meals.  We recognize that food deprivation could lead to serious injury or illness and that diet and nutrition are important for maintaining health.  Therefore, we feed our students three meals a day.   Your child will eat a combination of MRE’s (Meals Ready to Eat) and hot meals that constitute a nutritionally balanced diet of approximately 3,000-5,000 calories per day.

How many nights will my child sleep outdoors compared to indoors?

The schedule allows for approximately 6 nights in the woods and 20 nights in the dormitory.  In some cases, weather will dictate if the class is able to stay in the woods.  Ridge Creek staff will monitor and react accordingly to severe weather conditions.

How much sleep will my child get while at Ridge Creek and will they get the opportunity to do laundry and take showers?

Ridge Creek recognizes that sleep and personal hygiene are critical to maintaining your child's health.  Therefore, your child will receive 6-8 hours of sleep per night with 8 hours being the norm.  They will take 2-3 showers per week and do their laundry once per week.

Will Ridge Creek accept payment or file for payment with my insurance company?

Ridge Creek only accepts payment from the parent/legal guardian of the student.     We do not provide an itemization of costs associated with therapeutic treatment and wilderness activity, nor do we provide any other insurance-related information.  However, Ridge Creek’s accreditation by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations is recognized by many insurance companies.  

What type of spiritual program will my child be participating in while at RCI? 

Ridge Creek integrates a series of Spiritual Reflections.  The purpose is to provide every student with opportunities to engage themselves in activities that encourage growth in their own religious traditions.  This program has been designed in a way that allows a diverse and non-denominational approach.  The focus topics include tolerance, community, diversity, respect and compassion.