Published on April 16, 2008

Ridge School of Montgomery County Helps Rehabilitate Behaviorally Challenged Students With Interactive Outdoor Program

Rockville, MD - On April 18, students from The Ridge School of Montgomery County will participate in an exciting outdoor program that utilizes physical challenges to build confidence and leadership, and encourage team building. The students will spend the day on Adventure Island in the Potomac River participating in a variety of physical challenges and later using the tools gained from those challenges to participate in a treasure hunt.

The Ridge School of Montgomery County provides special and general education programs for students grades six through 12 who have behavioral disorders and have not succeeded in a mainstream school environment. The students participating in the outdoor progam are receiving behavioral health therapy at Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health's residential treatment center.

The activities planned for the students, organized and provided by Calleva Outdoor Adventures, include a 25-minute canoe ride on the Potomac River from Riley's Lock to Adventure Island, a hike through the woods and over creeks, various rope activities including a 40-foot balance beam and 50-foot tree climb.

"The outdoor activities will demonstrate that challenges, both physical and mental, often build and strengthen one's ability to be successful in life," said Dan Knudson, program coordinator at the Ridge School of Montgomery County. "The program is one of the learning experiences these adolescents will draw from to better cope with the obstacles of everyday life."

"Both the Ridge School of Montgomery County and our residential treatment center offer troubled adolescents in our community opportunities to excel and find ways to succeed and live productive, more emotionally and behaviorally sound lives," said Sako Maki, President of Adventist HealthCare Behavioral Health Services. "Activities such as the outdoor treasure hunt provide positive and rewarding challenges to these adolescents, underscoring our dedication and commitment to the needs of the individuals we serve."

About Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health

Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health , a member of Adventist HealthCare, is the largest provider of mental health services in Montgomery County. Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health offers acute behavioral health care, residential treatment, outpatient care and other services for individuals of all ages. Potomac Ridge Behavioral Health offers services in Montgomery and Anne Arundel counties and the Eastern Shore.