Special Projects
The Wheels on the Van Go Round and Round
Ten counselors including Ruth Heiser, Colleen Campbell, Jill Stephenson, Kim Goebel, Andi Meyer, Char Nickolas, Teresa Rowland, Carrie Holden, Marcia Price and Jean Blonigen participated in a very special van ride with memorable experiences to the STAR Academy at Custer on June 7th and 8th. Special Projects Coordinator Colleen Campbell arranged this trip with the assistance of Jill Stephenson. One participant described the experience as “My heart was warmed by the consistent statement of “our children” or “our students” when staff referred to the youth population at STAR Academy. I recommend to all counselors to take the opportunity to tour STAR Academy.” Another participant stated “I thought it was awesome. Every high school counselor in the state should go on a tour to Custer and learn first-hand about the DOC youth programs. The best part was talking with the young man from the Brady Academy at lunch, as well as the closing discussion with the girls. It should be an annual event.”
Participants rode to Custer on June 7th in vans sponsored and driven by Juvenile Community Corrections Officers, which allowed time for excellent networking. Thanks to arrangements made by Pat Lindeman the night was spent at Camp Volunteer located on the edge of Custer. An orientation meeting with Kristi Bunkers, Director of Juvenile Services, was held on June 8th. An overview and tour of the three programs of the West Campus of STAR Academy (boys side) was done in the morning, as well as discussion of after care issues and state/private resources available. At that time 1,034 kids were involved in the STAR Academy after being placed there by the judicial system or interagency teams involving the DOC or DSS. It was pointed out that nearly 73% of the kids going through the program are successful. There was also a meeting discussing the educational needs of the kids at STAR Academy and informal discussions were held with representatives from the Brady Academy Program at lunchtime.
The afternoon was spent visiting and touring the East Campus or girls’ programs of STAR Academy. It ended with a panel discussion with girls, who are presently involved in the STAR Academy, of how they got involved in the juvenile justice system and where they were at in terms of their program goals.