News + Resources
Guidance for Families at Every Step
New Year, SMART Goals
January is typically when folks decide to set goals for themselves. The practice of setting “New Year’s Resolutions” is largely a western idea, but there are some roots in Eastern Philosophy as well. The intentions behind resolutions tend to be positive; people are...
What do holidays look like in treatment? How we celebrate the holidays at Summit Achievement & Summit Traverse
For close to 30 years, we have operated our residential treatment program Summit Achievement and, (in the last 10 years), our short-term Therapeutic Boarding School Summit Traverse. Our programs run 365 days a year, meaning that during the holiday season we must...
Staff Spotlight: Shelley Wilson
Shelley started out as a field guide here at Summit, and for the past two years has been in a position of leadership within our program department and organization. In her role she helps manage logistics for the field staff, assists with admissions, and even finds...
Adventure Therapy All Year Round!
The days are shorter, the temps colder, and snow has officially begun to stick to the ground here in Northern New England. We often get asked if our Adventure Therapy expeditions (or “expos”) continue year-round for our students in Summit Achievement? The answer? Yes!...
Staff Spotlight: Christine Carter
Christine is one of our fantastic Field Directors. In her role she handles a lot of logistics for our field staff and programming department. She’s also usually one of the first people that our clients meet on campus, as she assists with the enrollment process. That...
Seven Tips for Helping Your Struggling Teen Manage the Holiday Season
The holiday season is fast approaching. Along with the cheer and tinsel, we all know it can also bring up challenges for families. When you have a teenager who is struggling with anxiety and/or depression, the hustle and bustle of the season can seem overwhelming to...
Summit Achievement Team Presents on Adventure Therapy and Academics
Summit Achievement’s team was hard at work last month, preparing for and presenting at the Northeast NATSAP Conference. Presentation topics included those near and dear to the Summit model: Adventure Therapy and Blended Learning. The Northeast Regional NATSAP...
Understanding Blended Learning at Summit Achievement & Summit Traverse
Summit’s academic program is unique among those offered at residential treatment programs or wilderness/adventure therapy programs for many reasons. Our basic model is one that stands out because it involves not simply remote learning or credit recovery, but blended...
Don’t Miss Summit Achievement at NE NATSAP ’23!
We are so pleased to once again be attending the Northeast NATSAP Conference in Newport, RI October 25th and 26th, 2023! The regional conference of NATSAP (National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs) is always a delightful conference, filled with...
Summit’s Nichol Ernst Presents to AISNE Members about Student Mental Health & Wellness
On Friday, October 6th, Nichol Ernst, Summit’s Co-owner, CEO and Clinical Director had the unique opportunity to present to members of AISNE - the Association of Independent Schools in New England. Nichol’s presentation was part of AISNE’s “Welcome Back” week for...
The Summit Origin Story
The story of Summit's founding, as told by the three founders of Summit Achievement Chris Mays, Adam Tsapis & Will White Chris Mays In 1980, I started working with Outward Bound (OB) on Hurricane Island in Maine. I held a number of positions in the organization...
Fall is in the air… so it school at Summit Achievement!
The trees are showing signs of color and the air is just slightly crisper in the mornings– Fall is almost upon us! Along with that change comes the start of school, and for many adolescents and their families, a sense of anxiety about the academic year. At Summit...
Summit Achievement Supports Sky’s The Limit Fund with 8th Annual Adam Tsapis Hacker’s Scramble
Summit Achievement is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 8th Annual Adam Tsapis Hacker’s Scramble! New this year, the scramble is a fundraiser for Sky’s The Limit Fund, of which Summit Achievement is a proud partner. The golf scramble will be...
Staff Spotlight: Phil Browne
Summit is very lucky to have our medical director on campus. We’re especially lucky to have a medical director like Phil, who knows our program so well– he’s an asset to our community because he understands so clearly how our program runs, the students and families at...
When the insurance benefits are exhausted, consider Summit Achievement
When it comes to mental health treatment for adolescents and young adults, timely and effective interventions are crucial. Insurance coverage often plays a role in selecting treatment options, but it's not uncommon for families to face limitations on their policy...
Supporting your teen with anxiety
Anxiety is on the rise for all age groups, especially for teens and emerging adults. Anxiety is often described as a feeling of distress or worry that manifests with thoughts and/or physical discomfort. It is common for young people to experience such feelings at one...
Meet Summit’s New English Teacher!
Summit Achievement is pleased to announce the hire of their new English Teacher, Edy Kizaki. Edy (short for Edythe) has completed her Summit orientation and is enjoying her new role. Edy comes to the position with a long history in education. After receiving her...
Staff Spotlight: Mike DeLuca
Mike DeLuca has been a member of the Summit Clinical Team since 2018, although his history with Summit goes back further than that! Everyone in the Summit community values Mike’s energy – he is hardworking, kind, and doesn’t hesitate to bring hot sauce into the field...
How to Prepare for the Start of School
We may be in the height of summer, however anyone with school-aged children or teenagers will also be aware that the start of the school year is fast approaching. Before we know it, it will be time to set alarm clocks and prep for new schools, new classes, new...
Staff Spotlight: Emma B!
Emma is one of our amazing field staff here at Summit Achievement and Summit Traverse. She is hardworking, kind, and a valuable member of our community! Emma was recently nominated for the prestigious Ember Award through the OBH Council (Outdoor Behavioral...
It’s not too late to take advantage of this summer for treatment for your teen
With summer coming to a close, many families might be worried about the start of the school year. Especially for those teens who struggle with school - whether it be for academic or social/emotional reasons - this time of year can be especially challenging. It might...
Canoeing at Summit Achievement
Summer is a beautiful time of year to be in New England. Longer days and warmer weather make it possible to explore different parts of our field area while our students are out on their weekly “expos.” During the summer months, our adventure therapy programming...
Why Traverse: A short-term, therapeutic boarding school
Summit Achievement was started in 1996 as a one-of-a-kind, therapeutic program offering a hybrid model. Students go to an accredited, highly individualized school for three days, and then head out into our vast field area for weekly, adventure therapy -style...
Spotlight on Summit’s Alumni Program!
It's a great time of year for Summit Achievement's Alumni Program, which is now being offered again for students who have previously completed our Achievement and/or Traverse programs. The Alumni Program consists of students returning to Summit and joining a current...
Why today’s teens need more support than ever
Why Today’s Teens Need More Support Than Ever Current High school students (13-18 years old), were approximately 4th-8th graders when the COVID Pandemic broke out in 2020. At the time, these students were making the critical jump from Elementary schools to...
Whether you’re exploring treatment options or looking for guidance along the way, you’ll find updates from Summit and resources designed to help families move forward with confidence and understanding.