PEAKS

PEAKS Adventure Camp

PEAKS Pictures

PEAKS Cards

Newsfor Us! PAL

National Youth in Transition Database

 

What is PEAKS?

PEAKS Adventure – Physical and Environmental Activities for Knowledge and Skills – is a program offered by TNOYS offering experiential learning camps for youth and adults that emphasize:

• Building trust in self and others
• Developing cooperation and relationship skills
• Taking safe risks
• Successful problem solving
• Being creative
• Leadership development
• Having FUN!

The PEAKS Adventure is based on the belief that through structured experiential learning and positive interaction, youth and adult participants will have the opportunity to enhance self-awareness, increase their feelings of self worth, develop relationship skills, and discover their individual strengths and limitations. This, in turn will enable them to function more successfully in their daily lives.

PEAKS Adventure programs currently include three 4-day camp programs.

Trained professionals with expertise in experiential learning, group therapy and outdoor education facilitate the PEAKS Adventure.

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Who Can Participate?

PEAKS camps are designed for at-risk youth and their adult sponsors. One or two youth attend together with an adult sponsor.

A unique feature of PEAKS is the training/learning experience for the adult participants (counselors or parents), as well as a learning experience for youth. All participants will walk away with new ideas, activities and communication skills. Continuing education credit (CEU’s) are available to staff that attend.

(Click on the thumbnail to view the enlarged photo)

               

What Kinds of Things Will We Do?

This highly structured program involves day and evening activities linked with group processing. Typical activities include: Ropes Challenge Course, Swimming and Water Activities, Initiatives, New Games, Creative Arts and Dramatics, Nature Hikes, Canoeing, and Archery. All youth and adults participate in every aspect of this intensive program together.

          

Will Peaks Come to Us?

Yes! PEAKS provides training in experiential learning activities on site at youth serving agencies. Programs are tailored to meet the needs of the facility. To find out more click kschenck@tnoys.org to send email.

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PEAKS Adventure

TNOYS members in good standing (2010 dues paid if full) are eligible for a PEAKS camp scholarship. 

 

Click here for PEAKS Pictures
 

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News for Us!

News for Us! is a quarterly newsletter for youth 16-18 years old in foster care. We hope you enjoy its new layout. If you'd like to submit drawings, poetry, articles, or ideas to make it even better, please email them to its editor, Kim Schenck or you can mail them to Kim at TNOYS, 2525 Wallingwood Dr., Suite 1503, Austin, Texas 78746.

For PDF versions of the newsletters please click the links below:

Volume 15 Issue 1 - 2011
Volume 15 Issue 2 - 2011
Volume 15 Issue 3 - 2011
Volume 15 Issue 4 - 2011

 

National Youth Transition Database

How Can You...

• Get Involved?
• Leave a Legacy for Your Brothers and Sisters in Foster Care?
• Improve Your Community?
• Use Your Experiences to Really Make a Difference?

It's as easy as answering questions in an online survey. Your responses will be used to improve the quality of life for Texas youth. You can make a difference for yourself and others!

What is NYTD?

The National Youth in Transition Database (NYTD) is a data collection system created to track independent living services and learn how successful states are in preparing youth to move from state care into adulthood. Texas will survey youth who are in foster care when they are age 17 and then do follow-up surveys of some youth at age 19 and the same youth again at age 21. Surveys begin October 1, 2010. For additional information visit the Department of Family and Protective Service website at: http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Child_Protection/Transitional_Living/nytd.asp.

How Can You Get Involved?

All youth who are or were in Texas foster care at age 16 or older are invited to register with the NYTD: Access Granted website. Make sure your contact information is kept up-to-date!

If you are selected to be part of the NYTD survey, take the survey!! This is your chance to help improve services and outcomes for youth in Texas. Those chosen to take the survey will be notified by email.

So, keep your contact information up to date if you want to have your say when you turn 17.

Where Do I Go Next? The NYTD: Access Granted Website

The NYTD: Access Granted website is where the NYTD Surveys will be posted. The website will also be a great source of information on what's happening in the Texas Youth community.

The NYTD: Access Granted website is coming soon!!! Check back often for updates and contact information for questions at www.texasyouthconnection.org under the Improve Foster Care-NYTD tab.