We are delighted to invite you to join True North Evolution for an in-person presentation series on serving marginalized populations in the LGBTQ+ community. The series will showcase two different presentations and will span locations in Vermont and New Hampshire. This is a sponsored educational event by the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), who will award two free CEUs to … [Read more...]
All Gender Programming at True North
In the Spring of 2020, after 15 years of operating with single-gender adolescent groups and all-gender young adult groups, True North introduced an all-gender adolescent group, one of the first of its kind in the field of wilderness therapy. While True North has always had an inclusive approach, and has worked with many students to find the right fit within the previous group structure, it was clear that adolescents … [Read more...]
Pronouns and Morning Circle
“Morning circle” occurs every morning as the group prepares to depart camp. It is an opportunity for each student to share the mindset and feelings they are carrying into the day. In the all gender group, taking a moment to share one’s preferred pronouns as part of morning circle is simple and profoundly affirming. Quick vocabulary recap: Gender identity is a person’s internal sense of gender and gender … [Read more...]
Gender Joys
Enjoy a few glimpses into moments in the all gender group at True North this week: A student and guide sit together, brainstorming potential middle names. The pharmacy sent the correct size syringe (1L !) for a student’s weekly testosterone shot. The numbers are easier to read, the needle is shorter, and the students' anxiety was visibly lower. A parent catches themself misgendering their son, and … [Read more...]
A Gender Inclusive Environment
As a trans nonbinary human and therapist of an all-gender adolescent group, I often spend my time thinking about the intersection of gender and wilderness therapy. I am eager to publish a series of thoughts and questions that arise in my work, and will start with gender affirming environments. How do we move beyond the gender binary? What does a space that accepts people of all genders look like and sound like? How … [Read more...]
Announcing an all gender adolescent group
Good news seems to be a precious commodity these days and we are thrilled to share an exciting new development at True North. Please join us in welcoming Margo Kelly, MSW, MEd to the True North Clinical Team. Margo will be opening a brand new ALL gender adolescent group, the first of its kind at True North. This group is appropriate for any adolescent student who fits a traditional True North profile and may … [Read more...]
