“I’ve had many wins while I was here for these two months. One of my main wins is the Communication Drills. I’ve done the Communication Drills before, but I’ve gotten more help on it here. Another win I’ve had while I was here was that I have made many friends. All these people are really close to me. I’ve learned many things, which made me have more wins. I got a lot of help on mathematics. At first I was not so good at adding and subtracting mentally, and now I am good. Jonathan taught me a lot about the horses. He taught me how to lunge the horses. He also taught me how to trot and canter on the horse. I’ve gained a win because now I know how to do these things now!”

- N.L., 13 years old (Student)

“This whole place is great. I love it very much. I always want to come back. It’s really fun. I love horseback riding. I hiked up to the Davenport Lookout on the top of the mountain. My studies are doing great. I try more foods now. Before I wouldn’t try anything new and was picky. I eat what is served now, not the alternatives. I’ve learned how to keep my temper. And I’ve gotten a lot more friends. I’m really, really happy.”

- J.A., 11 years old (Student)

“I have been going to Mojave Academy for the summer program since I was 11, every time I come home I think to myself, “oh that was the best summer I have ever had but I just know that the next summer I will love even more.” When I am at Mojave I feel great about myself, I do so much better in LIFE when I am there, I feel like a grown up because I have so much more responsibility and I LOVE that! We get to do so many things like horseback riding, cooking, art, fun trips and so many other things you want to do it all but you only have a month or two and it goes by so fast. When you look back on it you just think “I can’t wait until next summer!” I won’t ever forget Mojave Academy because that’s where I met the best people in the whole world! I have never had so much fun!”

- S.H., 14 years old (Student)

“D. got in trouble a couple times for not doing homework. We did some handlings and this seemed to handle the situation. Then it came up again, but worse. He failed a class, when he is normally an A and B grade student.

“I realized I needed help. He was prioritizing computer over homework and life in general. He’s a good kid but that wasn’t good. It was suggested we send him to Mojave Academy.

“So we sent him. Before, we had to nag and remind him a lot to do things. Once he returned, he did things to help more willingly. It was really nice to have him help with the dishes after dinner or take out the trash without a long repetitive dragged out upsetting nagfest.

“I just enjoy D. more now than I did before he went to Mojave. He’s doing well on his homework and his grades now and that sure is nice. He communicates easily with us. He’s 15 and many people I know have a difficult relationship with their boys at this age. I’m not one of them and I’m very pleased about that.

“We’re hoping to send D. again next summer. I feel it was good for him to be away from us and see a different way of doing things. It was good for him to choose friends newly and perhaps think about how to be a good friend and get along with others.”

- C.G. (Parent)

(Letter to our Director, after only one month)

“Dear Cheri,

“When I picked my son up at the airport, I was blown away at how good he looked. He had lost so much weight and just looked bright and was happy and talking and just so different than when he had left.

“We did sit down that night and agreed to some rules, his friends and the house, and so far he is on board. He has also expressed interested in joining a gym so that he can continue to work out, so I will be getting that in place as well. He said that he really appreciated you and everything you did for him, and so do I.

“Ultimately, he has to walk his path in this world, but it is also my job to continue to guide him towards a path that will promote his well being and health. I don’t always know how to do this and second guess myself quite often, but I think I’ve gained enough that I at least have a base from which to build off of.

“Thank you so much, Cheri!”

– L.F. (Parent)