A statement about Pathway to Sobriety from children’s Camp Director Lois Lauer

I received a call today from a camper parent who was surprised to find out about The Center’s Pathway to Sobriety program. His children have attended camp here each summer for several years, but somehow he was not aware of Pathway until looking at our website today. He called to ask how the Pathway program interfaces with the children’s programs here. A lot of folks have asked me that through the years. After talking with the father, I decided to share what I told him with anyone else who visits us on the web and might have a similar curiosity.

What I have learned in the 27 years I’ve worked with children’s programs at The Center is that the Pathway program fits beautifully with the mission and activities of this place. The eight to ten men in recovery here are part of such a well-organized program. They are extensively screened, and come here after finishing a month-long rehab experience at one of several local hospitals.

The men have a strenuous program of group counseling and individual counseling and attend four AA meetings each week. Our Pathway Director, Mike Wiggins is living testament to the power of gratitude and humility; he is such a great example to the men, and to us all. I have personally learned so much from Michael, and from all of the men who are willing to surrender to a Higher Power: that spiritual connection is at the core of the Pathway program. There’s absolutely no shame in recovery. These men are choosing to rediscover the joy and goodness of life. While I’m glad that everyone doesn’t have to deal with the pain of recovering from addiction, I wish everyone could benefit from the intensive soul-searching and commitment to life which these men experience.

While they are here, the men work 30 hours a week as members of The Center staff for 6 months. They work in the barns, kitchen, maintenance, housekeeping, and grounds. They may help a camper catch a loose horse or carry a heavy hay bale, or they may carry out another hot tray of cheese sandwiches for the campers’ lunch table. At these times, and all times, the campers are absolutely always supervised by their counselors.

If you have any hesitation, or concern, I invite you to become a part of The Center. Become a participant, or perhaps a volunteer. Get to know The Center and the Pathway participants. Learn that the men in the Pathway to Sobriety program have as much to give to each of us, as we have to give to them.