Our 150-acre campus is far removed from the typical distractions of everyday life, carved out of one of the last great frontiers in the lower 48 states. The Southfork of the Yaak River flows through campus, providing both beauty and recreation, and by crossing a bridge you have access to the valley just beyond. It is an exceptional place that has reshaped lives for decades.
Situated in the remote northern woods of Montana, Turning Winds offers young people
purposeful remove with which to find the self-agency essential to leading a purposeful life.
Here, away from the artifice and ephemera of our current culture, young people can become
free from the perceptions that reinforce negative thinking and become accepting of new ideas
and skills that will allow them to restore their quality of life, quality of opportunity, and ability to
engage joyfully with their world.
Crucially, the most important aspect of removal from everyday home life is not a temporary escape from negative stimuli, but the time and space needed to deeply recognize those things that matter most. To learn how to identify and pursue those aspects of life that truly matter, and to eschew those things that distract from our health and aspirations is to learn how to meaningfully and productively engage in a successful life.
We take full advantage of the surrounding hills and mountains at the valley’s edge that provide more than just a breathtaking backdrop. Group trips through the weaving trails and camping trips allow kids to fully immerse themselves in nature and experience natural joy. Teens who may have previously retreated to electronic devices will find that a diverse sensory diet builds young minds that are present and fulfilled.
Time at Turning Winds represents more than a reprieve from the stresses and triggers that worsen mental health and substance use disorders. It is the beginning of a journey to better health, renewed hope, and empowering independence.
