WinGate Wilderness Therapy

10/02/2023

Wingate Convergence Circle details ::

Saturday October 7, 2023

Convergence means to "come together from different directions to meet." It also can refer to a location where flows of wind meet, characteristically marked by an "upwelling" or a lifting-up. That is our desire! To meet and lift each other up. This is a celebration of what Wingate has been and how the spirit of it lives in each person who has had powerful experiences here.

If you are able to come, we are looking forward to gathering in the field up skutumpah road near the "parent visit" site. We are aiming for 10:00 am to meet up, and to have a ceremony together about 4:00. We will have doubleball stuff for a game, some blanks for spoons and bullroarers to make. Bring drums if you have them. Chris is going to make some food! If people would like to come up and spend the night before, and/or stay the night afterwards, you are more than welcome.

Please note that each person is on their own for gear, other food etc. Although this is not a work-related event, please keep this spirit of Wingate in behavior and interaction. Former staff, families and students are all invited.

The celebration will be in the field at the following location ::
37.31739, -112.27947
It's about 40 min from the stoplight in Kanab.

We are planning on meeting near Johnson Canyon Road off the 89 highway about 9:30 am if anyone wants to carpool, or caravan up together. The meeting location is:
6746 E. HWY 89
Kanab, UT 84741

Some of you have let us know you are coming already! Please RSVP to Michael 480.435.3511 or at this email ::
gentlefiredrummer@gmail.com (mailto:gentlefiredrummer@gmail.com)

09/14/2023

We want to welcome anyone who would like to attend WinGates Closing Ceremony on October 7th. We are all deeply saddened by the closing and want to extend a welcome to all of those that made WinGate such an incredible place to heal. We will be having a potluck dinner and ceremony starting at 4pm with activities prior as well. More info will be posted soon. Sharon

From the Field Director Michael:
Whether you can come or not - I’m trying to collect “moments of impact”. Would you be willing to write a one-page piece on a moment of impact for you at Wingate? It can be in the form of an essay, story, anecdote, teaching, poem, song or something else. Nothing is too small, but I’m trying to keep them bite-size ~ a page (or two). If you like to write multiple, that’s ok, too. Maybe you have a few? It can be a quote you learned here, even. Send it to my personal email :
gentlefiredrummer@gmail.com

Separately, will you message or email me the following fill-in-the-blank :: “Before Wingate I never knew ____.”
And if you have multiple, that’s ok too :)Trying to collect as many as I can.

Any writing can be profound, silly, inspirational or humorous.

I’m trying to archive the beauty.

If you were a student, please also consider submitting a post to Willow Walker Tatum’s website linked below. (Staff are ok too, but students’ voices are needed.)

Some of you have done these already ::sincere gratitude:: 🤟🏼

https://savingwingate.wixsite.com/save-wingate

Please send by Sept 30. Sooner is better 🙂

Today it’s raining in Kanab, the place of the willows. All the feelings. I know I don’t fully deserve the feelings of ownership that have for Wingate. I feel like I inherited something beautiful and I will hold that carefully. I’m feeling heavy, but also full of gratitude for this sacred land and for each person I’ve been blessed to meet and walk with in this desert place. Keep walking in beauty.

Love - Michael

Learn about the wilderness therapy program that has saved lives but is being shut down. Help save WinGate.

08/12/2023

Our program utilizes advanced trauma treatment techniques like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Somatic Experiencing, Brain Spotting, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). At WinGate, we implement these therapeutic modalities while prioritizing teens' individual needs. Clinicians are here to guide and celebrate growth and positive changes every step of the way.

08/08/2023

Breakfast burritos are always a crowd pleaser for staff exchange! ❤️🌯 It is always great to hit the trail with a full breakfast in you.

08/08/2023

Here at Wingate, we have a weekly tradition that brings our Field Staff, Therapeutic Family Coach, and Clinical teams together. We're all about that 360 view, diving deep into conversations about family dynamics, individual behaviors, and mental health, and how these multifaceted aspects intertwine and affect one another.
We believe it takes a community in constant collaboration to support the incredible changes and growth of our students!

08/04/2023

At WinGate, we believe in the profound power of internal transformation. Each student we serve is capable of incredible change, rediscovering their true selves along the way. Our staff guides and exemplifies life's essential principles, empowering students to explore and test them in their unique journeys. 🌿

While many focus on behavioral change, we understand that lasting transformation begins within, fostering emotional growth and freedom. The process of acknowledgment is key - reinforcing positive change and paving the way for upward spirals of self-discovery and joy.

08/01/2023

🌿 Discover the heart of healing and growth at WinGate Wilderness!

Drawing from over four decades of groundbreaking research on human relationships, WinGate takes relationships beyond the therapy room and makes them the cornerstone of our entire program. Every staff member is extensively trained to build a therapeutically supportive bond with our students, fostering an environment for personal growth. Teamwork is essential to our groups daily life in the Grand Staircase, just as it is essential within families. From the moment our students step into the wilderness until they complete their journey, they are surrounded by caring individuals dedicated to their well-being. 🏞️

07/28/2023

"I remember being that age…and wishing that I had someone help me through it in a more intentional way." — WinGate WindWalker (Field Staff)

YOU could be that someone. Listen to current staff discuss what an incredible opportunity it has been to be a part of the WinGate team. Join our team and be a part of something great.

07/26/2023

Just outside of Kanab in Southern Utah is a breathtaking haven that sets the stage for our transformative wilderness program. Students at WinGate get to explore and live within the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument.

Our Willow-Walkers:
🥾 Explore the Majestic Red Rock Canyons
🌠 Witness Breathtaking Night Skies
🐐 Tune Into a Biodiverse Landscape
🤝 Become Part of a Supportive Community
Reconnect with yourself, your family, and nature. Let this be the backdrop for your journey of self-discovery and growth. 🌿🌟

07/21/2023

ca·ma·ra·de·rie: (noun) mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.

As social creatures, sharing experiences with others is essential for healing and building relationships. Through exploring the beautiful wilderness of Southern Utah—students at WinGate are able to share success and celebrate achievements together, find support from one another during more challenging or emotional breakthroughs, and create meaningful connections that last a lifetime.

Together, our students embark on an unforgettable journey of growth, healing, and support.

07/12/2023

Calling all nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers! 🏕️ WinGate is seeking dedicated and inspiring individuals to join our team of wilderness instructors. If you're passionate about outdoor education, personal growth, and fostering resilience in the great outdoors, this opportunity is for you!

Apply now through the link below to help teens get a leg up in life through restorative nature-based therapy. 🌳

https://www.wingatewildernesstherapy.com/f/Employment-Opportunities/

06/22/2023

Students' healing and growth in the beautiful landscape of the Grand Staircase are supported by trained wilderness field guides and licensed therapists. With guidance and support from our team, there is always something new to discover. ✨