Walking in Harmony

 An interview with Mike Merchant, President of the ANASAZI Foundation

For over 40 years the Anasazi Foundation has been serving at-risk youth in outdoor settings, as they see "a seed of greatness within every child." Recognized internationally for its caring and effective approach, ANASAZI Foundation is a non-profit (501c3) intervention resource that helps to restore and strengthen parent-child relationships.

ANASAZI has a unique language that gives young people an opportunity to see their lives anew (it is not a language they already have a reference to—allowing them to create and add meaning to the language for themselves). The language is called the ANASAZI Way. For example; in the Native American tradition, life is a "walking"—or in other words a journey. At ANASAZI we believe the quality of our life depends upon the way in which we walk. Make wrong choices (resistant to the humanity of others, especially our family) and we "walk backwards," stumble and lose our way. The consequence of walking backwards is a "heart at war." Make right choices (responsive to the humanity of others) and we "walk forwards, "and find joy and progress. The consequence of walking forwards is a "heart at peace."

There are many different kinds of "wilderness" programs; however, the term usually refers to a program where participants spend extended periods of time in the wilderness. The benefits of a wilderness experience can be extensive, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The wilderness provides an environment free from the distraction of noise and clutter, one that requires responsibility as consequences of choices are immediate.

ANASAZI does not take a boot camp approach. We do not use behavior modification, coercion, levels or step programs. We believe that each child processes a ‘Seed of Greatness’ and we work with each young person to explore their greatness. The best teachers of life are Mother Nature and natural consequences. Our staff mentors model a positive healthy way of being, living under the same conditions, using the same gear and eating the same food as the young people walking the trail.

Adolescents 13-17 and young adults 18-25. Our program is ideal for adolescents and young adults with entitlement, defiance, lack of confidence issues and self defeating behaviors. In addition the program addresses mild-to-moderate mood disorders and substance abuse.

The minimum stay is 42-days (longer if needed). Participants hike nearly every day (never camping in the same place more than a few nights). Participants cook their own meals, build their own packs and shelters, learn how to use the elements in nature and the technologies of the "ancient ones" to keep themselves safe and comfortable in the wilderness environment. Each child has an individualized treatment plan. They participate in daily group and weekly individual therapy sessions.

How are parents and family involved?

We believe that parent involvement is essential to the success of their family’s program. Parents participate in an orientation (on the day of admission), a 12-hour workshop (authored, weekly sessions (in person or by phone) with their child’s therapist, and three-days two nights in the wilderness with their child.

Larry D. Olsen and Ezekiel C. Sanchez gleaned and developed the ANASAZI Way from years of trial, error, and experience walking in nature with thousands of young people. They attribute their learning and awakenings to the Creator, their families, perceptive YoungWalkers, discerning parents, and their associates at ANASAZI. The principles in the Official Statement and the Ten Guiding Principles constitute the foundation of the ANASAZI Way.