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The Excel Program was created to provide therapeutic and recreational
services to teens and their families. The comprehensive approach of the
program influences all aspects of clients’ lives giving them the tools
needed to reach their potential.
The Excel Program is comprised of the Training Institute, Camp Excel,
Case Management, After School, Therapeutic Services, and Summer
Activities. The Excel Program uses the Reach Your Potential! (RYP) Behavior
Modification System throughout its programs and services.
- Training Institute: The Training
Institute prepares volunteers, camp counselors, mentors, and interns
to join the GDS therapeutic treatment team by teaching them how to
implement the Excel Program and RYP System. The Training Institute teaches educators, health professionals, and youth workers unique skills in working with teens.
- Camp Excel: Orientation to the Excel
Program is Camp Excel, a sleep-away camp held in a safe and supportive
environment. At Camp Excel, teens participate in therapeutic and recreational
activities while bonding with fellow campers and the GDS therapeutic team.
- Case Management Services: Case Management
Services are designed to help teens and families navigate the matrix of
social services that impact their lives. GDS advocates for clients and
refers them to other professionals. Case Management Services are also
available to alumni of the Excel Program to aid them in their transition
into adulthood.
- After School Services: After School Services
provide teens with educational guidance and therapeutic recreational activities.
In a safe environment, each day teens complete their homework, participate in
workshops, interact with peers and clinical staff, play games, and receive a
snack and meal.
- Therapeutic Services: Therapeutic Services address
our clients’ psychological needs. GDS psychologists and case managers recruit,
assess, and screen the teenagers. Once teens are admitted into the Excel Program
they receive individual and group counseling as well as psychotherapy.
- Summer Activities: Summer Activities build on
the hard work the teens do all year. These activities provide teens with an
opportunity to engage in the many cultural events and recreational activities
occurring during the summer months. Teens also participate in rap sessions
focused on the diverse issues impacting their lives.
- RYP System: The therapeutic RYP System is designed
to help teens effectively manage their behavior by rewarding them for improving
their social behavior, academic performance, and school attendance. The RYP System
is the core of GDS’s programs and services and strives to replace problem behaviors
with appropriate ones.
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"I like Camp Excel because
it helps not just one week but throughout the whole year with
the follow-up program [The Excel Program]."
--A
GDS Teen
See more testimonials. |
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