Program Information Overview
Q: Is the family allowed to visit?
A: Family Visits
We are excited about family visits to Christmas Creek Village. Christmas Creek Village welcomes the support and encouragement of family members. After 30 days, family visits are allowed monthly on the 4th Saturday and Sunday of each month. Additional family visits, and any family visits away from the Ranch during regularly scheduled times are determined by the advancement and positive level of your daughter. Family will be notified of the continued positive progress of the guest, so you can cheer their progress, as well as make plans for your visit. Family fun weekends are be scheduled, to provide for family orientation, preparation for continued growth, and time for family visitation. Guests may have time with their family at the ranch, or have off-campus privileges, depending on her positive level. What a great incentive!
Q: How do you handle visits of blended families?
A: Blended Families
Christmas Creek Village is required to abide by all custody documents and court orders regarding family communication and visitation. If we can help facilitate family situations, please let us know how we can help.
Q: Are there any special plans or visits for the Holidays?
A: Holidays
Special arrangements are made during the Holiday Season for family visits according to the needs and level of the guest. If the guest is on a level which allows off-campus visits, some families visit nearby. Other families may make arrangements for their family member to fly. Special Airport Transport is arranged in advance for these special times.
Q: Do your guests go to church while at the Ranch?
A: Church Attendance
All guests at the Ranch attend a non-denominational church near the Ranch. Guests may choose to worship in their own way, and guests are not “required” to make a profession of faith. A genteel approach is used at the Ranch, encouraging each guest to realize that they are very special and are created for a special purpose. Staff models the goodness of the Lord and Christ-likeness, rather than requiring a specific faith.
Q: Can guests receive mail while at the Ranch?
A: Mail
During the Orientation and the first of several phases, mail is sent and received by family members only. After that time, guest may request, and families may approve writing privileges to specific friends other than family. Please make sure a return address is included on all mail, as mail with no return address is left at the Post Office. We ask that families support the positive level of the guest by not forwarding any mail to other than family members, or those friends on the list you approve, until the guest has reached the appropriate privilege level. You may write as often as you like – mail times are fun! You will, of course supply stamps and writing materials for the guest. Guests may also receive emailed letters from their immediate family.
Q: How do families find out about the therapeutic process of their family member?
A: Family Reports
During the Admission process you will set up a time to visit weekly by telephone with staff regarding the progress of your family member. General update reports will be provided weekly. In addition, you will talk with the therapist weekly. You will also talk with the guest at least once per week, unless you are notified otherwise by the Team. We love to hear from families! The primary responsibility for communication to the staff and the must be initiated by the family. When you call, you may hear the automated attendant and voice mail system; please leave a message. For all non-emergency calls staff will return your call within 24 hours.
Q: Can we send packages or gifts?
A: Gifts
You will be given a Package Code Request Form at the time of admission to use when shipping to your family member. Packages can be sent to guests with a specific Package Code prepared by Christmas Creek Village. All packages received without the provided Code will be left at the Post Office. For guest’s protection, there are no exceptions to this mail label policy. Gifts are allowed on holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. Please keep in mind the ITEMS TO BRING LIST when purchasing gifts.
Q: Can guests have telephone calls?
A: Family Telephone Calls
Telephone calls are an exciting time for guests at Christmas Creek Village! Policy does not allow ANY out-going telephone calls by students. For each guest’s safety, and to help families schedule telephone times convenient to them, families are assigned a pre-arranged weekly time to visit with guest. Family will call the guest at the pre-arranged time, at a pre-arranged number; fifteen minutes or thirty minutes per week are allowed for family telephone time depending on the guest’s level.
Q: Do you accept insurance?
A: Insurance
All program costs are provided by private pay arrangements; the program does not participate in any insurance plans. Many families submit claims directly to their insurance company for reimbursement. Financial options for the Retreat for the Gifted may also be considered.
Q: What is the Admission Process?
A: Program Admission
A request for complete medical records and an Extensive Admission Evaluation must be completed prior to admission to the Retreat. Each guest will receive medical and psychological evaluations during the admission process. Each guest will also participate in a nutritional, exercise/physical, and spiritual goals assessment and review after admission. For the protection and privacy of the other guests at the Retreat, tours are allowed only at the time of Admission.
Q: What kind of medical care is available while at the Ranch?
A: Medical Needs
While Dr. Jennings will review your family member’s needs and medications, guests are also seen at the medical clinic once a quarter for routine lab work, physicals, specific ailments, and immunizations, if needed. In addition, local Physical Therapists, Dentists, Orthodontists, and OB/GYN are seen routinely for those who require these services.
Q: Is the High School work accredited?
A: School
All guests at the Ranch Program for the Gifted Adolescents must participate in an accredited school program. Any additional classes that are needed for electives or special interests of guests are ordered through the accredited programs. Guests who are behind can often catch up and can move forward in their schooling and credits.
Q: Are there any special outings?
A: Special Outings
Besides field trips and fun outings, each guest’s level determines special outings and privileges, such as shopping passes, beauty passes, spa passes, etc. Each guest will determine special expense they wish to incur. Accounting will keep you aware of these special charges and outings monthly. Often guests will choose to enjoy a trip to the day spa for a manicure, pedicure, massage or other special pampering! Staff will provide the guest with transportation, and will schedule all special outings for the guest in advance.
Q: What kind of therapy is available at the Ranch?
A: Therapy
The Retreat at Christmas Creek is based on a bio-psycho-socio-spiritual model. Guests participate daily group sessions, individual therapy, equine & animal interaction, cooking and nutrition classes, daily devotionals, worship, music therapy, recreation, exercise, special projects, inner and outer image assessments, giftedness identification, medication evaluations and specially designed kindness projects to touch the lives of others.
Q: How is spirituality involved in the Program?
A: Biblical Approach
The Grace of God, and His incredible kindness, is underlying approach of each therapy used to touch your family member’s life at the Retreat at Christmas Creek Retreat for the Gifted. Each staff member models this kindness to each other and to your family. Daily devotions are conducted at times throughout the day. These devotionals include scripture reading, In Pursuit of Happiness, Purpose Driven Life, Dream Giver, Could it be this Simple?, and various works by Max Lucado, The Gifted Adult, and other non-denominational written work.
Q: How long is the Program?
A: Length of Stay
Depending on prior history and present needs the approximate stay is 120 – 180 days (Ranch Program for Gifted Adolescents 9-12 mos). Each guest is provided with an individualized program reflecting the appropriate length of stay and transition care for her specific needs. Retreat and sanctuary time cannot be rushed, recovery is a process. We are willing to take time for each guest to discover her giftedness. Time is a gift. It is our prayer she will treasure this time forever.
Q: How much does the Program cost?
A: Cost of Program
The program cost ranges from $399 to $799 per day, depending on the needs of the individual guest. See Program Fees for more information.
Q: Is there Financial Assistance?
A: Financial Assistance
There are several financial options and loan programs available for the Program for those who qualify.
Q: Are there scholarships available?
A: Scholarship Programs
There are several scholarship programs available for those who qualify. Scholarship applications are available upon request. Scholarship applicant families fill out an Application and a Financial Statement.
