Lakeview Spring Trip 2007

On October 17-18, 2007 Lakeview took 6 vans full of excited clients to visit Zion National Park, Big Rock Candy Mountain, and St. George. Prior to leaving, the clients set goals and worked hard to strengthen their skills and level of functioning in various areas including: budgeting, stress management, medication management, social interaction, communication, and daily living. It is great to see the clients’ excitement, energy, and progress before, during, and after the trip.

The following are some of our trip highlights:

•    We enjoyed a wonderful Dutch oven dinner in a beautiful outdoor setting with students from the St. George Music Academy providing the entertainment.
•         We were at Zion National Park and surrounding areas at a great time to enjoy the fall colors and beautiful scenery and weather.
•         Everyone will always cherish the top rate performance of the musical “Cinderella” performed at the beautiful Tuachan Theater.  This was the first time for almost all of the clients to see a play in this unique setting.  Many individuals commented for days afterwards how this experience is a highlight of their life.

The following are some client successes, which we believe are indicative of the many successes that resulted from the Lakeview trip. We hope it is evident through these quotes that the trip helps change lives and provides opportunities for growth, recovery, and success.

•         “Growing up, no one ever took me to see a play, so this was the first time I've ever seen a play in my life.  I can't believe how great it makes me feel to have had that experience.  It makes me want to be a better person and to try harder.”
•         “The Lakeview trip gives me something to look forward to, which we all need in our life.  I appreciate the opportunity to set goals and make improvements so that I can function better and be a better person.”
•         “The trip helped me feel a renewed desire to do better in my life.  I really liked the story of Cinderella.  In a way, we are all like Cinderella.  We all are oppressed in some way.  The key is how we choose to view our situation, and what we choose to do with it.  Thanks for the opportunity to better myself.”
•         “At first I didn’t want to go on the trip or to the play because I get so anxious, but I am really glad I went. The most exciting thing was watching Cinderella. Trying new things and reaching out of my comfort zone will help me look for other ways to cope with my mental illness.”
•         “I've had a rough year in many ways, and have struggled a lot. But planning for the Lakeview trip has given me hope and made me want to try harder.  I know I can make things better in my life and I plan on doing it.”
•         The following is a quote from a client's father: “You will never know how grateful I am to Lakeview for helping my son.  Your classes leading up to the trip have helped him a lot. He is more confident in himself, and he has the skills to be more independent.  It takes a lot of courage for him to go on a trip, but he has done it.  I am very proud of him and appreciate Lakeview."