True Colors: faq

Q: What do you mean by ‘rustic’ accommodations?
A: We’re not talking dirt floors and canvas walls here. The dorms have 4 bunk beds per cubicle with a shared bathroom and shower down the hall. You’ll bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. Think ‘summer camp 1970.’ No internet hookup, no TV, no phones. Just the basics.

Q: What about supervision? I mean, you have both boys and girls (and raging hormones).
A: There are two separate dorms, one for the girls and one for the guys. There are adult ‘dorm parents’ for each floor of each dorm, and their rooms are located beside the outside exits. The dorms are locked during the day, and Teens have access to the dorms only while there is supervision — from bedtime after evening activities until time for breakfast.

Q: What about drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and things like that?
A: WINGS has a strictly enforced no tolerance policy regarding illegal substances, and any Teen found in possession is immediately sent home, no exceptions and no second chances. To assist the Teens in meeting this requirement, we have a drug sniffing dog who inspects all luggage, clothing, and possessions before anyone or anything gets put on the bus for Lost Valley.

Q: No hamburgers?? Vegetarian food?? For a whole week??
A: That’s right. And Teens usually find it delicious once they actually try it. It’s not unusual for them to ask for seconds, or to ask the cooks for a repeat of a favorite item. Teens who fear they might starve usually bring a supply of snack food. It is kept in the dining room, in a bag with their name on it, where they have access to it during meal times. Refrigeration is not available for snacks they bring.

Q: What about phoning home?
A: There is one pay phone on site which Teens may use during certain times of the day. Calls are limited to a few minutes so that everyone gets a chance. Teens do not use phones during the seminar hours. There is an emergency number you can call if you need to contact your Teen.

Q: Is there a money back guarantee?
A: No. The money back guarantee applies only to the adult PES seminar. We do everything in our power to insure that your Teen gets more than your money’s worth upon completing the TRUE COLORS seminar.

Q: Is this a program for ‘troubled teens’?
A: TRUE COLORS is a seminar for Teens who want to take a giant step toward adulthood, leadership, and the lives they envision for themselves. There may be a few Teens you might identify as ‘at risk’ in the group, but overall you would probably describe the group as a typical mix of young people — bright, curious, one minute anxious to grow up and the next questioning who they are and where they are headed. One of the unfailing gifts of the TRUE COLORS seminar is witnessing that all Teens care about their lives, their futures, their families at a profound level, regardless of what their outer appearance and actions seems to declare.

Q: Should siblings attend together, or in separate seminars?
A: Together! What better opportunity to get to know each other and connect at the heart level? TRUE COLORS is an ideal setting to address and resolve rivalries and jealousies, and to heal the wounds of difficulties that siblings often experience. An added bonus is the ongoing support they give each other in ‘real life’ after the seminar. (Same for attending with a friend.)