Youth-at-Risk /
R.E.A.C.H. Program

Admission Process

Initiating Your Referral

A parent/guardian, case manager or educational consultant may initiate the referral to Wendigo Lake Expeditions' R.E.A.C.H. program.

A referral should include the following information:

• Referral Form
• Psychological and/or Educational Assessment (if available)
• Any other relevant reports about the youth being referred

This information can be sent by e-mail to: admissions@wendigolake.com or faxed to (705) 386-2345. Referrals will be responded to within three working days. An assessment interview with the student and referral source will then be scheduled for appropriate referrals.

Cost of Service

An important consideration for a parent/agency considering a referral to the R.E.A.C.H. program is cost. The program rates are highly competitive to standard group care programs of comparable quality. Contact us for more specific details. (705) 386-2376 ext. 201 or by email info@wendigolake.com.

• Adolescent male youth (13 - 17 years of age).
• Motivation to attend the program - is NOT a requirement, but is preferable.

This intensive, therapeutic adventure program offers an excellent placement option where the youth's behaviour has led him to become unmanageable within the parental home, a foster home or group care placement and the objective is to provide the young person with an environment that focuses on the development of pro-social skills, attitude and improved self-confidence to meet life's challenges.

A discussion with the Admissions Counselor is recommended if the referred youth: (705) 386-2376 ext. 201.

• is assessed as a high risk of AWOL
• has a history of setting fires
• has severe food allergies
• has a life-threatening allergy to insect bites. (He may not be accepted into the program April 1st to October 31 st)
• is a non-swimmer. He may not be accepted into the program between April 1 and October 31
• does not pass the medical examination (i.e. - deemed medically unfit to engage in a physically demanding program by a medical doctor)
• has a history of being assaultive against authority figures or a protracted history of highly destructive conduct, serious mental illness, recent suicidal behaviour or exceptionally low cognitive capabilities.

 Medical Examination - a part of the Admission Process

Each youth will undergo a medical examination conducted by a Physician prior to acceptance into the program (see Medical Information and Consent form) and signed off by the Physician and parents/guardian. ( Ontario children are exempt from third party billing for these medical exams.)

Click below for our Medical Information and Consent, which can be faxed or mailed to us when completed.

Medical Information and Consent Form (95KB)

The medical does NOT need to be completed prior to initiating a referral to the program.

Informed Consent and Release

We require that parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign the Informed Consent and Release form to indicate their informed consent. The form describes the physical activities that the student may participate in.

Click below for our Release Form, which can be faxed or mailed to us when completed.

Activity Release Form Legal Size (40KB)

The final step in admitting a student to the program is based on a review of the referral information and results of an interview. Other factors considered include program capacity and current group dynamics within the student groups.

The student may either be transported to program site by the parent/guardian or arrangements may be made with Wendigo Lake Expeditions to provide intake transportation.

If you wish to make a referral NOW, click HERE!

Additional forms required for admission to program

Once the young person has been approved for admission to the R.E.A.C.H program, the following forms need to be completed and received by Wendigo Lake Expeditions prior to the arrival of the student:

Student and Guardian Statement of Understanding

Medical Information and Consent Form

Rights and Responsibilities of a Youth in Care (reviewed at admission)

Consent for Disclosure of Information

Consent for Use of Psychotropic Drugs (required if taking prescribed drugs)

Contact Info

Address: P.O. Box 2000, South River, ON P0A 1X0
Tel: 705.386.2376 ext. 201
Fax: 705.386.2345
E-mail : admissions@wendigolake.com