New dominion school in virginia/maryland?

Question

i am about to get sent there by my parents i was wondering if anybody has an personal experiance with the school and what its like. please do not give me a website. ive looked at it but i just wanted to know what its like from somebody who actually knows

Answer 1

Since this site doesn't tell you what the date is, I don't know how out dated this is. I am now 25 and did attend this program/"school" from ages 15-17, 1 1/2 years, over the course of two winters. I actually found this post searching for the school because I want to go back and visit, say some thanks, and hopefully interact with a group if only for a short time.

When I got there I hated it. Living outside, doing labor work like cutting down, hauling, sawing, and chopping fire wood. Building was a blast, but then, after a while as I gained trust and made friends I became quite attached.

When I was in the program there was a lot of caring people trying to help these kids. Kids had problems varying of all sorts, from city kids, to country kids, from angry kids, to depressed. I never once saw a fight. I saw a kid restrained twice, he had attacked a staff member, and was having a real hard time personally.

I built a lot of character. Learned to be more responsible and that I had to work for my needs. I got in what was probably the best shape of my life. I loved working, building, playing, hiking, camping.

IMO you will be shocked from the culture change, if it still has the same type of caring people there as before, you will settle in. It will become your home, with friends, and people to share with. The hardest part of course, is being away from family and friends. I had a tough life as a kid, went through a lot, and I actually preferred being there over home, one of the problems I had to work through about half my way through.

Just be honest about your feelings. Don't tell people your fine and happy being there when you get there if your not. Tell them you mad or sad. People can relate, things will change, and you will get very close with your group.