Akron-based Packard Institute hits the trail June 11
Working with adolescents who have substance abuse problems can be an arduous journey for any practitioner. But Raynard Dean Packard’s recovery space will encompass mountains, winding trails and wildlife rather than plush couches and doctors.
Packard, CEO and director of Akron nonprofit counseling agency the Packard Institute, and his recovery group of adolescents and young adults will hike the Appalachian Trail starting June 11, an excursion that celebrates the transitions of the young participants.
“By transitions, I mean staying clean and sober could be one,” said Packard. “But we have other kids who are overcoming some astonishing barriers in life, whether it’s poverty or abuse within the family or post traumatic stress disorder, or a combination of these things.”
Ashley Lawrence, a volunteer and peer mentor for the Packard Institute, agrees. The youths in the program range in age from 15 to 18 and struggle with addiction to a variety of drugs, but many of the problems originate at home, she said. “A lot of it seems to stem from problems at home, problems at school.”
The trip kicks off in Harper’s Ferry, W. Va., and hikers will designate personal creeds or mottos at the onset. And the young people will celebrate these milestones and transitions through ceremonies while on the trail. For these moments, Packard will stamp dog tags with these personalized creeds that the young people “can wear close to their hearts.”
About 15 hikers are scheduled for the trip, not including a waiting list. Packard said group members have been training in the Cuyahoga Valley at 9 a.m. every Saturday for 12 weeks. “These kids are good for 15 miles a day, with packs.”
Because Packard has been able to waive all costs associated with the trip, the young hikers are able to participate for free. Additionally, the Summit Athletic Running Club has donated trail shoes for the trip.
“I’m hoping we’ll all be transformed at some level,” said Packard, from the West Akron location, while sitting with his dog, Pi. He mentions that Pi also will serve as one of two canine “scouts” on the Appalachian Trail.
Packard believes that substance abuse treatment for adolescents and young adults cannot follow the clinical patterns often found in adult treatment programs. Instead he opts for what he refers to as “progressive intervention,” which includes hikes in the Cuyahoga Valley, bicycle journeys and even the restoration of a 1949 Packard sedan, along with a 1977 Mercedes SLC Coupe 450.
The Packard Institute uses holistic healing practices such as acupuncture, reiki and aromatherapy, which Packard says helps challenge participants on a spiritual and visceral level. The institute also focuses on career development, anger and stress management and lifestyle coaching.
“I am honored to walk shoulder to shoulder with these young people for a very small amount of their journey, and I’m hoping that we sustain a culture when we can lift these kids up and say, ‘You have value,’” he said.
For more information, visit www.thepackardinstitute.com.
