Why We Still Work for Kairos...

By: Jodi Escalante, Assistant Program Director

I never would have guessed that my husband, Michael and I would still be working at for the Aspiro Group of programs (Aspiro, Kairos and Vantage Point). When we first heard about Aspiro/Kairos/Vantage Point, we had only been married about 6 months. We were both attending college and thought this would be a fun summer job, where we would get to work together. We had both worked in traditional wilderness programs before, but never together. And just to sound cliché, we started an adventure that we’ve yet to end. That first summer was truly amazing: canoeing on beautiful Lake Powell, exploring the majestic slot canyons of Central and Southern Utah, exploring caves and rappelling, rock climbing all across the state, and hiking through the most beautiful areas that I never knew existed.

In the fall, we returned to school to finish our undergraduate studies, but every weekend we traveled out to our groups and trained the newer guides. When Michael and I graduated (April 2007), we returned to Aspiro/Kairos/Vantage Point full time because we were hooked. As noted earlier, we had both worked for primitive model wilderness programs. However, after working at the Aspiro group of programs, neither of us could imagine working at a wilderness program without the ADVENTURE. We pushed our students harder, faster, and farther than either of us had previously experienced. Since that first summer at Aspiro I have embarked on so many beautiful and amazing adventures and have built some unforgettable relationships with students. I guess that’s my other favorite thing about Aspiro: we emphasize stronger relationships than the norm. Given the high impact adventures, we have an amazing opportunity to help someone through a physically or emotionally challenging experience, to push them beyond their comfort zone to higher ground.

And when the dust settles and the high fives and hugs are done, and they’ve overcome their seemingly impassible struggles, we learn from the metaphors; teacher and student alike.

Young Adults Get New Name, Logo

Although Aspiro has operated a Young Adult program since its inception, the time has come to give it an identity all its own. We are pleased to introduce you to our new name, discovered by one of our incredibly bright young adult students.

Kairos is an ancient Greek word with an appropriate meaning: “the right or opportune moment.”

The ancient Greeks had two words for time, chronos and kairos. While the former refers to chronological or sequential time, the latter signifies a time in between, a moment of undetermined period of time in which something special happens. What the “something special” is depends on who is using the word. The word Kairos, is pronounced like the city Cairo, then adding an “s.” It is a unique name, one that we have considered for some time. Like Aspiro, it may be a bit difficult to remember at first, but it is one that should never be confused with anyone else!

We hope you like the name itself, as well as the unique logo. We have launched the Kairos website where you can get lots of great information, awesome photos, online application and so forth. Please check it out when you have the time at: www.kairosadventure.com

Kairos Adventure Wilderness Program - Is It Right For You?

Kairos operates year-round. Appropriate candidates are young adults, ages 18 to 30 years of age, with a history of soft to moderate emotional and behavioral challenges, low self-esteem, academic underachievement, substance abuse and family conflict.

Kairos is a 7 to 12 week program with an average length of stay of 54 days. Adventure therapy is designed to foster the beginnings of significant, positive change in a short period of time.

Kairos students participate in an expedition-style adventure where nature has a way of healing. With direction from a dedicated and caring staff, the students are led along a path where hope and healing begin.

While continued therapy remains the primary focus of Kairos, students are also taught many life lessons, character development, and adventure-based activities designed to enhance their quality of life for years to come. Activities at Kairos may include whitewater river trips in rafts or canoes, skiing, snowboarding, top-rope rock climbing, caving, mountain-biking, horseback riding, primitive living skills, hiking/backpacking, arts and crafts, etc. Each activity is designed to help students climb to a higher level of self-efficacy, and help them draw the metaphors to real life. The goal is to instill tools for success individually and with family and friends.

When you have questions regarding the appropriateness of our program, please give us a call at 1-888-266-5136.

We welcome the opportunity to speak with you and to discuss your specific situation.

Kairos Young Adult Adventure Wilderness Program