I had a stay at the Adirondack Youth Lodge for about a year. My stay had it's ups and downs. I would recommend the Adirondack Youth Lodge for those that want the help and would benefit from what they have to offer. At the time of my stay I was 14 years old. I left the lodge close to my 15th birthday. I enjoyed many days, weeks and even months while I was there. Just as any group home, there is always drama; you must find a way to cope with other's problems and concerns. I can remember the fun times we have had, one summer day we all got in the vans and headed down to Lake George to have a fun filled day at Great Escape. It was a blast, I went on my first ever roller coaster that summer. The Lodge also brought us all camping that summer. I can truly say they try their best to do many things with us "Residents" while we are staying there. Though there are other days on which things don't go as planned. My stay at the lodge brought me many new outlooks upon my life. I have learned had to deal with stress much more than I could imagine. The staff that work there are not there to try to make your life harder, they are there to help you. I can say overall I enjoyed my stay at the AYL. The many staff I see in stores or at other local events I can still walk up to them and say Hello to with a smile. For those that are willing to do what they ask I can say the AYL can make your stay amazing as long as you understand that what they say is to help you.
______________________________________________________________________________
During my stay at the Adirondack Youth Lodge I have gotten lots of help. They have helped my with my coping skills. Instead of throwing a scene they have me use things called TIP skills. Deep breathing is another skill that I use that they have helped with. We do lots of fun things at the Adirondack Youth Lodge. Some examples are: going to Great Escape, camping, snow tubing, Ausable Chasm, swimming, and lots more. We use the computers anytime we want. I like looking at cars. The staff are very nice, and let you do lots of stuff. They have also helped me get along better with my mom. I really do like the Adirondack Youth Lodge for the stuff, and what they have done for me. We can buy things with our allowance. They also throw parties for your birthday, Christmas, and when you get discharged. The staff are firm to teach me when for when I go home, even though sometimes I don't like it, it does help me a lot. This is what I like about the Adirondack Youth Lodge. There are lots of other things that I like at the lodge, but it would take me days to name everything.