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Dear Blackwater Staff,
I just wanted to say “thanks” from the bottom of my heart.  I am eternally grateful for the work you all do.  If you ever question whether you make a difference in this world, I can say with certainty that you have made a huge difference for our family….(My son) is still so different than when he left.  The huge ball of rage that he carried around in his gut for a year seems to have dissolved.  I feel like you have given me back my son.  Most days now (my son) is his usual peaceful and friendly self….  Before the Blackwater experience, I felt like our family was drowning and alone.  It didn’t feel like anyone could help us get out of the black hole of anger and despair.  You have given us hope and light.  They say it takes an entire village to raise a single child.  I know it took the people on Village Mill Drive to give us a second chance.  Thanks again for all you do to help teens and their families.  I sing your praises everywhere I go.  I plan to refer you as many troubled families and teens as I can.  You are all my heroes!  Please know that your long hours and hard work do make a difference.
Parent Number 1

Thank you for your outstanding Blackwater Outdoor Experiences.  Thank you for the joy and positive impact you immediately made in (my son’s) life and in so many other lives.  I was so thrilled by the immediate success I saw in you program – how happy (my son) was…  Thanks for all you do.
Parent Number 2

Dear Blackwater,
I just wanted to write to all of you to thank you.  Each and every one of you played a huge role in giving me my life back.  I walked into the first day, silent and scared and as a victim.  And I walked out from family day enthusiastic and with my voice as a “warrior.”  You guys helped me find all the answers within.  You guys made it possible by having such a program…by being encouraging and being trustworthy.  A hug from me to all of you.
Student Number 1

To Whom It May Concern:
I highly recommend the Blackwater Outdoor Therapeutic Expedition to anyone looking for answers and direction with their problematic or difficult teens.  The crew, the setting, the knowledge and expertise all play a tremendous role in brining families back together and making the program highly interesting.  With much apprehension we enrolled in the program… but as one father said on the last day of the program, “I can close my eyes and entrust my business to you, because you have proven what you can do.”  My husband and I echo the same sentiment: you are fantastic, highly qualified, and very effective in bringing the social, mental, spiritual, and emotional being back to life.”  I did not thing that the program would interest me.  I did not think it would affect me, but it has.  I have with me some lasting memories of the objective lessons gained from a simple log, a rope, and many of the simple things we take for granted in life and will pass on to others the things learned, but in the meantime, to anyone who is at a cross-road in life: Blackwater Outdoor Experiences is the place to go.
Respectfully,
The Taylor Family

I was approached by Dr. George Bright my very first session about going on one of his trips.  To tell you the truth, I tried to avoid the subject.  I was not amused nor did I want to go.  My parents, on the other hand, thought it would be a great idea and pushed the subject further.  I then became uncomfortable with the situation, not wanting to go, but not wanting to say anything either; that’s all a part of co-dependency.  But time passed and situations occurred and my parents really pressured me into going.  There was a ton of events happening the weekend my parents wanted me to go and for once Richmond would be a cool place to be.  But after another discussion or two, I decided to go. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions of my life.  I have never learned so much about myself, life, and others.  I had a greater understanding and appreciation of both my life and others.  I don’t think Dr. Bright should call the experience a trip. He should call it a gift.  A no refund, non-exchangeable, loving, caring and learning present to those who will greet it with open arms.
A fellow “gift-receiver”, now a friend, said the night before we left that the experience made him realize life was just like rock climbing, you’re always looking for the next hand hold.  I couldn’t have said it better myself.  It’s not what you get out of life but what you make of it….  If this gift was ever offered to me again I would welcome it with open arms.