Preparing Youth for the Business of Life

The Becket Family of Services has been educating youth and adolescents since 1964.  Described by others as "comprehensive" and "holistic," the Becket approach encompasses services that address all aspects of our students' lives, not just their intellectual and emotional needs, but also their physical, spiritual and vocational needs, as well.

We seek to inspire our students to achieve, in their own unique and personal way, meaningful success. We do not define success for our students; they must do this themselves - with our guidance, and the guidance of others whom they love and respect.

"Youth is not made for pleasure, but for heroism. So many times the misadventures of our youth for thrill-seeking are just a product of boredom and a natural inclination for students to seek the unknown or to test themselves."

John J. Wolter, Founder

Latest News at Becket

Becket Angling and Coldwater Conservation Club
By Shaun Quimby, LCSW

July, 2009, Becket House at Belgrade

For some time several staff have discussed beginning a conservation and fishing program here in Maine. Maine has a rich angling heritage, especially where fly fishing is concerned. Although this will not strictly be a fly fishing program it will likely be a focus, as fly fishing and conservation often go hand and had.

In launching this program, it seemed natural to attempt to find a good conservation project to dive into. We have selected a conservation project targeting one of Maine’s most valued Brook Trout Ponds. This is a natural choice as the Brook Trout is Maine’s Heritage Fish and has received a tremendous amount of press recently as Brook Trout Habitat is being lost daily and ecosystems are being changed rapidly, due to a variety of causes.

One of the biggest threats to Maine’s Brook Trout is invasive species. There is a serious problem of people bringing species of fish from outside the state into Maine and placing them in our waters. Another serious issue is moving fish from one water body to another. This can have a tremendous and lethal impact on the ecosystems in the lakes and ponds.

In the case of our chosen project, it is one of the 206 ponds which has never been stocked, but recently shiners have been discovered in the pond. Although shiners are native to Maine, they are not native to this pond. Shiners and Brook Trout do not co-habitat well and the presence of the shiners could mean the end of a self sustaining population of Brook Trout in this pond.

We have partnered with a local Trout Unlimited chapter, with the support and approval of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, to take on the project. The TU chapter requested funds from the Maine Council of TU for traps and we have committed to maintain and check the traps several times per week. Maine DIF&W has requested that we track what we catch in the traps and chart each site. They have also requested that we release any species other than shiners back into the pond and track those releases as well.

Throughout this project, our youth will be learning about species identification, ecosystems and biology as a result of this project. Trout Unlimited has also offered to conduct casting clinics and offer an ongoing tying class here at the facility for the youth. Maine DIF&W fisheries biologist and Brook Trout specialist, Forest Boney, has supplied us with tracking forms as well as identification materials to begin this project.

It is our hope that this initial project will lead to future projects and other partnerships in the community as well as the development of our club.

Summer Happenings at Hall farm

July, 2009, Hall Farm Stewardship

Summer time sure keeps our kids busy here at Hall Farm! One of our big efforts is our luscious organic garden. Students are involved with every aspect of our garden from planning the plot, tilling, planting, weeding and getting to eat the prized vegetables they’ve grown. Taylor, pictured right, says, “I noticed that my tomatoes have gotten taller and have more leaves. The cauliflower has more leaves, too. I’m smiling because I know my plants are getting everything they need like rain, nutrients, and tender loving care from me. But they could still use some more sunlight!”

Another big project going on around the farm is the Blue Bird Trail at the Beaver Meadow Pastures. Students built and put out 24 duck boxes and bird houses which they check weekly. The students are keeping a log of the species of birds, number of eggs, how many hatch and other notables. This project is part of a larger, ongoing one which will help preserve the habitat of many birds and animals as well as provide good pasture for our beef cattle.

The falcon Project is also a busy time for Hall Farm Forestry students. Throughout the spring, summer and fall students follow the life of the falcons as they return to the cliffs to start their families. Students sometimes get to see fledglings develop their flying skills and enjoy the acrobatics of their parents.

Haying is also a major focus of the farm right now, although the weather has not cooperated at all. The hay needs to be cut early in the morning on a good sunny day. The hay needs to be dried, which can be tricky with all the rain we’ve been getting! Then the hay is put into bales, stacked and put in the barn for food for the animals throughout the winter. Haying certainly is character building work for our students as it leaves you tuckered out after a long days’ work.

Becket House at Warren Takes in a Red Sox Game

July, 2009, Becket House at Warren

Becket House at Warren celebrated five students’ successful treatment progress by attending a Red Sox game at Fenway Park on June 17. These students have completed the Prime for Live Substance Use Risk-Reduction program, participated in the Making Changes Hiking Program and four were honored for completion of the Substance Abuse Treatment Pathway.

The Sox were victorious over the Florida Marlins and the group helped to celebrate the 500th consecutively sold out home game and each fan received a free commemorative baseball. Feeling duly rewarded for his accomplishment, one student commented that "a person could go their whole life and never get to go to a baseball game." Becket House at Warren was proud of their students’ treatment accomplishments and was thrilled to celebrate their positive progress under the lights of a good baseball game.

Becket House at Warren Enjoy a Day at the Beach

July, 2009, Becket House at Warren

Warren and Denali, from Mount Prospect Academy, students recently went to the beach to enjoy activities that were substance free. The goal of the trip was to show the students how to have SOBER fun in their home community and they had a BLAST. Although it was quite cloudy and pretty cold, everyone braved the water and all swam or boogie boarded. A competitive Bocce on the beach game was enjoyed by all. Dining out at a local taco joint was the perfect way to wrap up the day.

Becket Student Helps Clean up Vandalism at Boy Scout Site

June, 2009, Becket House at Pike

Becket House at Pike resident, Jon McGovern, recently heard the call to help when he learned about the recent vandalism to the Boy Scout Troup 888 campsite in Danville, VT. On May 27, 2009, the "Caledonian Record"  covered the incident and the efforts of the community to repair the site:

"DANVILLE - Support and offers to help the Boy Scouts restore their campground destroyed by vandals during an out-of- control underage drinking party early in May have come from all over, according to Scoutmaster David A.Towle. "We have received overwhelming response from the community," Towle said. “I’ve had many emails, including those from three other states, offering their support and encouraging words."

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Beat Feet for Caleb Crosby

June, 2009, Becket House at Belgrade

Two young men from the Becket House at Belgrade, Alex and Nelson, recently heard of a charity race "Beat Feet for Caleb Crosby" to help raise funds for an 11yr old boy, Caleb Crosby, from the local community who is in need of surgery for a brain tumor. The Waterville Boys and Girls Club organized the 3.1 mile charity race to help raise funds for Caleb’s surgery. When Belgrade students, Alex and Nelson, learned of the race they were eager to strap on their running shoes and raise some money for the cause.

On race day, May 2, Alex and Nelson were up early and filled their bellies with a racer’s breakfast; oatmeal and juice. Both boys expressed their excitement as they headed to the race with staff. It was a beautiful sunny day and the air was full of anticipation. While racers stretched, a representative addressed the group of racers and expressed her gratitude to all.

The race started and Alex and Nelson were off like rockets. Both young men finished the race in the top 5! Alex and Nelson were very excited and proud of their accomplishments. The boys collected over $80 and both expressed their interest in more events in which they have the opportunity to give back to their community at other events, such as the "Beat Feet for Caleb Crosby" benefit.

Monster Trucks Take Over Maine!

June, 2009, Becket House at Norridgewock

They’re loud, they’re big- It’s MONSTER TRUCK time! Yes, monster trucks came to Bangor, Maine on May 28th, and what a show it was. They crushed, they roared, they did donuts, they jumped high, they had the crowd cheering for more. Grave Digger, Back Draft, Instigator, and Intimidator.

The Becket boys and staff had a great time watching the stunts. The students especially loved seeing the cars get crushed. Grave Digger jumped the highest, of course. They roared around the dirt track.

The quad runners from Maine and New York competed in 3 races. Those were the muddiest; I wouldn’t want to do their laundry. The first race was won by New York – BOOOO!! Maine won the second race – YEAH! The final race was quite close, but Maine managed to win.

Many locals had their own 4x4’s out playing in the mud as well. A 1993 Chevy Blazer nearly got stuck. With a little luck and some help, he finally got out. I would hate to see Grave Digger run him over. By the end of the show everyone had a sore throat from hollering, it definately was a great time all around!

Memorial Day at Mount Prospect Academy

June, 2009, Mount Prospect Academy

At Mount Prospect Academy, students learned that Memorial Day is much more than just a 3 day weekend initiating the summertime season in New England. MPA students experienced Memorial Day as a time to reflect on, and pay respect to, the many soldiers that have died to protect our country.

With warm weather and sunny skies, faculty also made sure that students enjoyed a fun-filled day packed with tug of war, water balloon toss, boiled egg relay, three legged race, and a watermelon eating contest. What a pleasure to see all the smiles and hear the laughter as everyone shared in the celebrations of this holiday.

Spring Time Means Calving Time at Hall Farm!

May, 2009, Hall Farm Stewardship

While many spring enthusiasts eagerly await daffodils opening up, or fiddle heads popping from the ground, here at Hall Farm we eagerly await our baby calves arriving every spring. The calves are doing great this year– they are so playful and adorable it’s hard to leave them alone! We are expecting 15 more Miniature Herefords and about the same number of full size calves and half Minis. All of our calves are named with the first letter of the same as their mother’s. That way we can keep track of our cow families. For instance, in the Lucy family we now have five generations living in the same barn. Lucy had Lindy. Lindy had Lucky. Lucky had Lola, and Lola had Lexy. Our Moms and their new babies so far are Megan and Margie, Quartz and Queen, Duchess and Duke, and Crown Princess and Pink.

The Hall Farm students were fortunate enough to witness the birth of baby Queen. Quartz delivered Queen all by herself, but the boys observed in quiet amazement. We made sure the membranes were cleared from Queen’s mouth and nose and that she was breathing normally. We dipped Queen’s navel in iodine and left Mom and baby alone so that Quartz could clean her off and the two would be sure to bond.

The calves will stay with their Moms through the summer until November and will spend the time out on pasture – growing and playing. The students spend a lot of time getting acquainted with the calves which is important because the calves become friendly and easier to manage. Many a time, when a student is having a rough day, he’ll just sit with the calves for a while and pretty soon things don’t seem so bad.

Earth Week at Rumney House

May, 2009, Becket House at Rumney

April vacation at Rumney House spent the week dedicated to the environment. In honor of Earth Day, students researched and put together a variety of projects to share with their peers. Some included Travis’ diorama of the Earth and Cody’s presentation on various types of energy. Other events included a student-driven effort to decrease power usage, promote recycling and the use of energy efficient materials in the house. Students also went out into the community to help clean up roadside debris.

Vacation week culminated with an educational trip to Boston. Students traveled to the Museum of Science where they spent the day exploring exhibits, learning about nature and their relationship with the world around them. Everyone agreed that the museum was a fantastic way to highlight their experience of Earth Day and they look forward to keeping their “green” efforts a part of their daily lives.

Becket Students Enjoy Bingo Night at the NH Veterans Home

May, 2009, Mount Prospect Academy

Who knew teenagers could have so much fun playing bingo! A group of Becket students from Mount Prospect Academy and Becket House at Campton recently made the trip to the NH Veteran’s Home in Tilton to help out with Bingo Night. What a positive and fun night! Staff Ashley and Angela made the trip with students Nick L. and Will C. and the group could not have been happier to help out their new friends at the Veteran’s Home. The Veterans clearly enjoy engaging in activities such as Bingo, but of course, with age comes an unfortunate loss in hearing and eyesight, making it difficult for them to hear the numbers being called and accurately identifying them on their game boards. Fortunately, volunteers such as Becket students can help them enjoy the game, enabling them to have a great time and show off their more competitive sides!

Everyone teamed up with one of the Veterans to help them win cash prizes provided by the local American Legion Post. The Becket students were very excited to help the Veterans play and had a great time chatting with them and learning about their personal history. Many of the veterans were quite the characters, too! Among the jokesters were Veterans Chester and Ellis who kept everyone laughing with their wonderful sense of humor. The Becket students were smiling from ear to ear for the duration of the game, and talked with enthusiasm about the Veterans the entire ride home. The group cannot wait to go back and help out again!

First Fish of the Season, written by resident Steven Phair

May, 2009, Becket House at Norridgewock

On an overcast April afternoon, a small Becket House at Norridgewock group descended on the Kennebec River in Skowhegan. The date being only Aril 8th left the crew navigating snow banks and slush puddles. Two of the residents, Brian and Steven, were very optimistic despite the less than desirable weather conditions. Staff Mr. Mike Giguere led the outing and took part in wetting a line as well. The group decided to fish near a dam in downtown Skowhegan.

Early on, it appeared that the group was just spending their time drowning worms. After only a few casts, and much to everyone’s surprise, Steven suddenly hooked onto something really big. As Steven battled the fish, against a strong current, the group cheered him on. As the fish got closer to shore it was clear that it was not only a fish, but a nice one at that. Steven landed a beautiful 17-inch brook trout, with ease. After seeing Steven’s catch, it was more than enough to keep others casting the rest of the afternoon.

Steve’s fish ended up being the first and only fish caught on April 8th, but everyone left with a smile on their face. Steven noted, “We hope to catch many more fish this season and I want to give special recognition to Mike, for he has been amazingly helpful to the Becket Program. He has a way of really connecting with kids and makes everyone happy here.”

Road trip to the Celtics Game

May, 2009, Becket House at Belgrade

With many dedicated Celtics fans at the Becket House at Belgrade, staff organized a road trip to Boston so the boys could enjoy a Boston Celtics versus Los Angeles Clippers game first hand. Stopping only for food and gas, three vans of fans made the three and a half hour trip full of anticipation. The Celtics did not disappoint the Norridgewock fans as they defeated the LA Clippers 90-77 with many exciting plays. The game was great, the boys made it on the big screen and one young man even caught a souvenir t-shirt. Everyone had a great time and peacefully slept the entire ride home back to Maine.

Spring Fling at Becket House at Campton

May, 2009, Becket House at Campton

The recent Spring Fling at Campton was an absolute blast! Many families showed up for the festivities and could be seen tossing around footballs, interacting with students, clinicians, and residential workers all with tremendous smiles on their faces. The students were able to let loose and have fun with staff and their families in well structured events such as the water balloon toss and a mammoth tug of war event.
Pulling an evening together like this is much more than inviting families over for a cook out. It was an evening of teamwork, fun, and positive family interactions. Congratulations to Becket House at Campton, and their supportive team willing to go the extra mile for the students they support, for making this event such a success!

Sugar Shacks are Busy Brewing in Pike, NH

April, 2009, Becket House at Pike

Smoke billowing from rustic roofs of local "sugar shacks" can be seen far and wide across the New Hampshire mountains.  Late winter and early spring is prime maple season across most of northern New England. 

Typically, the sap begins to flow when a good hard freeze is followed by a sunny day with temperatures in the high 40s.  Peak tapping season only lasts 3-4 weeks, so the maple season is a very busy time for sugar enthusiasts.  While a variety of trees may be used to make syrup, maple trees are the popular choice due to their high concentration of sugar.

Large scale sugar shacks run elaborate lines from tree to tree to maximize the quantity of sap collected.  At the Pike campus, however, Becket House at Pike students learn how to make maple syrup the old fashioned way by tapping trees with a spigot, collecting the sap by hand and boiling the water out over a wood burning stove.  Farm Manager, Hugh Underhill, gives Becket House at Pike students a lesson on making maple syrup the old fashioned way:

Yoga Therapy for Struggling Teens

April, 2009, Becket House at Belgrade

Since the beginning of February, Becket House at Belgrade boys have been attending Yoga class every Sunday.  Led by Yoga instructor Dolly Moody from Focus Yoga Studios, the class instills a positive therapeutic effect on the Belgrade students. 

The boys have done a tremendous job learning Yoga by participating fully, regardless of the level of difficulty they face. The students have reported feeling "very stretched out" and “extremely relaxed” after a morning session of Yoga. One student has even stated that he would like to continue his Yoga education and become and instructor himself one day.  The class has taught the group healthy and positive methods of expression and offered coping skills that they may take with them upon graduation from Becket.

Becket House at Pike Helping Neighbors in Need

April, 2009, Becket House at Pike

Becket House at Pike students recently found the opportunity to give back to their community.  Two staff members and three residents set out on a mild winter March afternoon to perform a community service project in Warren, NH. The project involved helping a family clean up and rebuild after a devastating fire destroyed their home recently.

The young men and staff cut trees and logs into firewood and dragged brush from the area where the new home is to be built. It was a very self rewarding activity for the residents and they learned quite a bit about safety, teamwork, and the importance of community support.

The rebuilding project will take months and the family was very grateful for Becket's assistance and welcomed Becket House at Pike students back any time.

Making His Goals Happen

April, 2009, Becket House at Litchfield

When Bob Ryder first came to Becket House at Litchfield, he spent a lot of time by himself.  He took quite awhile to open up to many staff members and even to his fellow peers.  Litchfield staff worked with Bob through many life skills that he will keep with him on his journey toward independence.

After obtaining his driver's license, Bob went to the community and landed a job at a local restaurant doing dishes.  Bob is still working there and has even taken on more responsibilities in the kitchen.  Using skills learnt through the Becket program, Bob has saved enough money to buy a truck, put a down payment on his insurance, and save money to go towards getting his own apartment.  

Due to his continued success, Bob was chosen to go on an adventurous trip to the Florida Everglades.  The group drove three days to southern Florida, taking in many historic sites along the way. They then spent five days canoeing and camping and encountered many species of fish, alligators, lizards, sand sharks, and horseshoe crabs. They dined on popular local cuisine such as alligator and conch. When asked what the alligator tasted like Bob replied, "It tastes just like chicken!"  

Bob is nearing graduation and his goal is to join the Marine Corps.   He has been meeting with his recruiter regularly, and together they have been working towards achieving this goal. Within a year, it is amazing to see just how far Bob has come since he first arrived at the Becket House at Belgrade.  Way to go Bob and good luck!

Volunteering at Warren Fish Hatchery

April, 2009, Becket House at Pike

Becket House at Pike resident, Jonathan McGovern, has been fortunate enough to assist the Warren Fish Hatchery with their salmon restoration program.  Atlantic salmon disappeared from the Connecticut River in the early 1800's due to uncontrolled fishing and the construction of dams, which prevented the fish from migrating.  Early attempts were made to bring the salmon back to the Connecticut River, but efforts were not lasting.

In the 1960's, attempts began again to revive the salmon population. The Warren Fish Hatchery has been very active in bringing back the Atlantic salmon throughout the Connecticut River and they have seen growth in salmon population over the years. 

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To make a referral and schedule an interview,

please contact:

Jeff Caron , M.Ed. CAGS, Executive Director, Admissions
P.O. Box 58
Plymouth, NH 03264
Telephone: (603) 536-1102
Fax: (603) 536-3074
Cell: (603) 359-5951