.

“Thank you for inspiring me … you saved my life.”

Liz (teen participant)

I have known Forrest for three years and am familiar with his work and passion for the youth of this community. His entire life, both personal and professional, has been dedicated to the well-being of youth. He has expertise, experience and desire to make a difference in the lives of our young people.

Kara Schallock, Idaho Dept. of Health & Welfare

Thank you so much from the innermost depths of my heart for the gift of your guidance for me and my family on this special journey. You were impeccable. Our lives are so much fuller and enriched by your teaching, watching and gentleness. What a celebration of life and it was an awesome thing. Thank you so much. We love you!!!!!

Yours in the Holy Spirit.

Bob – Parent of Cody & Jacob (ages 17)

To any parent of an adolescent boy,

I would like to recommend Forrest Melton to any parent, who is looking for that missing piece in helping their adolescent son make the transition from child to young adult. Forrest is a wonderful mentor, counselor, group leader, adventurist, friend and sage to all those kids that have had the fortune to be in his stead. I know this from professional and personal experience.

Dian Liles – Jr. High School Counselor – North Jr. High

The preparation necessary to perform this Rite of Passage was immense and started months in advance to prepare my son spiritually, physically and mentally for the journey. We experienced some bumps along the way, but Forrest, unshaken, directed our path. This was not just a learning experience for our son, but also for me, letting go of the child you love and embracing a son who is a man.

Terri – mother of young men

During and after the Rites of Passage, I felt a different sense of being one family. I felt that we all became a little closer through using this awesome experience to bring out the good in each of us individually.

Mandi – sister of Rite of Passage student

I wanted to tell you guys who didn’t show up we had a blast we had fun jumping and laughing at the Coyote Boys group this month. We went Mountain Boarding and it was great, And I am definitely coming every other time. And all of you that never want to come just remember: even when you don’t want to come you just need to remember that you will always have fun.

Kyle (age 13)

Dear Forrest, Hello friend! I remember when I called you about a year ago, in search of a group for Cameron to become part of, to learn and grow and feel like he belongs...Connects with. I know in my heart and mind, how important it is for me to connect with people on the Good Red Road. Cameron too. Because of the 7 Habits book, we established our family pow-wow. Because of the Wonder of Boys, I am learning how it takes a tribe or community to raise these kids, and how important it is for me to let go. Because of Touching Spirit Bear, Cam & I have a book that we read together each day. From each step, book, lesson we seem to grow from that knowing. We even have a 7-Habits calendar, with a thought for the day we start with! Thank you,

Lynn (mother of Coyote Boy)

Forrest has opened my eyes and made me realize the world is a beautiful thing. Before, I thought he only thing the world had to offer for me was pain and agony. But, now I have a different perspective and I’ve learned to come to peace with myself. I’ve become a beautiful, intelligent woman and I face the world with confidence and hope.

Elizabeth (age 15)

As a 17 year-old teen, growing up in this day and age, I have been able to relate to Forrest completely and knows just the right words for me as a “struggling teenager “ living in the year 2000. Stripping ourselves from all material and wealth, we are left with; one might say, “nothing”. Then I learned that we are left with “everything … ourselves”. What we are, and the conviction we have in our hearts is what truly matters in life.

Zach (age 17)

“You taught me that changing my position in the world will change everything! I could be the follower I was, or I could take control of my life and be myself. Of course, I could never forget how hard you were about “honesty”.

Gina Ann Marie (age 15)

While working with Forrest, I had the opportunity to learn from his kind spirit and non-judgmental way of instructing the young people. He is a strong leader and has a great knowledge about the wilderness and human kind. Forrest shows great compassion and empathy, while teaching accountability and equality among all people and all things.

Becky Deans – Wilderness Therapist, Passages to Recovery

Chaco is planning on being there on Sat, the 30th. Where should he meet you? He said to me, after reading his assignment in the 7 Habits for Highly Effective Teens book, "If everyone read this book it would be a really different world." That certainly made my whole being brighten. Thanks for your work with our boys.

Love, Susie

“My entire experience changed…I learned how to look beyond the horizon, read between the lines, and do everything from the heart.”

Rodrigo

“Through the program, there were situations, that I was forced to trust my daughter as we reversed roles. Through her communication with me, I knew I could trust her and give her the mutual respect that had always been deserved.”

Michelle (mother of teen)

My name is Dan Basic and I met Forrest at a school where I was working  towards getting my diploma and getting my life strait in Idaho. Forrest was and still is a mentor to me. Forrest helped me out in many ways and used real life instances that he went through to help me out. Forrest is a straight shooter who tells it “how it is” and most of all he became a friend of mine that is still there for a me long after the time that I was in Idaho.

 
Dan (Teen)

Dear Givers:  Thank you so much from the innermost depths of my heart for the gift of your guidance for me and my family on this special journey. You were impeccable. Our lives are so much fuller and enriched by your teaching, watching and gentleness. What a celebration of life and it was an awesome thing. Thank you so much. We love you!!!!!

Yours in the Holy Spirit,

Robert – Boise Father of Vision Quester

“The ALIVE program is a wonderful experience for the whole family! The program is challenging and success orientated … broad yet focused … filled with life affirming experiences and skills that will last a lifetime.”

Franko (father of teen)

To Whom It May Concern:  I am writing this letter to express to those interested parties, the impact and benefit that my involvement with Forrest Melton has had on my life. I met Forrest in a wilderness rehabilitation program. I was twenty-three years old and extremely misguided. I had many different types of problems affecting my life all amounting to an extended adolescents that I could find no way of overcoming. But with Forrest’s help and the empowering and spiritual experience I had in the wilderness I was able to grow in a way I didn’t think possible. It was a rights of passage into adulthood that I don’t think I could have found anywhere else. Four years later I have graduated from college and have been able to live more comfortably and self confidently then I ever had in the past. I continuously draw on my experiences with Forrest in the wilderness as a self assurance that I can face any obstacle I am confronted with. I would highly recommend Forrest’s program to any young person in need of direction.

Sincerely, Alex

Thanks Forrest for teaching my son these tools and information. You are a good mentor. I appreciate your help with Dalan more than words can express. Thanks for being you and doing what you do for these kids.

 Paula

To Whom it May Concern:  I would just like to say that I think the day at the sexual awareness ropes course was very valuable. While I was already personally aware of the issues that were discussed, they are not things that I had spoken with my stepson about. There really were quite a few important points covered, and the setting of the event made it easier to talk about these touchy subjects. I think that overall it was a positive beneficial experience for all involved. I'm glad that we attended this event, because there was a lot of stuff that was covered that I wouldn't have even thought to discuss with my stepson: Important things that may seem obvious, yet judging by the actions of some in our society, they need to be addressed. Thanks. Peace.

Daryl

Nias asked me when we left Wild Boys "So when am I meeting Forrest again?" I told him Wednesday and he was very HAPPY!!! And, I have to tell you after WIld Boys and today he was very nice and polite and I thanked him for that..........We are going to do homework in a few minutes and he is willing. This is nice....I hope it keeps up..........

Melissa