The TREC is a key component in the Turning Winds experience and is accomplished under the guidance of the Venture Program. Consisting of a structured outdoor journey to remote yet accessible wilderness, the individual is challenged to learn about the self as well as the environment. The TREC is the key ritual in the residential milieu, marking the transition between Orientation and Transition Phases. With more than a decade of outdoor trips to their credit , skilled staff accompanies the resident in order to provide optimum support during this educational process. TREC consists of a 5-8 day backpacking trip which is utilized to symbolize the rigors and achievements involved in the process of changing undesirable behaviors into those which will lead to a healthy future. Every day is designed to facilitate development in the 10 character virtues which Turning Winds has identified to be essential to living a healthy life. This is accomplished through a variety of educational assignments, both physical and intellectual. This event is meant to allow individuals to reflect on the new direction they have begun to take in life and to gain an appreciation of their success through hard work.

• Before a student graduates from Orientation, he/she participates in a 5-8 day backpacking trip. This trip is designed to promote leadership skills, teamwork, and self-respect. Students challenge themselves physically, mentally and emotionally. This portion of the program is designed to engage students in an appreciation and respect for wilderness, wildlife, and nature.
• All backpacking gear and appropriate attire will be provided by Turning Winds.
• Each night, students will engage in physical and mental activities such as compass reading, astronomy and tree & plant identification. They will learn how to apply what they learn in the wilderness to the life they lived and will live in the future.

Upon Completion of the TREC, a graduation ceremony is held in recognition of the child's achievements. Family is invited to attend and participate in this life changing event. The transition phase of the Turning Winds program is designed to renew one's strengths by further developing character and creating opportunities so that each child has the ability to succeed. Within the transition portion of the Turning Winds program, many new privileges are introduced such as scheduled phone calls to parent(s)/guardian(s), involvement in extracurricular activities, peer mentoring, scheduled home and site visits, the opportunity to engage in many off-campus activities.