Haven Institute (Gabriola Island, Canada) facts for kids
The Haven Institute, often called The Haven, is a special learning center. It is located on Gabriola Island, a beautiful island off the coast of British Columbia, Canada. The Haven helps people learn new things and grow as individuals. It was started by two doctors, Jock McKeen and Bennet Wong. They offer programs to help people learn new skills for their lives and jobs. These include special courses to become good at leading groups or helping others.
About The Haven's Registration
The Haven Institute is officially registered in British Columbia. This means it is a recognized private training school. The Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training oversees its registration. This ensures The Haven meets certain standards for its educational programs.
The Haven's Story
In 1983, doctors Bennet Wong and Jock McKeen bought a place called Taylor Bay Lodge. It was on Gabriola Island, British Columbia. They turned it into a waterfront resort and conference center. They called it "a resort with a difference." This was because people could join activities as much as they wanted. Some families came just to enjoy the resort. Other groups held meetings there. Many people attended special workshops to learn about self-awareness. Some even came back for training in helping others. So far, 95 people have finished the special Diploma program at The Haven Institute.
Many different teachers visit The Haven to share their knowledge. Some famous experts who have taught there include Virginia Satir and Carl Whitaker. The Haven also hosts a special event called The Haven Symposium. Guests like Joseph Chilton Pearce and Margaret Wheatley have spoken there. The Wong-McKeen Phoenix Auditorium is The Haven's theater. It has hosted performances by artists like Ann Mortifee and Laurie Anderson. The Haven Institute also publishes books by its founders, Bennet Wong and Jock McKeen, and other authors.
McKeen and Wong created the main programs for the Institute. Since the early 1990s, programs have been offered with Chinese translation. Many people from Asia have attended as students and trainees. Joann Peterson became the Director of Education in 1992. She helped train over 1200 interns and assistants. These people learned how to help groups and individuals. The programs have continued to grow and offer more options.
In 2003, The Haven Foundation was created. It is a recognized nonprofit charity in Canada. In 2004, Wong, McKeen, and their three sons gave ownership of The Haven Institute to this Foundation. This was done so that the center and its work could continue for a long time. In 2008, The Haven Institute celebrated its 25th anniversary. People from all over the world still come to The Haven for its programs. In March 2013, The Haven also hosted the TEDx Gabriola conference.
How The Haven Teaches
The courses at The Haven use ideas from many different areas. These include humanistic psychology (which focuses on human potential) and transpersonal psychology (which looks at spiritual experiences). They also use ideas from traditional psychology, religious studies, drama, music, and art.
The Haven uses many different ways to teach. These include gestalt (focusing on the present moment) and Reichian body approaches. They also use acupuncture, psychodrama (acting out problems), and psychosynthesis. Students might do role-playing, family therapy, or use imagination and visualization. They also use video work, theatre games, play therapy, and music therapy. All these methods help people improve their communication skills and connect with others.
While there are some lectures and group discussions, The Haven focuses on learning by doing. This is called experiential learning. People are invited to experience situations directly. This helps them learn what they need in a very personal way.
