Journal
Adventures in recovery
High Sierra and Mt Whitney Adventure
Founder, Stefan Kocev, believes that there is therapeutic value in Adventure Therapy, and when it comes to great hikes in California, one of the most rewarding treks is…
Big Sur
Scientific studies have shown that when an individual is grounded in nature, their electrical potential becomes equalized through a transfer of electrons from the Earth…
Lake Nacimiento
When it comes to brain development scientific studies have proven that playing makes a connection between neural pathways. Unfortunately, a lot of individuals come from…
Ben Diavies // Find What You Love and Chase It
Manzanar Historical Visit & High Sierra Snow Adventure
Manzanar is located in the Owens Valley in California. It lies at the western side of the Great Basin, the northern edge of the Mojave Desert, and the eastern slope of…
Mt Gould & Clouds Rest
At Bodhi Casa, as in life, it is important to gain self-esteem and to continue to challenge oneself in order to build on experience that shows you are capable of…
Eastern Sierras Desert Camping
Studies have shown that increasing the level of oxygen in your brain increases the levels of serotonin. With nature excursions being part of Bodhi Casa’s Transitional…
Into the Mountains We Go
“The mountains are calling and I must go.” John Muir The founder, Stefan Kocev spent time in the Rockies being trained in Search & Rescue. So, whenever possible Stefan…
Labyrinth Art Exercise & Mindfulness Walk
Labyrinths have been around for thousands of years. The circle and the spiraling path are an ancient symbol that represents wholeness. Today, labyrinths are used as a…
Abalone Cove
Abalone Cove Reserve is located right off a main road that hugs the coast of Rancho Palos Verdes. While visiting there, the Bodhi Casa men enjoyed the isolated beach, the…
Peace in the Valley // Annual Yosemite Camping Adventure
Yosemite The Bodhi Casa Yosemite backpacking trip is our favorite way to reward residents for completing Phase 1 of the program. Wilderness therapy is a nature-centric…
Red Rock Trail Cleanup & Hike
Less litter on wilderness trails brings benefits to animals and humans alike. Not only is the litter unsightly, but it also poses danger to animals that may ingest it.…
Sober Softball
Organized, structured sports and on-going physical activity can provide many health benefits. Playing sports with a goal in mind not only teaches team-work, but also…
SRF Lake Shrine Meditation Center
Self-Realization Fellowship is a worldwide, non-denominational, spiritual organization founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920. The shrine, located in Pacific Palisades,…
Too Many Bunnies Rabbit Rescue
Bodhi Casa is a big believer in being of service, and that’s why the men are asked to do at least 18 hours of community service in each phase of our Transitional Program.…
Trestles Surf Trip
At Bodhi Casa we like to take advantage of local surfing in Southern California by taking the men to Trestles, a hot spot in San Diego County. After a short drive we park…
Following Dreams in Sobriety // A Journey to Machu Picchu
At Bodhi Casa we believe that adventure and nature heal the spirit. So, when an alumni was so inspired after hiking the John Muir trail, that he later decided to explore…
Lake Powell // Grand Canyon Adventure
Adventure therapy uses the natural environment to elicit change by using experiences to build trust through activities in high adventure and outdoor expeditions. At Bodhi…
Rock Climbing in Recovery // Annual Joshua Tree Adventure
In fall when the weather starts to cool off Bodhi Casa heads out to Joshua Tree, the epicenter of rock climbing to take the men on some adventure therapy. Studies have…
Darkness Before Dawn: A Fighter’s Road to Recovery
Ryan Lang graduated from Northwestern University as a highly decorated Big 10 champion, and was ranked second in the country. In the six years since, after moving to…
Hav A Sole
The men of Bodhi Casa headed down to skid row to volunteer with HavASole, a local nonprofit. HavASole’s mission is to provide the homeless and at risk youth population…
Skateboarding Sober Is Fun
Studies have found that the absence of play experience in childhood correlates directly with loss of social skills. So, at Bodhi Casa play is serious business, and that’s…
Surfing and Bodhi
Getting out in nature provides an escape from stress, anxiety and negative thoughts, and since surfing is an integral part of the Bodhi Casa culture you can often find…