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 the John Muir Trail. Recently, Stefan took…

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 childhoods where they didn’t get a chance to play. That’s…

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 to the body. At Bodhi Casa, we are always looking…

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 California, his life as an Olympic hopeful…

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 the Sierra Nevada Mountains….

“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 likes to take the men on…

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 achieving your goals. By putting…

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 Living Program, a three-day trip to the Eastern Sierras…

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 form of a walking mediation and a mindfulness…

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. Whether its…

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 teaches how to effectively communicate and problem solve together. It…

Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) is a worldwide, non-denominational, spiritual organization founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920. The shrine, located in Pacific Palisades, was to serve as the preservation of Yogananda’s writings and teachings on meditation, including Kriya…

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 approach to drug and alcohol abuse treatment through rigorous…

At Bodhi Case 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 the van…

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. Since nature gives us so much…

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 tide pools and the beautiful…

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 the mystical ruins of…

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 Casa we sometimes partner with other transitional programs so the…

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 found that compared to…

We like to incorporate skill building activities in the men’s routine and one of the men’s favorite gatherings is cooking together as a community. We realize these much needed life skills will help the men…

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 with quality footwear to encourage healthier…

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 why the men can often be found…

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 our men at the nearby beach….