Therapeutic Family Intensives
House based - On the Grid
“A family that plays together, thrives together.”
A Collaborative Approach
Altitude Family Coaching and Breakwater Expeditions unite their expertise to create year round family intensives. Our families refer to these experiences as “Family Camp.” Our approach combines the comforts of a vacation home with experiential and sustainable outdoor activities.
Altitude’s family coaching expertise and Breakwater Expeditions’ adventure and logistical skills ensure every detail is expertly managed, so families can focus on what truly matters—nurturing and deepening connections while enhancing relationships.
Each intensive is unique, insightful and memorable. They are infused with play, nature and supportive experiential-based activities that provide a safe and open environment to tackle important relational issues while creating an engaging and enjoyable family experience.
By dedicating time over several days, families can engage in focused conversations, activities, and guided coaching to create opportunities for healing, understanding, and growth
Program Components
Our Favorite Destinations
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
June - September
Pacific Northwest
Year Round
Arizona
November - May
The Facilitators
Jen Murphy - Altitude Family Coaching I am Mental Health Therapist, Parent and Family Coach. I have been supporting families in the treatment modalities of Wilderness Therapy, Residential Treatment, Private Practice and Transitional Programing over the last 25 years. I have developed and implemented two nationally recognized and currently operating Transition/Parent Support Programs. Additionally, I have been an Adjunct Professor in Social Sciences for over 13 years. I am the co-developer of the parenting model H.O.M.E. as well as co-author of the book H.O.M.E., Strategies for Making Home a Success During and After Treatment. I have a deep commitment to empowering families and helping them navigate relationships and all the unique complexities that come with them. My work integrates therapeutic expertise with compassionate, actionable guidance, providing families with the tools they need to support their loved ones and foster healthy, successful relationships. I’m known for my ability to quickly and accurately assess patterns within family systems and understand the needs of both the family as a whole and the individuals within it. My coaching style is practical and direct, yet empowering—blending compassion, insight, humor, and patience to create a supportive and transformative experience.
Angie Schmeltzer - I am an outdoor guide, experiential educator, and facilitator of meaningful family experiences. With 20 years of working with families and children in the outdoors, I have honed my ability to support individuals in stepping outside their comfort zones, navigating challenges, and finding joy in shared adventure. As co-owner of Breakwater Expeditions, I bring a deep understanding of group dynamics, adventure-based learning, and the power of play in strengthening relationships.
I believe that vulnerability, playfulness, and willingness are the foundations of meaningful connection. Whether paddling on open water, hiking a rugged trail, or laughing around a campfire, I create spaces where families can unplug, reconnect, and engage in the real conversations that build trust and lasting bonds. My role is to foster an environment where families feel supported—both in the logistics of an expedition and in the deeper moments of growth and reflection.
The investment in a family intensive is not one to be taken lightly, and it is my honor to guide families through these transformative experiences. These journeys lead to lifelong memories, opportunities for connection, and a renewed sense of what is possible—both individually and together.
When I’m not guiding, I find balance in the mountains and on the water—skiing, paddling, and mountain biking with my husband, family, and friends in my home of Sandpoint, Idaho.
“Talk about masters at their craft! Wow. Breakwater guides go beyond traditional guiding. They pull from their experience in education, wilderness therapy and facilitation to design specialized AND FUN trips. It’d be hard to find a more collaborative team to work with. ”
“Jen is a great communicator. She is clear, direct, and she is compassionate and wise. She brings a level of insight that can only come from many years of experience in the field. There are few who can do what she does. ”
“Breakwater Expeditions is fantastic! I have done multiple trips in different locations with them and each trip has been wonderful. The team at Breakwater is professional, accommodating, and fun! I look forward to more trips in the future and highly recommend them to anyone interested in exploring the outdoors!”
“Jen Murphy has a skill set to “get it” quickly and coach each family based on their unique needs. Some families need more boundaries and structure while some need more work on relationships. She has the ability to quickly discern what is needed and coach accordingly.”
“Jen is one of the best I have ever worked with. She listens well and gives excellent guidance. Jen provides a calm, compassionate and safe environment.”