More than a break – this is a reset.
A curated, immersive experience that helps teens and young adults reconnect with who they are and who they could become.
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Alter the Course of a Young Life
7 days can
This isn’t therapy.
It’s not a wilderness program.
It isn't treatment.
ATC Retreats is a 7-day/6-night immersive experience for teens and young adults who are overwhelmed, uninspired, disconnected – or just stuck. Through iconic site visits, curated conversations and intentional mentorship, we create space for growth, direction and realignment.
This is the pause that changes everything.
It is an opportunity of a lifetime.
A week designed to awaken.
Each retreat is meticulously designed with curated elements that reflect the interests, passions, and potential of its guests.
Maximum of eight participants equals one unforgettable experience.
Mornings can include sitting at the surf’s edge, watching the sunrise, or catching up on rest.
Walk UCLA with researchers studying addiction, gaming, cannabis, and gambling.
Meet artists, athletes, founders, creators, entrepreneurs - people living their passion.
Debrief under the stars each night - reflect, reset, and connect.
Enroll in a Retreat
ATC Retreats is a Proud Member of:
For parents and professionals.
A high-impact, short-term experience for teens and young adults who are simply feeling stuck, lacking direction, or unsure of their next step—and for those navigating burnout, anxiety, depression, or chronic vape or marijuana use.
Our 7-day/6-night retreats are an infusion of inspiration, skill-building and connection. The enrollment form is not only to ensure they’re right for a retreat setting, but to help us design a week that speaks directly to them.
This is the pause that creates the pivot.
ATC works for those who’ve never been to therapy and for those who have tried therapy, coaching, or treatment but need a fresh approach.
By meeting participants before the spiral—or after a setback—we help them shift course without the long-term separation of residential care.
This is the option that feels like a gift, not a consequence.
Apply Now
For Young
people.
No one’s coming here to be “fixed”. What you’ll find is real people, and a space to explore who you are and who you want to be – with zero pressure to be anyone else.
For one week, you'll hit pause—on all of it. Surrounding yourself with people who know how to make things happen—in music, film, business, real estate, fashion, science, sports and more. Tell us what your thing is, or what it used to be. Don’t know? Even better—we’ll help you find it.
No pressure. No grades. No noise. This isn’t school. This isn’t a test. This is your chance to try new things and get fired up in a way that leaves you winning.
Leave with stories worth telling, friends and contacts who get you, and a plan to take you to the next level of your amazing life. No joke.
We know you’re not broken. You’re just stuck.
Not a treatment center. Not a crisis unit.
Your next right step.
What this is
Curated, dimensional,
life-altering
Built with expertise and inspiration
Real people,
real connections, real change
What this isn’t
Your mother's retreat
One-size-fits-all
A treatment center
For "troubled teens"
Meet the Founder
Led by a woman who saw what was missing – and built it.
Lynne Pedersen spent decades inside adolescent treatment, only to realize: we wait too long. She created ATC to catch young people before the crisis – with inspiration, connection, and high-caliber experiences that help them reset their direction and reignite who they are.
Learn more about Lynne’s story
What parents and teens are saying
“It was amazing! Such a blast. I didn’t want to come home. No one was more shocked than me. The connections I made were insane!—Young Adult
Helped me want to apply myself. Made me realize how my decisions will affect me in the future and not just in the moment. We stayed up talking about how we could actually be the one to say "NO” when we get home so we didn't blow this chance.
— Adolescent participant
“I will highly suggest ATC first because Lynne pours her heart and soul into your child. She is engaged and invested in igniting a change.
My son got motivated, set goals for his life before he was lost with his own fears, his own limitations, his own boundaries – he couldn’t let himself succeed emotionally, mentally, psychologically, physically, socially and business wise. I am proud of my son’s change and realization - in just 7 days.”
— Mother of 18 year old male
“I can’t thank you enough for helping our family. I was able to regain that piece of unconditional love I thought might be gone forever with my daughter.
I have the strength to move through this bit of the middle. From the bottom of this tired heart, thank you.
— Mother of 17 year old female
“It’s a place to just get away from the world and just have a different environment without drugs or alcohol or nicotine.
It changes your mindset on the decisions that you make, and it proves that you can have the same amount of fun if not more without being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.”
— Adolescent participant
“My personal favorite, which blew me away, “Do you think I could go back for another week?” I literally cried.
All things I never expected to come out of my 14 (soon to be 15) son’s mouth when I picked him up at the airport after his week at Alter the Course.”
— Mother of 16 year old male
“ATC provided a safe supportive and positive transformational experience for my son.
He arrived feeling down and stuck in a rut and after completing the program he left with his his confidence and his beautiful happy bouncy personality restored. We can't thank you enough!”
— Mother of young adult male
READY TO
Alter the Course?
Whether you're a parent looking for clarity, a school exploring alternatives, or a teen ready for something real… we’re here when you’re ready.
Apply Now
