Therapeutic Family Intensives & Vacations
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
Year Round
Pacific Northwest
Year Round
Arizona
November - May
The Facilitators
Jen Murphy, M.Ed., LPC - Altitude Family Intensives & Retreats
I am a licensed therapist and parent–family coach with over 25 years of experience supporting families across Wilderness Therapy, Residential Treatment, Private Practice, and Transitional Programming. Throughout my career, I have developed and implemented two nationally recognized, still-operating Transition and Parent Support Programs, and I have served as an Adjunct Professor in the Social Sciences for more than 13 years.
As the co-developer of the H.O.M.E. parenting model and co-author of H.O.M.E.: Strategies for Making Home a Success During and After Treatment, I’m deeply committed to empowering families as they navigate the complexities of relationships, growth, and change. My work blends clinical expertise with compassionate, actionable guidance, helping families build the insight and tools needed to support their loved ones while fostering healthy, sustainable connections.
I am known for my ability to quickly and accurately assess patterns within family systems, understanding both the needs of the whole family and the individuals within it. My coaching style is practical, direct, and empowering, grounded in compassion, clarity, humor, and patience.
What fills me up the most is when I get the honor to support families during their therapeutic vacations. These immersive, restorative experiences allow families to step out of daily stressors and into intentional connection. During retreats, I help families deepen communication, repair strained dynamics, and practice new patterns in real time, all within a supportive, structured, and fun therapeutic environment. This work has become one of my greatest passions, an opportunity to blend healing, adventure, and meaningful family growth.
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.”