What Are Wilderness Programs

Wilderness programs are designed to assist adolescents who are struggling with substance abuse, emotional, or behavioral concerns. These adolescents are usually facing a variety of struggles including school issues, damage to family bonds and personal emotional struggles. Wilderness therapy combines therapy with challenge experiences in an outdoor setting to kinetically engage students on cognitive, affective, and behavioral levels.

After just a few expeditions students start to feel much more confident and capable. They begin to see themselves in a new light and realize inner strength they never knew they had. These experiences help the individual to develop self-esteem, confidence and a sense of achievement through the wilderness activities they participate in. These wilderness activities also help the adolescent discover who he/she is and what they are capable of.

The goal of wilderness therapy/programs is to help an individual overcome emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues through a combination of physical activity, group therapy, and nature immersion, away from the technologies of our modern world.