Wilderness Therapy Programs - Outdoor Education for Troubled Teens

Outdoor Therapeutic Programs are for more serious behavioral problems affecting troubled teens. 

Long-term outdoor therapeutic programs are structured for more serious behavioral problems.

Campuses are usually set on natural property featuring mountains, streams and nearby wildlife, and offer opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Residents live in a group camp with 8 to 12 other students and experience a variety of safe, structured activities, while attending classes in an accredited school located on campus. 

At some programs teens are also eligible to participate in high school athletics and compete with other local high schools.

The Outdoor Therapeutic Program does not take place in the wilderness, nor is it based on the harsh, intimidating treatment that has come to be known and associated with boot camps.

The boot camp method has been clinically proven not to produce lasting results and is not recommended by Horizon Family Solutions.

An Outdoor Therapeutic Program's camp environment is hard work, yet provides security for your teen within a supportive, family-like group where interdependence and responsibilities are clear. The treatment philosophy treats the whole child, helping them to grow and to learn.

They take great care to make sure that all children in their programs are safe. Most programs have a nurse on staff and specially trained WFR (Wilderness First Responder) staff on campus. All programs that are recommended by Horizon Family Solutions are licensed by local, state and national authorities to ensure that they operate a safe program.

While most camps are rustic, they still maintain modern comforts.

Your teen will most likely eat in a dining hall, study in the school building, and have access to hot and cold running water and flush toilets in the shower facility.

Staff is always present acting as mentors, supporters, and role models.

They are as much a part of the camp world as the participants.

For most of the youth attending experiential activity programs, this setting allows them the first real opportunity to directly care for themselves and others in concrete and significant ways.

Cabin repair, chopping wood, fire building, hauling water, and trip planning have real significance for the teen and group.

In addition, many of the programs offer additional activities such as climbing walls, equine therapy, hiking, rafting, ROPES courses, and rafting.

Outdoor treatment programs provide troubled teens a natural and tranquil atmosphere in which to discover their hidden talents and potential, and understand the logical consequences of their behaviors.

It has long been recognized that an outdoor treatment program providing experience of the natural environment, along with physical challenges, group interaction and the opportunity for reflection, is of educational, emotional, psychological and spiritual value to pre-teens and teens. 

Camping, hiking, canoeing and other types of activities are often part of an Outdoor Treatment Program, but there is much more to the experience.