Wilderness Program

An outdoor behavioral health program can be an effective means to building self-esteem and learning to relate to others in a positive way. Wilderness programs remove distractions so the student is able to focus on therapy and positive behavioral change. 

Typically, students are placed in small groups which hold them accountable for their actions. They spend the days hiking, setting up/breaking down camp, preparing meals, structured activities and lessons. In addition, both individual and group therapy takes place. Teens are guided by counselors and staff to become self-reliant and aware of their behaviors. They begin to realize that there are consequences for their actions and to see that their choices affect others.

At Campus Selection, our job is to help the family consider if a wilderness program is the appropriate route for the student. We are continually researching programs, their histories, reputation, etc. Again... our goal is to match the right programs with the specific needs of your student.

Students who would benefit from this type of outdoor therapy may exhibit some of the following characteristics:

     * Low self-esteem

     * Poor school performance

     * Defiance of authority

     * Depression

     * Drug or alcohol use

     * Agression

     * History of threats to run away

     * Legal or criminal issues

     * Oppositional Defiance Disorder