Wilderness Therapy Programs

Learn what makes wilderness therapy programs work for your teen.

Short-term wilderness program that have a high impact on behavior can help teens get back on track. Wilderness programs generally last between 30 and 60 days. Independent studies have shown positive results even a year after students leave the program.

Wilderness programs incorporate traditional therapeutic modalities into a wilderness adventure experience. Students camp in the mountains, desert, or other natural areas, learn to make their own food, gather water, and build fire. The natural environment dictates cooperation among participants, which helps build positive peer relationships.

There are nonprofit and for-profit outdoor programs, religious camps, private camps, day camps, and residential programs that run for the entire summer.

An important outcome is emotional growth whether or not it is intentionally built into the program structure. Outdoor programs have helped teens improve in:

self-concept
social skills
academic achievement
classroom behavior
group cohesion
relationships with peers and family