. . . an experience with a high level of compassion

The Winter Program is a focused intervention for adolescents with a range of challenges. Each trek balances physical and emotional challenges with support and encouragement. During the initial phase of the trek, students learn low impact camping skills and begin to develop an awareness of their role in their family. Emphasis is placed on creating a supportive environment with appropriate boundaries, challenges, feedback, therapeutic assignments and relationships. Lessons taught foster the development of trust and confidence as students identify their core issues and beliefs. Open enrollment allows for flexible trek length with each admission. A minimum of 4 weeks is required for assessment.

Student Profile:
Teenagers ages 13-17
Challenges to include Depression, Anxiety, ADD, Oppositional Defiance
Withdrawn from academic institution
Needing a transitional bridge prior to or following residential or young adult placement
 

Program Design:
Small groups 1:2 staff to student ratio
Continuous flow open enrollment allowing flexibility for enrollment and length of stay
An inside out approach
Building up rather than breaking down
Backpacking and exploring the physical landscape while discovering how to navigate one’s life
Behavioral assessment with recommendations for transition structure
 

When and Where:
January – April, 4-8 weeks
Northern Minnesota: Backpacking, ropes, canoe, backcountry skiing with pulk sleds, snowshoeing)
New Mexico or Texas: High desert backpacking
 

Results:
Well prepared transition plan
New Strategies and Coping Skills
Understanding and Understood
Redirection and Purpose
Acceptance and Courage
 

Admissions

Applications are reviewed by the Clinical Director and processed in collaboration with the students’ parents, and referral sources. Once accepted, students arrive independently, or with a parent or escort to the program area. Airport locations: Minnesota—Duluth or Minneapolis, New Mexico—Silver City or El Paso, TX.

Contact us for more information