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The primary purpose of NATWC is to support the establishment and continuation of therapeutic wilderness camping organizations; with the attendant responsibility to educate the public as to the existence of such organizations and their success in helping troubled young people change their lives for the better.

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FAQ: What are wilderness therapeutic camps?

By admin | January 7, 2008

There are two basic types of wilderness therapeutic camps. These can be described as long term and short term camps.

Long Term Camps

These programs usually consist of large base camps located on large parcels of wilderness property. Usually these camps consist of a few central, permanent buildings such as schools, offices, dining halls, maintenance facilities, etc. There are also several small campsites in which groups of 8-12 campers live with their counselors on a year ‘round basis. The campers build their own tents in these programs. They are responsible for cooking some of their own meals and planning their own activities with guidance from their counselors.

Groups also take various types of adventure trips form these facilities. These trips may include activities such as backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, ropes course activities, and other adventure activities.

The therapy occurs in these programs through the campers experiencing group process as they take responsibility for their own needs. Usually these programs include group problem solving sessions called circle ups or huddle ups. The traditional therapeutic modality used in these camps is Reality Therapy. Some camps have changed modalities in recent years to Brief Solution Focused Therapy. These programs usually have accredited educational programs. The time campers spend in these programs ranges from a few months to more than one year.

Short Term Programs

Short-term programs usually do not maintain permanent base camps. In these programs, campers are usually evaluated and admitted at a central professional office. After orientation, they are then placed with a group of peers and transported to a wilderness location where they begin a wilderness trek with a team of adult leaders. Similar programming and therapy to those of the long-term camp are used in these programs. Therapy is based on the resolution of group problems by the group, as is the case with the long-term camps. Campers usually stay in these programs from 21 to 90 days.

Topics: FAQs | 1 Comment »

One Response to “FAQ: What are wilderness therapeutic camps?”

  1. Andrew PAton Says:
    September 10th, 2008 at 10:21 pm

    Hello,
    i work on therapeutic recreation programs in Australia for children with chronic illness. I know that this isn’t really what your organization does but i was wondering if you knew of any other therapeutic recreation organizations that deal more with chronic illness in North America?