FAQs
Parental Choice
Tuesday, November 18th, 2008The National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camping does not maintain a list of the top 50 [wilderness] programs nor does NATWC rate wilderness camps or therapeutic schools and programs. NATWC has never rated, listed by positive outcomes or negative press, any therapeutic wilderness programs nor have we recommended a specific program to a parent. NATWC [...]
FAQ: What are wilderness therapeutic camps?
Monday, January 7th, 2008There 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. [...]
FAQ: How successful are wilderness therapeutic camps?
Saturday, January 5th, 2008Various follow-up studies have determined that 75-80% of the young people who complete these program experience significant improvement in the problems that brought them to the programs. The success rates of wilderness therapeutic camps compare very well with the success rates of other residential treatments facilities.
Are boot camps considered to be wilderness therapeutic camps?
Boot camps [...]
FAQ: How can I tell if a program is reputable and safe?
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008Check on how the program is licensed and/or accredited. Most states require licensure or facilities. Compliance histories are a matter of public record and can often be found on the websites of the licensing entity. One can ask the personnel at these facilities how to contact state licensure personnel to check the compliance history.
Other accrediting [...]