The Therapeutic Camps section of NATWC website lists organizational members. Organizational membership is based on wilderness programs and therapeutic schools that agree with the NATWC mission, philosophy, and ethical standards. NATWC encourages all members to pursue program quality improvement and best practice through accreditation and licensing efforts; and by continuous training and credentialing of their direct care staff. NATWC does not assume any responsibility for the implementation of training, credentialing and/or accreditation by member programs. NATWC’s Wilderness Counselor Certification is one template for programs and direct care staff to enhance their professionalism. NATWC does not license or accredit outdoor programs.

The National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camping does not make referrals to any specific member wilderness programs or therapeutic schools; no money has ever been given or received in exchange for the information that is shared with inquiring parents. NATWC will continue to assist parents in connecting with member programs.

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.

Are boot camps considered to be wilderness therapeutic camps?

Boot camps are not considered to be wilderness therapeutic camps. Boot camps are great programs for training military personnel. There is little evidence of long term success of these programs in bringing about change in the emotional problems that are the basis for problem behavior in adolescents.

Other accrediting agencies such as the Council on Accreditation (COA) and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) accredit some of these facilities.

By clicking on “Checklist” on this website, one can find an excellent list of questions for parents to ask when evaluating a program for their child.