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.

Titled “The State of the Industry Symposium,” NATWC invited several well known individuals with wide experiences to participate.  The panel included Sharon Laney, President of the National Association of Schools and Programs (NATSAP) and Administrator Rosemary Tippett, Rob Meltzer, CEP, educational consultant and founder of Northlight Family Services, Lon Woodbury, CEP,  Educational consultant and publisher of Woodbury Reports; Leonard Buccellato, Ph.D., Founder of Hidden Lake Academy and Ridge Creek Wilderness; Jude Hirsch, Ed.D., Chair of the Association for Experiential Education (AEE) Accreditation council, and Rick “Tick” McClintock, MA, Executive Director of the National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camping (NATWC).

It is often considered a risk to convene a 3 hour discussion at a conference setting, but this format, its timeliness, and its intent to create a collaborative platform for multi-organizational perspectives was a hit!

The topics were kicked off by discussing the proposed legislation by Congressman George Miller, which passed the House of Representatives earlier this year. Rose Mary Tippett, NATSAP, described the legislation, and the current efforts being undertaken to ensure that legislation would be for the enhancement of safety and quality of services in the outdoor treatment and education industry, and not just to shut programs down. Rose Mary enlightened the crowd on how to assist in a positive process for overall “Best Practice”.

“Tick” McClintock emphasized that NATWC’s establishment and growth of their Wilderness Counselor Certification is one of the organization’s primary contribution toward increasing standards and establishing best practices in the wilderness industry. 

Conference participants emphasized that as professionals the need to work to continually improve the quality of our services and increase our ethical standards is a priority. Marketing successes as well as encouraging parents of alumnae to step forward to tell their story is critical to aid in defining the positive outcomes in an often misunderstood treatment modality.

 Issue # 1: The Economy, with its’ impact on the industry took a positive and collaborative spin in the Symposium, as programs described how they were responding. Ways of keeping costs down, such as identifying and eliminating small unnecessary items which often add up to significant expenses, as well as thorough examination on how to better serve the needs of families to enhance “added value” for those we serve, were focus points.

Another noteworthy discussion was the evolution of outdoor programming, with early programs being almost exclusively wilderness or outdoor oriented. Simple camping out or wilderness survival basics have evolved to added clinical and educational components to enhance overall outcomes. The dialog of the future of outdoor programming will most suredly continue as regional perspectives, and historical philosophies play a major role in how to more successfully integrate wilderness and therapy.

With continued collaboration as we witnessed at this year’s NATWC conference, we, as outdoor therapists and educators, can look forward to a State of the Industry that is indeed good.

Next year’s NATWC Annual Training Conference will again be held on beautiful Jekyll Island, Georgia, September 20-22, 2009, as conference participants vocalized their enjoyment at spending some time networking, training and playing at the beach!  Hope to see you there!

The panelists include:
Sharon Laney, Three Springs and NATSAP President; Rob Meltzer, Northlight Family Services and NAROPA University; Lon Woodbury, Woodbury Reports, www.strugglingteens.com; Leonard Buccellato, Hidden Lake Academy and Ridge Creek Wilderness Therapeutic Program; Jude Hirsch, AEE and Georgia College and State University; and Tick McClintock, Executive Director, NATWC.
The event will be moderated by Angie Senic, Eckerd Youth Alternatives.

The NATWC Annual Training Conference has always prioritized the importance of credentialing, training, recognizing, and celebrating the direct care outdoor professional. Following the symposium, clinical, educational, and outdoor skill workshops will be offered to participants.

Plenty of southern hospitality awaits everyone at this wonderful venue!
There is still time to register and attend.
Click on Conference and you will see downloadable registration, advertising and exhibiting forms in blue, as well as online payment, for personal attention call Tick at 724.329.1098.
SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER!

Discovery Channel, the network that brought you The Alaska Experiment, is currently casting its next Alaskan adventure. If you think you have what it takes to live and thrive in one of nature’s most brutal environments, then we want to hear from you TODAY!

Our newest series raises the bar for our adventurers by sending them on an epic JOURNEY through the wild.

THE CHALLENGE — if you dare to accept it — is to join a band of fellow explorers and journey through some of the harshest climates and roughest terrains in the world: the Alaskan wilderness. Both an epic quest and the ultimate test of courage, this amazing journey will test its participants in ways they never thought possible and, in the process, allow them to experience the raw beauty of nature and see the world like they never have before.

Sound exhilarating? It will be! If you are ready to leave the monotony of your day-to-day life behind and push yourself to the limits, you can finally earn the right to say that you truly LIVED.

Email AlaskaProject@gmail.com and include a recent photo along with your name, phone number, city/state, and a short explanation of why you feel you are up to the challenge. You can also call 818-752-5559 for more information.

Join us. We dare you.

NATWC currently represents over 50 therapeutic wilderness programs for young people across the country. We are committed to upholding the best practices of our industry through networking, education, counselor certification, and the support of research and political action in our field. We serve as an unbiased reference for parents and professionals searching for appropriate programs.

We publish the Journal of Therapeutic Wilderness Camping, documenting and sharing cutting-edge research and advancements within our field. And we promote quality care of youth through providing training opportunities for all levels of therapeutic wilderness professionals, including our annual conference. We are also co-sponsors of the Council on Accreditation (COA). NATWC’s business and activities are overseen by a volunteer board of program directors and others directly involved in this field, from across the country.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT
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.

Our website is being updated. If you have an immediate question, please contact us here.

General Program Questions

1. How long has the program been in operation?
2. How long has the program been licensed? By whom? (What govt agency)
3. Is the program affiliated with any professional organizations? which ones?
4. How many children is the program licensed for?
5. How many children are currently enrolled?
6. Describe your admission criteria.
7. How will I know my child is appropriate for this program?
8. What type of supplies and clothing does a child need upon admission?
9. How often is the family contacted by the program with progress reports?
10. Are there currently any lawsuits against the program? Any in the last five years? If so, what for?
11. Has the program or any staff member ever been charged with physical or sexual misconduct against a child in the program? any program?
12. (If applicable) How often will the family be allowed to visit, phone, write while my child is in the program?
13. Does a child ever receive consequences? A group? If so, what do they consist of?
14. (If applicable) Are physical searches conducted? if so, how and by whom?

Staffing Questions

1. Who is the Administrator/Director?
2. What credentials are required of staff? Both direct care and administrators.
3. What training does the program direct care staff receive?
4. How many direct care staff (Counselors) work with each group? (Staff to child ratio)
5. Can I meet the staff who work directly with the children?
6. Does the program have a high staff turnover?
7. How are the children transported and by whom while in the program?

Medical Care Questions

1. (If applicable) Is there a doctor or nurse on staff?
2. If my child is sick who will care for them?
3. (If applicable) Who administers medications?
4. Can my child request to see a medical professional?
5. Does my child need a physical prior to entering the program or will the program conduct one at admission?
6. (If applicable) How does the program handle routine doctor/dental appointments?

Education-related Questions

1. (If applicable) How is the educational program structured?
2. (I. A.) Is the school licensed? If so, by what agency?
3. (I.A.) How many teachers are there and what are their credentials?
4. (I. A.) Will my child receive transferable credits?

Food and Hygiene Questions

1. Is the food services supervised or reviewed by a qualified Dietitian?
2. (I.A.) What was the last rating by the Health Department for the kitchen?
3. Is the withholding of food ever used as a consequence?
4. Wo supervises the day to day cooking, etc., in the kitchen?
5. How often do the children take showers?
6. Who provides the children with soap, shampoo, etc., as needed?
7. Are hygiene needs ever denied as a consequence?
8. (I.A.) How often do the children have access to the laundry facilities?

Safety-related Questions

1. Describe your safety plan and program.
2. What are the program’s precautions for severe weather such as extreme cold, wet conditions, including floods, and tornado’s?
3. Where are the nearest medical facilities and what is the response time for an emergency?
4. Does the program carry Liability Insurance? Sufficient?
5. (I.A.) Are safety plans posted in the campsites?
6. Are the sleeping areas protected from the elements of weather?
7. Are the counselors (direct care staff) First Aid and CPR trained?
8. Are the staff trained/certified in Adventure Activities? (canoeing, rock climbing, etc.)
9. In the last five years have there been any serious injuries or deaths?

Counseling Questions

1. What type(s) of counseling are the children involved in and how often?
2. (I.A.) What type of testing and/or assessments are done when a child is enrolled in the program?
3. How is the family involved with the program?
4. Who determines the treatment goals for each child?

Adventure Activity Questions

1. Does the program have a ropes course? High or low level?
2. (I.A.) Is the ropes course instructor trained? If so, by whom?
3. How often are adventure activities planned for each group?
4. What type of safety precautions are taken during adventure activities?
5. (I.A.) Do the groups ever go on trips away from the program?
6. What type of adventure trips do they engage in? (canoeing, hiking, back packing, etc.)
7. What other types of activities are available to the children enrolled in the program?

References

1. Ask for the names and phone numbers of three parents who have had their child in the program.
2. Ask for the name and phone numbers of the licensing agency for the program.
3. Ask for the name and phone numbers of two professionals who currently refer to the program.

When Touring the Camp

1. Obtain a copy or physically review the program’s License(s).
2. Ask to see the Program’s liability insurance certificate (policy).
3. Ask the children you meet if they like the program and if they think it is helping them.
4. Were you able to talk and interact with the children and staff you met?
5. How were the staff and children interacting?
6. Are the children dressed appropriately for the season?
7. (I.A.) Were the grounds clean?
8. (I. A.) Were facilities clean?

When Touring the Group Site

1. (I. A.) Is there sufficient space for the group in the campsite?
2. (I.A.) Is there fire fighting equipment in the campsite?
3. (I. A.) How is the group site illuminated at night?
4. Where do the children store their personal belongings?
5. Does the bedding look clean? (sheets, sleeping bags, blankets)

When Touring the Showers and Laundry Facilities: (If Applicable)

1. Are there sufficient showers and laundry to accommodate a group?
2. Are the shower facilities clean?

When Touring the School

1. Is there adequate space?
2. How many children per classroom? |
3. What school curriculum is used?
4. How are the teachers interacting with the children?
5. Did there appear to be adequate books and other educational resources?

When Touring the Kitchen

1. Check the most recent Health Department inspection/rating and current menus.
2. Meet and talk with the head of the kitchen.
3. Was the kitchen clean and well equipped?
4. Was the dining hall clean and comfortable?Finally, what is the general appearance of buildings, vehicles, and other equipment?

What answer did you get to the question:

“If my child hits another child, or is hit by another child, how do you handle this?”
Give close attention to the answer you get to this question, it will usually tell you a great deal about the people involved. Always ask the direct care staff (counselor), not the administrator. Remember, its your responsibility to choose carefully for your child.

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.