Wilderness Programs

[Anonymous]

Can anyone recommend programs that you have used successfully for a boy - age 15? Not diagnosed but serious ODD. Failing classes. He was tested and diagnosed with ADHD and is on medication for it. Therapy is not working.
Save the judgement and snark - just looking for recommendations.

[Anonymous]

Outward Bound has a course or two for teens who are struggling. It won’t be an easy experience, but it will be safe and well-run and might be life-changing. I would not trust any other wilderness programs. There is no assurance that the student would not be abused and traumatized (read about that online). There is nothing therapeutic about most of them. Their goal is to try to scare the kid straight, which doesn’t work and often retraumatizes them, compounding their issues.

[Anonymous]

https://trailscarolina.com/

I posted in the teen forum about friends who used this. Best of luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://trailscarolina.com/

I posted in the teen forum about friends who used this. Best of luck.

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

My 16 yo DS with ADHD/anxiety doesn't have ODD but still has challenging behaviors. He's done Outward Bound the last 3 summers. He says he doesn't like it/doesn't want to do it - and tells the interviewer that but, every year, he goes. I think it's really good for him. He comes back less volatile, more regulated and has better confidence. The only medication he takes while there is the daily SSRI. It's not cheap but, IMO, it's been well worth it for us.

[Anonymous]

I've heard good things about Outward Bound.

[Anonymous]

My son graduated from Elk River Treatment Program. Elkrivertreatment.com. It saved his life and completely changed our lives. It is far and above the best thing I have ever done for him.

If you have questions I’d be happy to tell you more.

[Anonymous]

How about SOAR academy? Expensive though.

[Anonymous]

We have looked into a Wilderness Program for our son but it was going to cost close to $55k for a 90 day stay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://trailscarolina.com/

I posted in the teen forum about friends who used this. Best of luck.

Currently looking - this is not a place i would send someone I loved.

https://www.wbtv.com/2021/05/24/its-beyond-cruel-inside-nc-wilderness-therapy-program-teens/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Outward Bound has a course or two for teens who are struggling. It won’t be an easy experience, but it will be safe and well-run and might be life-changing. I would not trust any other wilderness programs. There is no assurance that the student would not be abused and traumatized (read about that online). There is nothing therapeutic about most of them. Their goal is to try to scare the kid straight, which doesn’t work and often retraumatizes them, compounding their issues.

Sounds like you don't have any personal experience with a good program.

My kid went to Blue Ridge and it was life changing and absolutely therapeutic. It snapped kid out of a dark place and kid is doing much better now years later. There was great family support and we even went down for a parents intensive with the staff to learn what they were teaching our kid so we could grow with the child and change our family system.

As you look at places, you need to consider the group your child will be placed into. Make sure there are kids around the same age dealing with similar issues.

Outback is also a high quality program. If you can afford it, best to hire an educational consultant to help you place your kid in the best fit program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 16 yo DS with ADHD/anxiety doesn't have ODD but still has challenging behaviors. He's done Outward Bound the last 3 summers. He says he doesn't like it/doesn't want to do it - and tells the interviewer that but, every year, he goes. I think it's really good for him. He comes back less volatile, more regulated and has better confidence. The only medication he takes while there is the daily SSRI. It's not cheap but, IMO, it's been well worth it for us.

My DS, now 19, sounds like yours and said the same thing about OB! He, too, comes back less volatile, more regulated and with more confidence. It's expensive but it's been good for him in many ways.

[Anonymous]

There are many abusive programs. I would never send my kid withhout thoroughly vetting it. Some of the features I would require are:
- clean regulatory record in the state
- kids attend only voluntarily
- kids allowed to communicate with whomever they wish (with reasonable rules on access to electronics)
- well trained guides
- a balanced program that does not rest on making kids really uncomfortable or exhausted. (There’s a difference between a forced march and a challenge)
- therapist have actual credentials
- access to emergency medical services
- a curriculum that emphasizes growth and learning, not “tough love.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 16 yo DS with ADHD/anxiety doesn't have ODD but still has challenging behaviors. He's done Outward Bound the last 3 summers. He says he doesn't like it/doesn't want to do it - and tells the interviewer that but, every year, he goes. I think it's really good for him. He comes back less volatile, more regulated and has better confidence. The only medication he takes while there is the daily SSRI. It's not cheap but, IMO, it's been well worth it for us.

My DS, now 19, sounds like yours and said the same thing about OB! He, too, comes back less volatile, more regulated and with more confidence. It's expensive but it's been good for him in many ways.

Notably OB and Knolls are NOT “wilderness therapies.” They have clear criteria that require the kids to come voluntarily and be psychiatrically stable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son graduated from Elk River Treatment Program. Elkrivertreatment.com. It saved his life and completely changed our lives. It is far and above the best thing I have ever done for him.

If you have questions I’d be happy to tell you more.

Note: this appears to be a bona fide mental health facility that uses the outdoors as one component of the program. It’s not “wilderness therapy” like Trails.