How Does It Work?
Placed in an environment removed from life’s distractions, youths in the Wilderness Challenge Program
face themselves and their personal adversities. As they work collectively to meet basic physical and emotional
needs, they find the strength to overcome challenging situations and to be responsible for themselves while
building a living and learning community.
During the month-long program, staff use a phased educational approach to help youths build community,
develop responsibility, and learn accountability for actions.
Three interrelated phases make up the challenge-course experience:
- Learning emphasizes accepting responsibility for self and others in the unique community created on the
course; instruction focuses on the basics of outdoor living and camping and teaches the Leave-No-Trace
principles and their connection to Balanced and Restorative Justice.
- Expedition puts into practice fundamental wilderness skills that have been learned and propels the group
to form effective relationships and community.
- Reflection consists of a 72-hour solo experience that provides youths with the opportunity to think about
the choices that prompted their referral—and how they will use what they have learned when they return to their
home and community.
Why We’re Successful
For probation officers and children and youth caseworkers, the Wilderness Challenge Program works because
of convenient start dates, transportation services, progress-focused written reports, community service projects,
practical skills development, and Balanced and Restorative Justice-focused education, as well as links to other
Diakon Youth Services programs.
Short-Term Intervention
Developed for 13- to 18-year-old males, the Wilderness Challenge Program was designed as a short-term
intervention for youths who must regain their focus before they require more costly and restrictive interventions.
The program addresses a wide range of concerns, including:
- Social adversities
- School adversities
- Family dysfunction
- Accountability for probation violations
- Drug and alcohol issues
- Those accepted into the program must complete a physical examination, because wilderness-based activities are
physically challenging.
Wilderness Challenge Program |
How does it work and help? |
Upcoming course dates |
Referrals