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Troubled teens who come to Outback Therapeutic Expeditions for wilderness therapy live in small groups and hike three to five days a week through four mountain ranges located within our 900 square mile course area. Days are divided into physical activity, studies, and therapy — all catalysts for the changes that will be necessary for a healthy, happy life.
(Click or tap on the arrows below to scroll through the various activities)
Hikes take place throughout our programs and generally range from 2 to 8 miles through the scenic mountains and valleys of our course area.
Assignments are designed by therapists to help students achieve their goals, resolve challenges, and develop communication skills.
Ngarna Wukas are academic curriculum books designed to enhance student progress in the program while earning academic credit.
Primitive skills are essential to each program. These include making gourd drums, wood flutes, moccasins, bowls, baskets, and various other leather, clay and wood crafts. Of course, fire-building is an important skill that's taught during every program.
Group initiatives are led by therapists and staff. They are designed to foster teamwork, leadership, trust, and a sense of interdependence in the group.
Games are taught, such as traditional Native-American Double Ball - a team game where the ball is moved only by throwing it with a curved stick. It's passed from one player to another, but cannot be touched with the hands or feet.
Campsite set-up and break-down techniques are taught according to “Leave No Trace” principles and practices.
Every evening, a gathering is led by field instructors and, at times, by the students themselves. These loosely structured conversations are designed to increase self-awareness and understanding.
Every night students have one hour of personal time This time may be spent journaling, writing letters to family, working on academic projects, or completing wilderness therapy assignments.
Every night students have one hour of personal time This time may be spent journaling, writing letters to family, working on academic projects, or completing wilderness therapy assignments.
Teens in our program sleep in tents every night with the mountains as their backyard. Troubled teens develop close bonds with their peers and staff through campfire meetings under the stars, invigorating hikes across breath-taking landscapes, a hands-on outdoor classroom, and a series of group challenges.
With assistance and feedback from their field instructors, students learn how to care for themselves, their belongings, and their fellow group members. Soon, they become a “wilderness family.” This support system offers a great deal of help for troubled teens.
Each day at Outback Therapeutic Expeditions is different, depending on the therapeutic needs and goals of the students. Because the wilderness therapy program at Outback relies heavily on natural consequences, students’ attitudes and decisions influence the way the day unfolds.
