Wilderness Therapy Expedition:
Backpacking Experience
Your child will be backpacking in some of the most pristine and beautiful natural areas in the Pacific Northwest. We vary our expedition locations with each season. In the spring and fall we hike in the rolling hills of southeastern Oregon's high desert country, which is rich in sagebrush and juniper. In winter, we snowshoe on deep snow in wilderness lake country along the crest of the Cascade Mountains, where there is good shelter. During the summer, we hike in beautiful, mountainous wilderness areas.
Clothing and Equipment
We provide all of your child's clothing, gear, and hygiene items. The cost of these items is included in the tuition. Your child will be attired in the same functional and seasonally appropriate outdoor clothing as all of the other participants. This is done to eliminate the distraction that clothing and fashion typically present to an adolescent and to ensure that they are properly outfitted for the elements.
Your child will receive:
- Sleeping bag
- Hiking boots
- Wool socks
- Wool gloves, mittens, and balaclava
- Mid-weight long underwear
- Sports bras (girls only)
- Underwear
- Cotton bandanas
- Rain gear
- Fleece jacket
- T-shirts
- Shorts
- Tennis shoes
- Sunglasses
- Water bottles and mug
- Comb/brush and hair ties
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Toothbrush
- Feminine hygiene supplies (girls only)
For expeditions in the cooler seasons:
- Wool hat
- Expedition weight long underwear
- Extra gloves
- Extra wool mittens
- Pack boots
Gear loaned to your child:
- Sleeping pad
- Backpack
- Wool pants
- Tarp/snow shelter
- Cooking pot
- Stove (seasonal)
Meals
Your child will be responsible for preparing their own meals with the oversight of our staff members. Meals consist of carefully planned menus that are nutritious and as tasty as possible within the limits of foods that can be safely preserved without risk of spoilage and that are light enough to carry. A registered dietician plans the menu, which consists of whole grains, legumes, salami, cheese, vegetables, and fruit. There is no caffeine or extra processed sugar in their diet.
Participants are taught the principles of good nutrition and basic cooking techniques which extend, for those who are interested, to methods of cooking tasty stews, biscuits, pizzas, pan bread, and hot breakfasts from the basic ingredients they have in their packs. The group receives regular supplies of fresh food during the expedition.
Staff to Student Ratio
There are three staff members for a maximum of eight participants throughout the first phase of the expedition. One staff member is a master's level therapist or certified drug and alcohol counselor. Another staff member is a lead wilderness guide with either EMT or Wilderness First Responder training. The third is a wilderness guide. Everyone of the staff team is trained in CPR and basic first aid skills. During Phase II, the group can grow up to 10 to 12 students with additional staff added to meet the needs of a larger group.
Medication Management
If your child is taking medication we can manage it for them while they are in our program. We will need a 30-day supply of the medication upon enrollment. Our staff will retain physical possession of the medication supply and will supervise your child’s medication usage. Our expedition staff also carries a supply of prescription medications that can be used for the treatment if medical issues arise during the expedition.
