Discovery Channel Alaska Challenge
By Rick McClintock | August 5, 2008
SEEKING ADVENTURERS FOR NEW DISCOVERY CHANNEL SERIES
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.
Welcome to NATWC
By admin | June 25, 2008
Welcome to the National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camping (NATWC).
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.
Checklist
By admin | February 7, 2008
THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS ARE NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE AN ABSOLUTE ANSWER TO ANY CONCERN YOU MAY HAVE BUT THEY SHOULD HELP YOU ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS TO GET A SUITABLE ANSWER.
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?
FAQ: What are wilderness therapeutic camps?
By admin | January 7, 2008
There are two basic types of wilderness therapeutic camps. These can be described as long term and short term camps.
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. Read the rest of this entry »
FAQ: How successful are wilderness therapeutic camps?
By admin | January 5, 2008
Various follow-up studies have determined that 75-80% of the young people who complete these program experience significant improvement in the problems that brought them to the programs. The success rates of wilderness therapeutic camps compare very well with the success rates of other residential treatments facilities.
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.
FAQ: How can I tell if a program is reputable and safe?
By admin | January 2, 2008
Check on how the program is licensed and/or accredited. Most states require licensure or facilities. Compliance histories are a matter of public record and can often be found on the websites of the licensing entity. One can ask the personnel at these facilities how to contact state licensure personnel to check the compliance history.
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.