Program structure
The program is 45 days average. They are placed in groups of 8 teenagers which can be either single gender and Coeducational.
Phases
They use a level system, where the pressure of being put in a strange environment with no knowledge of a date of release
combined with the feeling of banishment from their family and friends should make them break down during the first phase named
"A" and accept their placement in the program.
The Levels are as following:
| Level |
Program purpose |
Focus of the detained teenager |
| A |
Assessment |
Accept Placement |
| B |
Accountability |
Personal responsibility |
| C |
Awareness |
Relationship skills |
| D |
Action |
Eldership |
Hiking days
A typical day when hiking consist of:
| Morning |
Noon |
Afternoon |
Evening |
| Wake up |
Lunch |
Hike |
Set Up Camp |
| Breakfast |
|
Curricula Assignments |
Chores |
| Personal hygiene |
|
Group Processing |
Hygiene |
| Pack up equipment |
|
|
Dinner & Clean Up. |
| clean up campsite |
|
|
Letter & Journal Writing |
| Group Processing Session / Hike / Experiential Activity |
|
|
Group Debriefing Session |
| Individual Counseling |
|
|
Quiet Time / Individual Counseling |
| |
|
|
Bed |
Therapy Days
When the detained teenagers are not hiking they are put through a strict regimen of group therapy session as well as individual
sessions with counselors. These therapeutic interventions are typically on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Communication
The detained teenager is restricted from all other means of communication than letters. The parents speak with a therapist
over the phone once a week. At the end of the expedition the parents can choose to spend a day or two at the facility where
they participate in a number of exercises with the teenager before they grace the teenager back into the family.
