SUWS Wilderness Programs

Since 1981, SUWS Wilderness Programs for troubled Youth have specialized in helping troubled and defiant teens to overcome their behavioral and emotional problems. Operating in the rugged, beautiful Bennett Hills of southern Idaho, SUWS programs help young people to identify and work through internal conflicts and emotional obstacles that have kept them from responding to parental efforts, schools, and treatment.

LICENSED & ACCREDITED

SUWS licensed and accredited wilderness treatment programs provide families with safe and immediate intervention options feature highly effective experiential therapeutic activities, individualized treatment plans, and flexible length of stay. The wilderness environment and experiential learning help students recognize and build upon their own sense of self-worth as they learn the value of helping others.

SUWS offers three unique programs to address the specific needs of clients at various stages of their developmental journey:

SUWS YOUTH

The SUWS Youth wilderness program is among the oldest and most established outdoor experiential programs in the country. It is a 42-day therapeutic program designed specifically to address the needs of struggling kids between the ages of 11-13 who are demonstrating negative behaviors and unhealthy coping patterns. SUWS Youth specializes in helping these “tweens” overcome their behavioral and emotional problems.

SUWS ADOLESCENT

Provides age-appropriate experiential wilderness therapy for youth, boys and girls, ages 14 to 17. Features of this program include close supervision, personalized therapy, equine therapy, ropes course, community volunteerism, search-and-rescue simulations, and various additional opportunities.

SUWS wilderness programs excel at addressing the underlying cause of negative, unhealthy behaviors and working through impasses brought about by internal struggles, rather than confronting outward behaviors only. Common behaviors, symptoms, and diagnoses that manifest negative feelings and beliefs include the following:

Behaviors

• Angry Teen
• Defiant Teen
• Sad/Grieving Teen
• Manipulative Teen
• Teen Who is Failing in School

• Rebellious Teen
• Out-of-Control Teen
• Impulsive Teen
• Teen Using Alcohol / Drugs
• Teen Running Away

Symptoms/Diagnoses

• Low self-esteem
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Mood Disorders
• Attachment Difficulties