Wilderness Program for Young Adults

SUWS JOURNEYS - Therapeutic Peak Experiences in the Wilderness

After more than 30 years of providing life-changing therapeutic wilderness programs to pre-adolescents and teenagers, we at SUWS are proud to now offer a similar transformative wilderness experience for young adults ages 18 to 26 called SUWS JOURNEYS.

SUWS JOURNEYS is a 42 day wilderness program that has been specifically designed to meet the unique needs of young adults who are struggling emotionally, psychologically, socially, academically, and/or spiritually.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The therapeutic foundation of SUWS JOURNEYS is an innovative combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and a family/group systems approach. Student progress is guided and supported by the following program features:

• Intensive weekly individual therapy
• Multiple weekly group therapy sessions
• Family involvement
• Intensive experiential learning

• Equine-assisted psychotherapy
• Ropes course opportunities
• Learning styles & aptitude assessments
• Extensive clinical testing (as needed)

During their 42 day wilderness experience with SUWS JOURNEYS students function within a small group environment (no more than 8 participants, along with two field instructors, a therapist, and an activity leader).

In addition to providing significant personal attention, this contained group model also harnesses the power of group process to enhance the individual progress of each student.

ACTIVITIES

Group activities throughout the 42 days are focused on training, simulations, team building and service projects in the local community. Back by popular demand is the comprehensive process of Search & Rescue training.

For many of our formative years, SUWS guided groups of young people through an intense and powerful process of team building by first learning about personal responsibility, learning one’s role in a family/group setting, and culminating with being “on call” to respond to simulated emergencies.

The power and benefits of this brief, intense, and transformative group process far exceeds what can be accomplished in a setting that is catered in a “to each his own” individualized setting. Young adults need to find their own footing and believe in something bigger than themselves in order to thrive and contribute in today’s society.

Also, a range of adventure-based activities such as fishing, mountain biking, rafting and snow shoeing help teach healthy and fun lifestyle choices to young adults who may have previously filled their leisure time with far less productive pursuits.

CLIENT PROFILE

The ideal SUWS JOURNEYS is an inherently good young adult who has been struggling withone or more of the following:

• Academic failure
• Anger management issues
• Failing to Launch
• Impulsiveness
• Lack of motivation
• Low self-esteem

• Poor interpersonal relationship skills
• Social awkwardness
• Gaming addictions
• Processing difficulties
• Alcohol and/or drug use
• College dropout

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

As they complete the 42-day SUWS JOURNEYS wilderness experience, students will be developing enhanced skills and capabilities in the following areas:

• Character development
• Family roles & relationships
• Goal-setting
• Identifying a personal support network

• Planning for the future
• Self-confidence
• Service to others
• Values clarification