Learn about a wilderness therapy program, Outback Therapeutic Expeditions out of Lehi, Utah. At the February 26 meeting, Barb Cooey will describe her experiences working in wilderness therapy with this organization during wilderness treks in a sagebrush/juniper tree unit of the Wasatch Mountains south-southwest of Salt Lake City. Outback "works with 13-17 year-olds struggling with behavior at a transitional time in their lives. Students may be experiencing family conflict or negative peer group pressures. They may be isolating themselves, acting abusively towards their parents or siblings, or experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Some may be spending excessive time alone on computers, struggling academically, or having difficulties stemming from adoption. Often they are bright but underachieving.
"A wilderness expedition removes the distractions found in our modern lives. Food, water and shelter, 'the basics,' are suddenly appreciated. Attitudes, affectations and selfish habits seem dramatically out of place against the stark contrast of a fair but uncaring wilderness. This new environment refuses to promote students' immature external images of themselves. Out of their comfort
zone, students quickly desire to learn new skills--skills necessary to their well being.
"Primitive wilderness skills like building a fire without matches, making your own backpack, cooking, doing camp chores, and other individualized skills become life-affirming and community-building activities that replace negative thoughts and habits. Students learn through example, metaphor, group effort, and experimentation.
"Outback, as a rite of passage, is designed to engage students in character development, resolve personal and family issues and assist in aftercare planning."
Quoted material from http://www.outbacktreatment.com/
"A wilderness expedition removes the distractions found in our modern lives. Food, water and shelter, 'the basics,' are suddenly appreciated. Attitudes, affectations and selfish habits seem dramatically out of place against the stark contrast of a fair but uncaring wilderness. This new environment refuses to promote students' immature external images of themselves. Out of their comfort
zone, students quickly desire to learn new skills--skills necessary to their well being.
"Primitive wilderness skills like building a fire without matches, making your own backpack, cooking, doing camp chores, and other individualized skills become life-affirming and community-building activities that replace negative thoughts and habits. Students learn through example, metaphor, group effort, and experimentation.
"Outback, as a rite of passage, is designed to engage students in character development, resolve personal and family issues and assist in aftercare planning."
Quoted material from http://www.outbacktreatment.com/