The Industry

A number of wilderness programs emerged in the late 1980s and early ‘90s, based on the concept that taking at-risk youth into the wilds could produce good results—in improved behavior, stronger sense of self, and the mitigation of many emotional and mental-health issues.  During this early period of program development, some providers failed to pay proper attention to risk management and the quality of therapeutic care.  This resulted in a series of unfortunate incidents, including several deaths, and led to media coverage that was negative and critical of wilderness therapy. Read More