[skyliner]

It's an intensive 60-day therapy program.
Anyone have any first-hand knowledge about this program?
They claim they are not boot-camp style, that they are not hard core. Is that true?
If anyone has first-hand knowledge about the teen program I would like to hear, as I am considering this program for a teen.

[Merlin]

There have been a lot of incidences of abuse in programs like this, which is not to say that is true of all such programs, I would just be very wary of them. Do not just look at the programs website, because it is bound to reflect only the image they wish to portray. There are group that are trying to eliminate the abuses and it would be good to look at their evaluations.

http://www.heal-online.org/childtortureusa.htm

http://www.heal-online.org/warn.htm

http://www.isaccorp.org/

[gravyyy]

I don't know about this program specifically but I can tell you that I have a very close personal friend who is a therapist in a wilderness therapy program. He's worked at several, one in Massachusetts, one in New Jersey, one in Oregon. He loved all of them and only ever talked about how useful the programs can be for various teens. It's not effective for everyone but for some it's a life changing experience. He says they are typically out in the wilderness exclusively. They are responsible for cooking for themselves. They do a lot of physical activity and hikes which aren't "boot camp" but are strenuous. They are meant to promote a sense of overcoming challenges. They foster unity between the teens and give them a sense of belongingness in the end. There is always medical help readily available during the program. They spend a lot of time in camp as a group but then have a period of 3-7 days where they split off into individual camps and do everything for themselves but more importantly they have to journal and the counselors review their journals and discuss things with them. I know these are very, very good programs if you can afford them. AGain, I never personally went to one but in talking to my good friend who is a counselor in one I would send my teen through one if it was necessary. Good luck. Make sure you call and talk to the admissions person and ask lots of questions. Maybe you could even go observe the program for a day or something. JUst a thought...

[deliquesce]

i agree with merlin's word of caution. i wouldn't try a wilderness style program unless it had been recommended by someone i trusted, hopefully the teen's therapist (if there is one).

i'm in australia so i know nothing of this program personally, but those types of extremes scare me because i do think they are an invitation (at times) for things to go horribly wrong.

[skyliner]

I am being very cautious, I don't believe anything they state on their web site. I prefer to do a lot of research and hear from people who have been there.
Anyone been to Open Sky wilderness in Colorado?
their site is openskywilderness, if anyone has a chance to take a look and point out any red flags I'd appreciate that.

This place has been recommended by the hospital (psych unit) staff. As an alternative to a state facility.