Trails Carolina - The Nation's Premier Therapeutic Wilderness Program for Troubled Teens and Their Families "

 

 

A better alternative to boot camps, Trails is
owned and operated by experienced
professionals. Our proven methods and clinical    therapies are designed to meet troubled teens    where they are.


              Facing the challenges of wilderness living helps build self-confidence and increase      
self-awareness. Perspective begins to change and behavior quickly follows. Field staff help to turn
daily experiences into teaching moments. Professional therapists provide insights into the various problems while helping teens recognize their strengths. It's all part of a cohesive wilderness therapy program that has been perfected over many years of dedicated work assisting troubled teens and young adults.

Unlike boot camps, students become a part of the process and begin to willingly seek change and growth in themselves and their relationships. Rather than force change upon them, students enter a journey of self-discovery. Trails wilderness program is based on a positive growth model driven by the natural consequences of removing children from their environment, placing them in nature, providing therapeutic experiences and allowing a natural process of change to unfold. Boot camps, on the other hand, rely heavily on punishment, confrontation and depravation to gain compliance and obedience.

Click HERE for a welcome letter from Graham Shannonhouse, our Executive Director.


Core Values

The Trails program is based on six core values:

  • Teamwork
  • Respect
  • Accountability
  • Integrity
  • Leadership
  • Service

A Unique Focus On Transition

Trails Carolina wilderness program provides a safe, nurturing environment for change. Students are never forced down paths they are not ready to take, as with a boot camp, but are taught coping skills that help them successfully transition through each phase of the program. By experiencing small victories along the way, students gradually discover the power within -- the ability to navigate through life's challenges with confidence, self-respect and fulfillment.

Family Involvement

We firmly believe family involvement is critical to each student's growth and long-term success. We also want to provide support and insight for parents struggling to help their at-risk child. For this reason, family services are an integral part of the Trails wilderness program. In addition to the weekly phone calls with your child's primary therapist, we offer parents ongoing enrichment opportunities that parallel your student's progress through each of the program phases.

Equine Therapy

Youth are naturally drawn to these beautiful animals, quickly becoming engaged and invested in the therapeutic process. Many students quickly learn about the highly intuitive nature of horses and are often surprised that they can't hide their emotional or mental states while interacting with them. The animals immediately sense strong emotion and provide instant, honest feedback.

Academics

Experiential learning opportunities give students a new appreciation and enthusiasm for education and learning. Our comprehensive academic program pairs our students with qualified teachers who offer both individual and group instruction. Students can earn up to five academic credits in a variety of subjects.

Clinical Focus

Each Trails student and family receives ongoing, individualized clinical services from our licensed therapists and counselors. Traditional, evidence-based treatment services are provided both on-campus and in the wilderness setting. These include:

Who Does Trails Carolina Help?

Trails Carolina wilderness program works with young men and women ranging from 10-13 years (youth) and 13-17 (adolescent). Our clinically proven methods work exceptionally well with:

  • Attachment
  • Family conflict
  • Low self-esteem
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Defiant behavior
  • Adoption
  • Substance abuse
  • Manipulative behavior
  • Poor academic achievement
  • Learning differences
  • ADHD
  • Trauma

To learn more about these topics visit our Resource Section HERE.

Trails Carlolina - Helping Troubled Teens and Struggling Adolescent for Over a Year

To learn more about Trails Carolina contact our Director of Admissions, JD Daubs. He is a firm believer in the life-transforming power of the wilderness.

O 888-387-2457 | M 828-808-6123
jdaubs@trailscarolina.com

 

 

Back to About Us